---
title: "What Is Intraoral scanner? Dental Practice Glossary"
description: "An intraoral scanner is a handheld device that captures a three-dimensional digital record of the teeth and soft tissue inside the mouth."
url: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/intraoral-scanner
publisher: Copeland Consulting Services
email: drcopeland@joncopelanddds.com
contact: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact
---

Technology and implants

# Intraoral scanner

An intraoral scanner is a handheld device that captures a three-dimensional digital record of the teeth and soft tissue inside the mouth.

An intraoral scanner (IOS) is a wand that a dentist or assistant moves inside the mouth. A 2026 paper says these scanners can directly capture the three-dimensional shape and color of soft tissue and teeth.

The scan becomes a [digital impression](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/digital-impression). It can feed [CAD/CAM](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/cad-cam) design for crowns, aligners, guides and other items, or be sent to a lab.

Scanners differ in speed, accuracy and software. Studies compare brands and conditions, so a buyer should read the research and ask for a trial. Scanning accuracy can vary with the case, such as a full arch versus a single tooth.

[Next stepIndustry work with Dr. Copeland](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact?topic=industry)

## Related terms

-   [Digital impression](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/digital-impression)
-   [CAD/CAM](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/cad-cam)
-   [Digital workflow](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/digital-workflow)
-   [Digital dentistry](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/digital-dentistry)

## Sources

1.  [PubMed Central: Reliability of intraoral scanning for capturing gingival morphology and color](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13234973/)

## Talk with Dr. Copeland

[Contact Dr. Copeland](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact)[Email](mailto:drcopeland@joncopelanddds.com)