Unrivalled accuracy

FIVE-AXIS MOVEMENT

Typically, dental scanners have two axis of movement, which greatly limits the data they can capture. Because our scanner has five axis of motion, it can easily move to the correct location to obtain all the information needed to create the best possible 3D image.

PERFECT VISION

Our novel scanner head uses innovative technology that allows it to view the tightest of spaces and ensuring optimal scan coverage with micron-precision.

Novel scanning software

AUTOMATIC SCANNING

All current scanners use a series of initial scan positions programmed in a factory. The operator then manually identifies and scans any gaps in information missed by the initial scan pattern.

In contrast, our software uses an algorithm that calculates the ideal location for our scanner to take an optimum scan without any human input. This reduces scan time, improves scan coverage and is more convenient for the operator.

HYBRID SCANNING

Because some areas of an impression are impossible to scan, current scanners typically produce scans with gaps in information.

To overcome this significant problem, we have developed a hybrid-patching algorithm which identifies gaps in a scan and flexibly patches in the corresponding area from the scanned model.

This invaluable extra information will ultimately mean dentists spend less time carrying out intraoral adjustments to ensure a prosthetic fits perfectly.

DELIVERING A BETTER FUTURE

Practice and lab Workflow

Step 1
A dentist takes an impression
of the patient’s teeth

Conventional Workflow

Step 2
FACEBOW AND BITE REGISTRATION

A facebow strapped to a patient’s head may be used by a dentist to obtain information about the chewing plane and location of the jaw hinge-joint.

Following the facebow, the dentist may ask the patient to bite down on a putty-like material in various chewing positions to create a bite registration.

Both of these stages are time-consuming for patients and dentists, and they can lead to the creation of inaccurate dental models if not done well.

 
Mimetrik Workflow

Step 2
DIGITAL FACEBOW AND BITE
REGISTRATION

We are currently developing technology that will allow a smartphone to record how people chew in 3D and calculate a patient’s entire chewing cycle.

Using a digital facebow and bite registration has the potential to save dentists time and effort, and result in better fitting prostheses.

 

Step 3
IMPRESSION IS WRAPPED
AND POSTED

The impression is carefully packaged and placed in a plastic bag that is either posted or collected by a courier.

 

Step 3
IMPRESSION SCANNED
AT THE PRACTICE

A dentist places the impression in the five-axes scanner at their practice and presses the scan button. With no extra input, an accurate scan of the impression is created that’s transformed into a 3D dental model. Working this way will shorten the time between an impression being taken and a prosthesis being fitted by days.

 

Step 4
IMPRESSION IS SHIPPED
TO THE LAB

The time the impression spends in the postal system is typically one to three days, but it could be longer. During this time, the impression is distorting all the time, and will increasingly do so in warmer weather.

 

Step 4
DIGITAL FILE IS SENT FOR DESIGN
AND MANUFACTURE

A dentist or nurse completes a form with a patient’s details and prescription and instantly sends this information with the digital scan to a dental laboratory.

 

Step 5
IMPRESSION IS POURED

A technician fills the impression with a type of liquid plaster. After 10–15 minutes, the plaster cast is removed from the impression and typically left to dry overnight. Because the impression could be distorted as the plaster is poured, there is the possibility the created model will feature inaccuracies.

 

Step 5
TECHNICIAN DESIGNS THE
PROSTHESIS

After receiving the digital file, a technician creates the prosthesis using specialist milling equipment or occasionally a 3D printer.

 

Step 6
AFTER 24 HOURS THE MODEL
IS SCANNED

If a whole dental model is scanned by an existing digital scanner, there are likely to be gaps in information because of hardware limitations; or gaps may be filled in by commercial software that results in details being modified or even lost. To overcome this issue, technicians may sometimes saw a dental model into three parts, scan them and then nail them back together. However, this can damage the model and also result in a loss of crucial information. In addition, most scanners on the market now require a significant amount of time and human input to ensure an optimal scan is captured.

 

Step 6
PROSTHESIS IS POSTED TO THE
DENTAL PRACTICE

Typically, the new prosthesis will spend one to three days in the postal system.

 

Step 7
TECHNICIAN DESIGNS THE
PROSTHESIS

After the lab technician creates the digital scan, a prosthesis can be created using specialist milling equipment or occasionally a 3D printer.

 

Step 7
THE DENTIST FITS THE PROSTHESIS

Due to the greater accuracy of the Mimetrik workflow, a dentist will spend far less time adjusting prostheses so they fit their patients perfectly.

Step 8
PROSTHESIS IS POSTED TO THE
DENTAL PRACTICE

Typically, the new prosthesis will spend one to three days in the postal system.

 

Step 9
THE DENTIST FITS THE PROSTHESIS

Because there is a strong possibility the conventional workflow will result in inaccuracies, a dentist is always likely to have to make adjustments to the prosthesis to ensure it fits the patient perfectly.

Have a project to discuss?

If you have a project or initial ideas you would like to discuss with a member of the team here at Mimetrik, we would love to hear from you!

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