The Very Dental Podcast Network Very Clinical: Glad We Medit! Scanners and Software with Scott Shrader
Kevin and Zach welcome back Scott Shrader to talk digital dentistry and specifically about Medit scanners and software. Both Zach and Al are current Medit users so the episode is a great one if you're new to scanning or want to incorporate digital dentistry into your workflow even more!
- 3D Dentist Approach: While courses often involve scanners, 3D Dentist is largely scanner-agnostic, focusing on techniques.
- Importance of Training & Support: Scott emphasizes the critical role of knowledgeable support and hands-on training (like that provided by 3D Tech/3D Dentist) when integrating technology, contrasting it with less specialized support from large suppliers. Support is ongoing for products purchased through them.
- Medit Overview: A South Korean company celebrating 25 years (mostly lab scanners, ~7 years for intraoral).
- Medit's Value Proposition: No annual fees, free software, and free software upgrades are key differentiators.
- Medit Link Software Suite (The "Apps"):
- A powerful, free suite accessible even to non-Medit scanner users (importing STLs).
- Includes free apps like Model Builder, Crown Design, Night Guard/Bite Splint, Ortho Simulation.
- Newer, more powerful CAD features (AI Final Crown, Provisional, Inlays/Onlays, Bridge Design) are being introduced with a per-export fee, but the core remains free.
- AI Crown Design: Discussion on how AI differs from standard proposals (better morphology matching, less tweaking, potential AI margination) vs. algorithms.
- Practical Scanning Tips & Troubleshooting:
- Marking margins: Alan does, Zach doesn't – lab preferences vary.
- Sluggish scanning fixes: Ensure the laptop is plugged in, perform all updates (Windows, graphics drivers, Medit Link), check scanner tip condition (rated for ~100 autoclave cycles, look for degradation/spots).
- Technique: Dry teeth well, use the white light setting for scanning through blood, proper path/tissue capture (especially around canines).
- Hardware: i700 vs. i900: The i900 is smaller, lighter, has a larger scan area, multiple tip sizes, and is generally smoother, especially for full arches and scanning through blood. The i900 "Classic" brings back the physical button many users missed.
- Recommended Medit Apps to Explore:
- Model Builder & Bite Splint: Great, easy entry points for CAD, good for team delegation (requires printer for output).
- Ortho Simulation: Automated simulation of tooth movement.
- Smile Design: Powerful tool using even basic phone photos, creates a shareable before/after slider for patient communication.
- App Access: Apps run on the scanning computer but can be accessed remotely by logging into your Medit Link account on another computer (requires downloading case files).
- Integrations: Medit Link integrates with third-party software and platforms (SprintRay Cloud, Exocad, etc.).
Some links from the show:
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