Digital Dental Scanning for Children and Teens in Apex
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An intraoral scanner creates a detailed three-dimensional model of a child’s teeth and bite without using traditional impression material. Green Level Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics may use digital scans to support orthodontic planning, fabricate appliances, document dental development, and monitor changes during treatment.
What Is an Intraoral Scanner?
An intraoral scanner is a handheld optical device that records the visible surfaces of the teeth and gums. As the scanner moves around the mouth, specialized software combines the captured images into a three-dimensional digital model.
Digital scans may be used to plan braces or clear aligners, evaluate spacing and crowding, create retainers or other appliances, and compare tooth positions over time. The scanner uses optical imaging rather than X-rays.
Benefits of Intraoral Scanning
Avoids Impression Material
Digital scanning can eliminate the need for bulky trays and impression material for many pediatric and orthodontic procedures.
Creates a Three-Dimensional Model
The digital model can be rotated and enlarged to evaluate tooth positions, spacing, crowding, and bite relationships.
Supports Customized Appliances
Scans may be used to create clear aligners, retainers, space maintainers, mouthguards, nightguards, and other patient-specific appliances.
Did You Know…
If an area is incomplete, the dental team may be able to rescan only that section. A conventional impression may need to be repeated entirely if it does not capture the necessary detail.
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The Scanning Process
1
Preparing the Teeth
The dental team checks the mouth and may dry selected areas to help the scanner record the visible surfaces clearly.
2
Capturing the Scan
A small scanning tip is moved around the teeth. The child may be asked to open, turn slightly, or bite together while the upper arch, lower arch, and bite are recorded.
3
Reviewing the Model
The completed model appears on a monitor. The dental team checks it for missing areas and uses it for the planned pediatric or orthodontic service.
“Digital scanning gives us a detailed model while allowing children and parents to see the teeth from angles that are not possible in a mirror. It can make impressions more manageable and improve communication throughout orthodontic care.”
Dr. Michael Kim
Read Verified Reviews From Apex Parents
“My kids have been going to this practice since they were toddlers, and having one doctor who understands their complete dental history and growth patterns has made such a difference. Dr. Kim treats them like they’re his own children and recommends only what’s truly necessary. The convenience of having both their regular checkups and orthodontics in one place has been a game-changer for our family.”
“What impressed me most was how honest the doctor is about treatment recommendations. He explained exactly why each step was needed and never pushed unnecessary procedures. Having someone I trust completely managing both my kids’ dental and orthodontic care gives me peace of mind. The staff is incredibly kind and patient with nervous children.”
“We switched practices specifically because we wanted someone who could handle both pediatric dentistry and orthodontics under one roof. The continuity of care is amazing, and our kids actually look forward to their appointments. The whole team treats every patient like family, and the clinical expertise is evident in every interaction.”
Research-Reported Pediatric Outcomes for Intraoral Scanning
Young Orthodontic Patients Preferring Digital Impressions in One Study
100%
Pediatric Acceptance of Digital Impressions
96.9%
Children Not Reporting Stress With Digital Scanning
96.4%
Children Not Reporting Nausea With Digital Impressions in One Study
92%
Children Ages 6 to 11 Preferring Digital Impressions
75%
Reduction in Impression Time in Children Ages 6 to 11
40%
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| Pediatric Intraoral Scanning Outcome | Percentage | What the Research Shows |
|---|---|---|
| Young orthodontic patients preferring digital impressions | 100% preferred digital | Every young orthodontic patient in one comparative study preferred intraoral scanning to conventional impressions after experiencing both methods. |
| Pediatric acceptance of digital impressions | 96.9% acceptance | A pediatric patient-experience study reported a 96.9% acceptance rate for digital impressions. |
| Children not reporting stress with digital scanning | 96.4% without reported stress | In one pediatric comparison, 3.6% of children reported stress with digital scanning, meaning 96.4% did not report stress with the digital method. |
| Children not reporting nausea | 92% without reported nausea | In one study, 46 of 50 children did not report nausea with digital impressions. |
| Children ages 6 to 11 preferring digital impressions | 75% preferred digital | A randomized crossover trial found that 18 of 24 children preferred intraoral scanning to conventional alginate impressions. |
| Reduction in impression time | Approximately 40% faster | In the same trial, scanning both dental arches and recording the bite took approximately three minutes, compared with approximately five minutes for alginate impressions and wax bite registration. |
Sources: Mangano A et al., “Conventional Versus Digital Impressions: Acceptability, Treatment Comfort and Stress Among Young Orthodontic Patients,” The Open Dentistry Journal, 2018; Bosoni C et al., “Comparison Between Digital and Conventional Impression Techniques in Children on Preference, Time and Comfort: A Crossover Randomized Controlled Trial,” Orthodontics & Craniofacial Research, 2023; Serrano-Velasco D et al., “Intraoral Scanners in Children: Evaluation of the Patient Perception, Reliability and Reproducibility,” Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2023; Angeldonis-Hurtado GE et al., “Pediatric Patient Experience: Conventional Versus Digital Impressions,” 2026.
Six Key Findings About Intraoral Scanners
The scanner does not use ionizing radiation. It records visible surfaces with optical imaging and is different from a digital dental X-ray or CBCT scan.
Children still need to remain reasonably still. Movement, saliva, limited opening, and difficulty following instructions may affect scan quality or scanning time.
A digital scan records surface anatomy. It does not show tooth roots, developing teeth inside the jaws, cavities hidden between teeth, or surrounding bone.
Scans can document orthodontic progress. Digital models from different appointments may be compared to evaluate changes in tooth position and bite relationships.
Not every appliance can be made from a scan. The dental team determines whether a digital model or conventional impression is appropriate for the prescribed appliance and laboratory.
Retainers require an accurate final model. A detailed scan taken after orthodontic treatment can be used to create a retainer based on the teeth’s completed positions.
Schedule a Digital Scanning Appointment
Families can contact Green Level Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Apex to learn how intraoral scanning may support their child’s dental or orthodontic care. The team will determine whether a digital scan is appropriate for the planned appliance, treatment, or developmental evaluation.
Questions Apex Families Ask About Intraoral Scanners
What does an intraoral scanner do?
An intraoral scanner records the visible surfaces of the teeth and gums and creates a three-dimensional digital model that can be viewed on a computer.
Is scanning more comfortable than a traditional impression?
Many children prefer scanning because it avoids impression trays and setting material. Comfort still depends on the child’s mouth opening, sensitivity, ability to remain still, and the length of the scan.
Does an intraoral scanner use radiation?
No. A standard intraoral scanner uses optical imaging rather than X-rays.
How is an intraoral scanner used for orthodontic care?
Digital models can help evaluate crowding, spacing, tooth position, and bite relationships. They may also be used to plan clear aligners or create retainers and other appliances.
How long does an intraoral scan take?
Scanning time depends on the child, the number of teeth being recorded, the equipment, and the intended treatment. Many scans can be completed within several minutes.
Can an intraoral scanner find cavities?
A standard scanner primarily records surface shape and color. It may show a visible area of concern, but it does not replace a clinical examination or necessary dental X-rays for cavity diagnosis.