Teaching Patients to Scan
Inserting DM Retractors
Arch covers the chin, not the nose!
Insert one side then the other
Smaller tabs go in the mouth, larger tabs are for holding/pushing/pulling
Scanning Tips
Where to scan – Wall mounted or desk mounted (make up) mirror (not handheld mirror)
Phone position
- Phone screen facing the mirror, camera pointed at the face
Distance from face = 4-5” inches (about the length of the phone)
IMPORTANT: Hold phone still while scanning
Camera position – orient phone so camera is on top and centered on teeth
Elbow position – tuck elbows at sides (standing) or rest on countertop (seated)
Angle – Looking straight ahead with teeth parallel to the floor
Head Turn – While holding phone still, turn head shoulder to shoulder
Pace – slow and steady pace (scan duration is 6 seconds)
Retractor Pull/Push
Use one hand to pull/push retractor toward ear lobe while phone is held in other hand
If turning head left, push or pull retractor to show teeth on right side
If turning head right, push or pull retractor to show teeth on left side
Practicing the Scanning Mechanics
No phone – With one hand practice turning head shoulder to shoulder while pulling/pushing retractors
With phone (black screen) – position phone 4-5” away from mouth and practice holding phone still while turning head shoulder to shoulder while pulling/pushing retractors
When Ready to Scan
Follow instructions for aligners in or aligners out
Single green dotted line = bite firmly together
Double green dotted line (slightly apart) = teeth slightly apart (about one finger width apart)
Make sure all four (4) green dots on retractors are visible in screen
Red oval = adjust distance
Green oval = ready to scan
Push volume up button or tap screen to begin scan
Will see progress bar scrolling across top of screen during 6 second scan
Steady pace turning head shoulder to shoulder while pulling/pushing retractors
Occlusal Scans (Braces Patients)
Double green dotted line (farther apart)
With retractors in the mouth, open mouth wide
Upper arch – look up slightly, tip top of phone away from face to angle camera up
Lower arch – look down slightly, tip top of phone toward face to angle camera down