How Digital Scanning Replaced Messy Impressions
Digital Intraoral Scan IOS is a specialized dental service provided by the board-certified specialists at Aloha Dental Specialty Center in Beaverton, OR. No gooey impression trays — a digital map of your teeth in minutes.
How Digital Scanning Replaced Messy Impressions
Traditional dental impressions involve biting into a tray filled with alginate or polyvinyl siloxane putty, holding perfectly still for two to four minutes while the material sets, and hoping it captures every detail without bubbles, pulls, or distortion. Digital intraoral scanning eliminates all of that. A wand-shaped camera is moved across the teeth and gums, capturing thousands of images per second and stitching them into a three-dimensional model in real time. The result is a digital file accurate to within 20 to 50 microns — at or beyond the accuracy of conventional impressions — delivered without gagging, without taste, and without retakes.
At ADSC, intraoral scanning is used for crown and bridge fabrication, Invisalign and aligner treatment planning, surgical guide design, night guard and appliance fabrication, and digital smile design. The scan is completed in three to five minutes for a full arch. The 3D model can be rotated on screen for patient education, sent to the dental laboratory electronically within minutes, and stored permanently as part of the patient record. There is no physical model to warp, break, or lose in shipping.
For patients with strong gag reflexes, dental anxiety, or difficulty holding still for extended periods, the intraoral scanner is a meaningful comfort improvement. Scanning can be paused and resumed at any point without starting over. Children and patients with limited jaw opening tolerate the slim wand far better than a loaded impression tray. The technology also reduces the restorative timeline — digital files reach the lab the same day, and fabrication can begin immediately rather than waiting for physical impressions to arrive by courier.
Serving Beaverton, Aloha, Hillsboro & Washington County
Aloha Dental Specialty Center is located at 18455 SW Alexander St, Suite A, in Beaverton, Or 97003egon. We serve patients from across the Tualatin Valley and greater Portland metro, including Aloha, Hillsboro, Tigard, Lake Oswego, and Tualatin. Our Beaverton office is a 5-minute drive from Aloha, 10 minutes from Hillsboro, and 15 minutes from Tigard via SW 185th Avenue.
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Intel Campuses (Ronler Acres & Jones Farm)
10 to 15 minutes via NW 185th Ave. We accommodate the schedules of tech professionals who need efficient, high-quality specialty care.
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Nike World Headquarters
About 8 minutes via SW Baseline Rd. We frequently see patients from the Nike campus for surgical and implant procedures with sedation options.
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Streets of Tanasbourne & Orenco Station
Easily accessible via US-26 and NW 185th. Local general dentists in these communities regularly refer patients to us for specialty procedures.
Why Local Dentists Refer to Us
We work as a trusted partner to general dentists throughout the Tualatin Valley. When cases require CBCT-guided planning, IV sedation, bone grafting, or other advanced procedures, local providers refer to Dr. Ostovar for his fellowship-trained expertise and predictable results.
We handle the complex surgical phases and coordinate closely with your general dentist for smooth continuity of care from start to finish.
Understanding Your Investment
At Aloha Dental Specialty Center, we provide transparent pricing before any treatment begins. The cost of your procedure depends on clinical complexity, materials used, and sedation requirements. We walk you through every line item during your consultation so there are no surprises.
What Affects Cost:
- Clinical Complexity: Bone loss, sinus proximity, nerve involvement, or the need for grafting affects treatment planning and surgical time.
- Materials: We use research-backed implant systems, purified bone graft matrices, and high-strength ceramics from established manufacturers.
- Sedation: Options range from local anesthesia to IV sedation, each with different associated costs. We discuss the best option for your comfort and procedure.
Insurance & Financing
We accept most major dental insurance plans and file claims on your behalf. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment and submits pre-treatment estimates with clinical documentation to maximize coverage.
For out-of-pocket costs, we partner with CareCredit and Cherry for flexible payment plans. We also offer our ADSC Dental Savings Plan for patients without insurance.
Recovery & Healing Timeline
Understanding the healing process helps you plan ahead and follow post-operative instructions for the best possible outcome.
First 48 Hours
Mild swelling and tenderness are normal. Apply ice packs in 20-minute intervals and take prescribed or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. Eat soft foods and avoid the surgical site when chewing.
