3D Intraoral Scanning · Makati

3D Intraoral Scanning

Digital surface mapping of every tooth — captured in minutes, accurate to within microns, and used as the working record for crowns, aligners, implants, and bite analysis. No putty trays, no gag reflex, no waiting.

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At a glance

Tray-free, putty-free digital impression
Captured in 5–10 minutes per arch
Used for restorative, prosthetic, and aligner planning
Reviewed with you on screen, chair-side
Permanent baseline for monitoring change
Overview

The digital impression, without the impression

A 3D intraoral scan replaces conventional putty impressions with a small wand-style scanner that captures the geometry of every tooth, the surrounding gum tissue, and the way the upper and lower arches meet. The result is a digital model accurate to within microns — ready to send to a laboratory, a clear aligner manufacturer, or an implant planning workflow within minutes.

At DevelopDent, the scan is part of the standard diagnostic workflow for executive examinations, clear aligner cases, crown work, implant restorations, and bridge fabrication. The treating dentist operates the scanner personally — and reviews the result with you on screen before any work proceeds.

Where It Is Used

What 3D scanning is used for

Digital scanning is the working impression for almost every restorative or orthodontic case at DevelopDent:

Clear aligner planning and tray fabrication Crowns, inlays, and onlays Fixed bridge fabrication Veneer design and try-in Implant restoration workflow Bite and occlusal analysis
Where it is not used A 3D scan is not a substitute for radiographs — it captures surface anatomy only. Internal tooth structure, bone, and root anatomy still require targeted intraoral radiography. The two are complementary, not interchangeable.
The Process

What the scan feels like

The scanning visit is short and entirely non-invasive. Most patients are surprised by how quick and comfortable the process is compared with conventional impressions.

1

Brief Setup

You sit comfortably in the chair. No anaesthesia, no trays, no chemicals. The treating dentist holds the small wand-style scanner — about the size of an electric toothbrush — and explains what you will see on the screen.

2

Capture, Arch by Arch

The scanner glides over the upper teeth, then the lower, then the bite together — typically 5 to 10 minutes per arch. The 3D model builds in real time on the chair-side screen, so you can watch your teeth appear as a digital replica.

3

On-Screen Review

The treating dentist rotates the model, zooms in on any area of concern, and walks you through what is being seen — wear, fractures, missing tooth structure, the bite relationship. The conversation that follows is grounded in what you can actually see.

4

Use in the Treatment Plan

The digital model is then used for whatever the case requires — sent to the clear aligner manufacturer, the dental laboratory for crown or veneer design, or kept as the baseline scan against which future change is measured.

Three-dimensional intraoral scan of dental arch on a laptop screen during a consultation at DevelopDent Dental Clinic in Makati
A 3D intraoral scan reviewed on the chair-side screen — used for restorative, prosthetic, and aligner planning.
Why It Matters

Why a digital scan changes the workflow

No impression material, no gagging
Conventional putty impressions can be uncomfortable, especially for patients with strong gag reflexes or temporomandibular concerns. The digital scan is captured without anything in the mouth other than the small wand.
More accurate, by a margin that matters
Digital scans capture surface geometry to within microns and are not subject to the distortion, pulling, or air bubbles that affect putty impressions. For restorations that need to fit precisely, that margin is the difference between a remake and a first-time seat.
A permanent, replayable baseline
Once captured, the scan is stored as a permanent record. Future scans can be overlaid against it to monitor wear, drift, or recession objectively over years — not by recollection.
Faster turnaround for restorations and aligners
Digital files travel to the laboratory or aligner manufacturer instantly, shaving days off conventional impression-shipping workflows. Treatment moves forward without waiting on the post.
Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about 3D scanning

Does it use radiation?
No. A 3D intraoral scan uses structured light or laser-based optical scanning to capture surface anatomy. There is no ionising radiation involved. Radiographs, when needed, are a separate, targeted procedure.
Is it suitable for patients with strong gag reflexes?
Generally yes — much more so than conventional putty impressions. The wand can be paused at any time, and only one small area is scanned at a moment. Most patients who struggle with putty impressions tolerate digital scans without issue.
Can a 3D scan replace x-rays?
No. A scan captures surface anatomy only — tooth shape, gum contour, bite relationship. Internal tooth structure, decay between teeth, and bone-level findings still require targeted intraoral radiography. The two diagnostics work together.
How long does the scan take?
Typically 5 to 10 minutes per arch, plus a short bite-relationship capture. Most full-mouth scans complete within 15 to 20 minutes from chair to screen.
Will the scan be reviewed with me?
Yes. The treating dentist will rotate and zoom the 3D model on the chair-side screen and walk you through what is being seen — before any clinical conclusion is drawn. The conversation is anchored to what you can see, not what is being described.
Can I get the scan file to take with me?
If a clinical need exists — for instance, to share with a specialist or another clinic for a second opinion — the scan can be exported and provided. Discuss with the treating dentist at the appointment.

Legazpi Village,
Makati

DevelopDent is located on the ground floor of Legaspi Tower 200 on Paseo de Roxas — a short walk from Greenbelt and accessible from across Makati CBD, Salcedo Village, and BGC.

Directions and getting here →
Address

1st Floor, Legaspi Tower 200
107 Paseo de Roxas Street
Legazpi Village, Makati, 1229

Nearest Landmarks

Legazpi Village · near Greenbelt
Ayala Triangle · Salcedo Village

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See your bite on screen, before any decision

Whether your case calls for aligners, restorations, or simply a structured baseline, the digital scan turns the conversation from description into demonstration — you see the same model the treating dentist is planning against.

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