Scanning the Way to a More Efficient Workflow

When asked to name the biggest factor responsible for making a positive impact on his daily workflow, Brian Lee, DDS, doesn’t miss a beat with his answer, and it’s the name of his newest scanner: TRIOS 5.

“The TRIOS has become an indispensable part of my practice,” he shared. Having recently upgraded from a TRIOS 3 to a TRIOS 5, Dr. Lee points to several benefits of his new scanner: fast scanning speed, an open system, highly accurate scans, fewer retakes, and of course, increased patient comfort.

Seamless Workflow, Exceptional Accuracy

“TRIOS 5 improves on stitching images more accurately, resulting in fewer errors that would require the area to be rescanned,” he shared. "Edentulous scans also are easier to perform, and there is no need to manually calibrate the scanner.

A TRIOS user for 5 years, Dr. Lee scans every new dental patient as a baseline, including cooperative pediatric patients, and then follows up with another scan a few years later for comparative purposes. He often uses the scans on file to 3D print models for whitening trays or retainers. He also uses TRIOS to scan his crown, bridge, and implant patients, and recently began using the scanner to make cast metal frameworks for partial dentures, which he said has made the processes much easier for himself and his patients.

Best of all, he can now review the scan chairside and make adjustments to the prep, easily rescanning only the parts that changed.

A Daily Workhorse That Patients Love

“I use my TRIOS 5 multiple times on a daily basis for everything, including baseline records, occlusal guards, whitening trays, fixed and removable prostheses, and orthodontic treatment,” he said. “Compared to traditional impressions, I find it’s easier to achieve a more consistent result and I have found that I require much less adjustment on delivery with scanned restorations than I did with traditional impressions.

For my removable cases, TRIOS 5 has allowed for a more streamlined workflow by cutting down on the number of appointments, and there's less adjustment of the final restoration,” he added. “The beauty of digital dentistry is you can use it to do as much or as little as you want,” Dr. Lee said.

“Patients love the technology, and many times, the scanner will sell itself because patients see problems with their own teeth right there on the screen and will proactively ask how we can fix them—without me needing to point out those issues.”