Days 3 to 7
Swelling peaks around day three and then improves. The tissue begins closing over the surgical site. Continue with soft foods and use any prescribed antimicrobial rinse. Most patients return to normal activities during this phase.
Long-Term Healing
Surface tissue heals within two to three weeks. Bone integration and deep healing continue for three to six months. Avoid smoking, follow up as scheduled, and maintain good oral hygiene throughout recovery.
Questions during recovery? Call us at (503) 822-0096. We are available for post-operative concerns.
The Technology Behind Digital Intraoral Scanning
Modern intraoral scanners use one of three optical capture methods: structured light projection, confocal imaging, or active wavefront sampling. Each method projects light onto the tooth surface and captures the reflected pattern with a camera sensor, triangulating surface geometry from multiple angles. The scanner software aligns successive captures using overlapping surface features, building a complete digital model as the wand moves through the mouth. Studies published in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry have demonstrated that current-generation scanners achieve trueness (deviation from the actual geometry) of 20 to 50 microns for single-arch scans — comparable to the best polyvinyl siloxane impression materials and superior to alginate. For full-arch scans, accuracy depends on the scanner model and technique, with leading devices maintaining clinically acceptable precision across the entire arch.
Why Choose a Specialist?
ADSC uses current-generation intraoral scanning technology calibrated for accuracy across restorative, orthodontic, and surgical applications. The scanning protocol is performed by trained clinical staff and verified by the treating doctor before data is sent to the lab or used in treatment planning. Integration with the practice's CBCT scanner and guided surgery software allows a single digital workflow from scan to surgical guide to final restoration.
Your Digital Intraoral Scan IOS Treatment Steps
- Consultation & Exam: Comprehensive digital intraoral scan ios evaluation with CBCT 3D imaging at our Beaverton office.
- Treatment Plan: Board-certified specialist discusses your digital intraoral scan ios options, timeline, and costs. Our procedures maintain a 95%+ success rate, backed by advanced 3D imaging and evidence-based protocols.
- Treatment: Procedure performed with comfort options including sedation if needed.
- Follow-Up: Post-treatment monitoring and care coordination for best healing.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Book a consultation with our board-certified specialists at Aloha Dental Specialty Center in Beaverton, OR. Call using advanced clinical protocols and evidence-based dental medicine(503) 822-0096 Office hours: Monday through Friday 7 AM to 7 PM, Saturday and Sunday 8 AM to 2 PM. or request an appointment online.
Related Services at Aloha Dental Specialty Center:
Dental Implants · Oral Surgery · Root Canal · Invisalign · Periodontics · Pediatric · TMJ Treatment · Sedation · Cosmetic · Emergency · Sleep Apnea
A Note from Your Dental Team
In my experience, the patients who get the best results from digital intraoral scan ios are those who come in with realistic expectations and follow their post-treatment instructions carefully. I’d rather spend extra time explaining what to expect than have a patient be surprised later.
“Every patient I see has a different story, a different set of concerns, and a different definition of what ‘success’ looks like. That’s why I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all treatment plans. When you come in for a consultation, I’ll listen first, examine second, and recommend third.
I also won’t recommend a procedure you don’t need. If your tooth can be saved with a filling instead of a crown, I’ll tell you that. If watchful waiting is appropriate, I’ll explain why. My job isn’t to sell treatment — it’s to give you my honest clinical judgment so you can make an informed decision.
If you have questions about whether this treatment is right for you, or if you’ve been told you need this procedure by another dentist and want a second opinion, call us at (503) 822-0096. We’re happy to take the time to explain everything — no rush, no pressure.”
— Dr. Merat Ostovar & Dr. Jovan Gvozden | Aloha Dental Specialty Center, Beaverton, OR
I know many patients feel anxious about dental procedures — you’re not alone in that. What I hear most often after treatment is: “That was so much easier than I expected.” We’re here to make this as comfortable as possible for you.
Who is a good candidate? Most patients in good general health qualify for digital intraoral scan ios. We evaluate your specific situation — including medical history, current medications, and dental condition — during a thorough consultation with CBCT 3D imaging. Factors like uncontrolled diabetes, certain medications, or active infections may require management before proceeding.
For additional clinical information, visit the American Dental Association (ADA).
Last reviewed by our dental specialists: March 2026. Clinical information on this page reflects current evidence-based dental practices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is a digital intraoral scan as accurate as a traditional impression?
