CS ScanFlow update makes scanning faster, more secure and sharable

Carestream Dental's most recent scanner acquisition software update, CS ScanFlow v1.0.3, continues to deliver an enhanced scanning experience with new benefits that reduce steps in the scanning process, protect data, make working with third parties easier and even encourage patients to share their virtual smiles on social media. CS ScanFlow is the advanced software that powers the CS 3700 intraoral scanner and is also available for the CS 3600 intraoral scanner.

Typically, shiny or reflective surfaces, such as metal, full ceramic brackets, crowns and resins would need to be sprayed with powder or microetched so as not to interfere with the digital scan. However, the new anti-reflective mode optimises scanning shiny or reflective surfaces, eliminating a step in the process, so users can start scanning right away while still generating a high-quality rendering of reflective surfaces on the digital impression.

"Anti-reflective mode in CS ScanFlow v1.0.3 addresses and resolves the challenges encountered when scanning metal, reflective and semi-transparent surfaces, making it possible to scan even the hardest of cases," Dr Paweł Paszkiewicz, founder of Estetique Center, Polanica-Zdrój, Poland said.

Of course, security is a concern whenever working with digital files, so CS ScanFlow v1.0.3 includes access to secure digital impression file conversion tools via cloud-based Microsoft Azure. Now, scanned datasets can only be exchanged with third parties that have logged in and provided their credentials, adding an additional layer of safety around patient privacy. This new feature has the added time-saving benefit of eliminating the need to update the CS Mesh Converter on all computers in the practice when a new version of CS ScanFlow is available.

CS ScanFlow v1.0.3 also enables optimal treatment planning and the ideal appliance fit with its new bite capture capability. Users can obtain up to five - instead of the previous three - bites in addition to the normal one to get an extensive view of the patient's overall occlusion. All five bites can be exported to a lab or used in third-party software such as exocad or Blenderfordental with an articulator add-on.

"From a prosthodontic perspective, the ability to now record five bites in the same scan is revolutionary," Dr Paszkiewicz said. "To be able to obtain maximum intercuspation (MIP), anterior guidance, centric relation (CR) and left and right canine guidance truly expands the digital capability of prosthodontic treatment planning and workflow."

Now, users can also display the scan onscreen in the same orientation as the patient's mouth with Smart Position mode for a more intuitive scanning experience. Previously, the arch was displayed upside-down whilst scanning, but with a more natural scan reflected on the computer users can better track the tip position and follow the scan progression.

To help drive patient engagement right from the start of treatment, practices can even create an animated MP4 file of the digital impression after completing the acquisition. This file can be emailed to patients and is ideal for sharing on social media. Giving patients a shareable "keepsake" creates excitement and can help promote a practice on social channels. Doctors can also share the video with referring doctors to provide a 3D view of the case.

"These improvements to CS ScanFlow come based on the requests of users whose valuable feedback makes the software more efficient and the scanning experience better," Ed Shellard, DMD, chief dental officer, Carestream Dental, said. Other user-inspired new updates include scan preservation for refinement; an enhanced cutting tool; intuitive scanner identification and connection; and many others.

Subscribers of Carestream Dental's CS Advantage plan will automatically receive an email with the link to upload CS ScanFlow v1.0.3. Users who are not currently enrolled in a CS Advantage plan but would like to upgrade to CS ScanFlow can make a one-time software upgrade purchase through Carestream Dental.