For routine visits, emergencies, and general enquiries
Get Direction
For routine visits, emergencies, and general enquiries
Get Direction
Intraoral Scanning
Getting an accurate picture of your teeth and bite has traditionally meant sitting with a tray of thick, flavoured putty in your mouth while trying not to gag. At Warner Dental, this process is replaced entirely by a small handheld wand that captures thousands of images per second. The result is a highly detailed 3D model of your teeth and gums, built in real time on screen. It is faster, more comfortable, and produces records that feed directly into modern digital workflows for a wide range of treatments.
An intraoral scanner is a small, pen-shaped device that a dentist moves gently around the inside of your mouth. As it moves, it captures continuous optical images and stitches them together into a precise 3D model of your teeth, gums, and bite. No impression trays, no putty, and no waiting for a mould to set.
The resulting digital file, often called an STL file, can be sent directly to a dental laboratory, used in CAD/CAM software to design restorations, or stored as part of your ongoing dental records. The scan typically takes just a few minutes and the model appears on screen as the dentist works. For a general overview of common dental procedures, the Healthdirect guide to dental procedures covers what patients can typically expect across a range of treatments.
Traditional dental impressions required physical moulds that had to be poured in plaster, stored physically, and remade if they distorted during handling. Digital impressions remove those steps entirely and reduce the margin for physical error at the record-taking stage.
Intraoral scanning may be part of your appointment if you need any of the following:
Your dentist will let you know whether scanning is part of your planned appointment. For many restorative and cosmetic treatments, it has become a standard part of the process at Warner Dental.
Before scanning begins, your dentist will briefly explain what to expect. You will be seated comfortably in the chair and the scanning wand, which is slightly larger than an electric toothbrush, will be introduced into your mouth. No anaesthetic is needed for this step.
The dentist moves the scanner slowly and methodically around your teeth, capturing both arches and your bite registration. The 3D model builds progressively on the screen in front of you. Most full-arch scans take between two and five minutes depending on the complexity of your teeth and the treatment being planned.
Once the scan is complete, your dentist can rotate and zoom the digital model to check for accuracy. If any area needs to be recaptured, the scanner can be passed over that section again without starting over. This instant review is one of the practical advantages of a digital workflow compared to physical moulds.
The digital file is then used according to your treatment plan. For restorations such as crowns or bridges, the file is sent to a dental laboratory for fabrication. For orthodontic or cosmetic planning, it feeds into the relevant design software. Your records are stored securely as part of your patient file at Warner Dental.
One of the practical benefits of digital impressions is how well the data integrates with other parts of modern dental care. When a dentist is planning dental crowns at Warner Dental, an accurate scan of the prepared tooth and its neighbours allows the laboratory to design a restoration that fits precisely within your existing bite. The margin for error that sometimes occurs during physical impression-taking is reduced.
For patients exploring clear aligner treatment options, an intraoral scan provides the base records that software uses to map the planned movement of your teeth. The process is quicker and often more comfortable than the traditional impression method, which some patients find difficult to tolerate due to a sensitive gag reflex.
Scanning also supports long-term monitoring. Because digital records are easy to store and compare, your treating dentist can track changes in your teeth over successive appointments. For patients managing tooth wear, changes in occlusion, or ongoing restorative work, this continuity of records has real clinical value.
Warner Dental has been providing dental care to families in Warner and the surrounding North Brisbane community since 2002. The focus has always been on building long-term patient relationships and using approaches that genuinely improve the experience and outcomes for each person who comes through the door.
Intraoral scanning at Warner Dental removes the need for traditional impression trays entirely, which makes a genuine difference for patients who find putty moulds uncomfortable or who have a sensitive gag reflex. Scans are reviewed chairside immediately after capture, and any area that needs to be rescanned can be addressed before the appointment ends rather than discovered later at the laboratory. Patients who are nervous about dental appointments often find the absence of impression trays and putty a meaningful improvement to their visit.
Warner Dental serves patients from Warner, Bray Park, Lawnton, Joyner, Cashmere, Warner Lakes, and Strathpine. If you are a new patient, the new patient information page has details on what to bring and what to expect at your first appointment.
Warner Dental welcomes both new and existing patients at the Warner practice, conveniently located for families across North Brisbane including those coming from Strathpine, Bray Park, and Cashmere. Whether you have been referred for a scan as part of a planned treatment or you would like to understand more about how digital dental records could benefit your care, the team is ready to help.
Protect your smile with regular care at Warner Dental.
Most patients find it significantly more comfortable than traditional impressions. The scanner is a small handheld device that sits lightly against your teeth and gums as the dentist moves it around your mouth. There is no setting time, no gagging on putty, and no pressure from a tray being held in place. Patients with a sensitive gag reflex in particular tend to find the process much easier to manage.
A standard full-arch scan typically takes between two and five minutes. Your total appointment time will depend on what other treatment steps are planned on the same day. Your dentist will give you a clear idea of how long to allow when you book.
Digital scanning produces highly detailed 3D models that are well-suited to a wide range of restorative and cosmetic treatments. As with any clinical tool, accuracy depends on careful technique. Your dentist will review the scan before your appointment concludes and rescan any area if needed to make sure the model is complete and precise.
In many cases, scanning is simply part of the treatment process for certain procedures and is not billed as a separate item. Your dentist will discuss costs with you as part of your overall treatment plan. If you have private health insurance, your fund may contribute to eligible procedures that include scanning as part of the workflow.
Yes. Intraoral scanning is well-tolerated by most children and is often easier for younger patients than traditional impressions. The scanner is compact and the process is quick, which helps with cooperation during the appointment.
Scanning is used across a range of treatments including crowns, bridges, veneers, clear aligners, mouthguards, smile design consultations, and some implant planning workflows. Your dentist will advise whether scanning is part of the recommended approach for your specific treatment.
No special preparation is required. Brushing your teeth before your appointment is always helpful, but there is nothing specific you need to do or avoid before an intraoral scan. Your dentist will walk you through the process at the start of your appointment.
Thorough examination, professional clean, and fluoride application to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Protective coatings applied to back teeth to reduce the risk of decay.
Custom-fitted appliances for sports protection and management of teeth grinding (bruxism).
Compassionate, patient-focused care for those who feel nervous about dental treatment.
Clear, detailed assessments to help you make informed decisions about your dental health.
Assessment and treatment of enamel wear caused by grinding, acid erosion, or ageing.
Saving infected or damaged teeth by removing infection and restoring strength.
Natural-looking restorations to repair cavities and protect tooth structure.
Custom-made restorations to strengthen and protect weakened teeth.
Replacing missing teeth to restore function and maintain alignment.
Removable options to replace multiple or all missing teeth and improve chewing ability.