Yes. Current-generation intraoral scanners achieve accuracy of 20 to 50 microns — comparable to or better than the best conventional impression materials. For single crowns, bridges, and aligners, digital scans produce restorations with excellent fit.
Does the intraoral scanner use radiation?
No. Intraoral scanners use visible light or near-infrared light to capture surface geometry. There is zero ionizing radiation. The scanner can be used as often as needed without any radiation exposure concern.
How long does a digital scan take?
A full upper or lower arch scan takes approximately two to four minutes. Both arches plus a bite registration takes five to eight minutes total. Individual teeth or quadrants can be scanned in under a minute. The process is significantly faster than setting and removing a traditional impression.
Can the scanner cause gagging?
The scanner wand is much smaller than a loaded impression tray and does not fill the back of the mouth with material. Most patients who gag severely with traditional impressions find digital scanning comfortable. If gagging still occurs, the scan can be paused at any point and resumed once you are ready — no starting over.
What is the digital scan used for?
Digital intraoral scans are used for fabricating crowns, bridges, veneers, inlays, onlays, and dentures. They are also used for Invisalign and clear aligner treatment planning, surgical guide design for implant placement, night guard and occlusal splint fabrication, and digital smile design consultations.
Do I still need X-rays if I have a digital scan?
Yes. An intraoral scan captures surface anatomy — the visible portions of teeth and gums. X-rays and CBCT scans reveal what is beneath the surface: roots, bone, infections, cavities within the tooth structure, and nerve canals. The two technologies answer different diagnostic questions and are complementary.
Can children be scanned with the intraoral scanner?
Yes. The slim wand is easier for children to tolerate than impression trays. Digital scanning is commonly used for pediatric orthodontic records, space maintainer fabrication, and any restorative procedure requiring an impression in a young patient.
How does the digital scan get to the dental lab?
The 3D scan file is transmitted electronically to the laboratory — typically within minutes of capture. There is no physical model to ship, no risk of damage in transit, and no multi-day delay for postal delivery. The lab can begin fabrication the same day the scan is received.
Can I see the 3D scan of my teeth?
Yes. The scan is displayed on a monitor in real time as it is captured. Once complete, the doctor can rotate the model, zoom in on specific areas, and show you anatomy, wear patterns, or treatment needs from any angle. It is one of the most effective patient education tools available.
What if the scanner cannot capture a certain area?
Intraoral scanners can struggle in areas with heavy saliva flow, moisture, or blood. Retraction, suction, and moisture control are used to optimize scan quality. In rare cases where digital scanning is not feasible — such as deep subgingival margins — a conventional impression may be taken for that area.
Is the digital scan stored in my patient record?
Yes. All digital scans are archived in the practice management system and can be retrieved for future reference, comparison, or additional fabrication. This means your scan can be used for a future night guard, retainer, or restoration without taking a new impression.
Does insurance cover digital intraoral scanning?
Insurance covers the restorative procedure (crown, bridge, etc.) rather than the impression method. Whether the impression is taken digitally or with putty does not affect your insurance benefit. There is no additional charge to the patient for digital versus conventional impressions at ADSC.
How does digital scanning improve Invisalign treatment?
The digital scan is submitted directly to Invisalign's (Align Technology) treatment planning software, eliminating the need for physical models and reducing turnaround time for aligner fabrication. The digital model also allows the doctor to show you a simulated treatment outcome before you commit to starting aligners.
Can digital scans be shared with my other dentist?
Yes. Digital scan files can be exported in standard formats (STL, PLY, or OBJ) and shared electronically with any provider or laboratory involved in your care. This facilitates collaboration in interdisciplinary cases where multiple specialists contribute to the treatment plan.
What happens if the scan does not look right?
If the scan quality is subbest — due to movement, moisture, or incomplete capture — the affected area is simply rescanned. There is no wasted material and no need to redo the entire impression. The scanner software highlights areas that need rescanning, and the process takes seconds.
Experience Digital Impressions at Your Next Visit
Call our Beaverton office or request an appointment online. We look forward to helping you.
Clinically Reviewed by Dr. Merat Ostovar, DMD
Doctor of Dental Medicine | Implant & Specialty Dentistry | 15+ Years Experience
Aloha Dental Specialty Center — Serving Aloha, Beaverton, Hillsboro & Greater Portland
Last updated: March 19, 2026