Impression taking by alginate impression is auniversal tool used by ALL dentist worldwide.

It is the base of all restauration work in the mouth. The technology used today has not changed over 100 years. Only some materials have become better.

‍Dental impressions now and then

Taking dental impressions goes back to the beginning of the 18th century. At that time softened sealing wax had been used to take impressions in order to make models for prosthetic appliance construction.

Impression trays from 1830

Over the years the material for the impression taking has evolved from beeswax over to other non-rigid materials such as: agar, alginate, silicones and polyether.

In the beginning of the 19th century the metal tray has been introduced by the French dentist C.F. Delabarre, which is still part of the basis equipment of almost every dental cabinet today.

1900: Analog Impression

The analog impression is actually the negative imprint of teeth and soft tissues(gingiva). Once the impression is taken from the patients teeth, it is send to the laboratory.

 The next step is to fill the impression with plaster in order to receive the positive imprint, the so called plaster/stone model.For centuries plaster models are used to design restorative constructions. Informer times the restorative work was done manually whereas today more and more laboratories are making designs and restorations entirely digital. In 2019, 60%of all laboratories across Europe and the US used CAD/CAM systems.

Plaster/stone Models

The next step is to fill the impression with plaster in order to receive the positive imprint, the so called plaster/stone model. For centuries plaster models are used to design restorative constructions. In former times the restorative work was done manually whereas today more and more laboratories are making designs and restorations entirely digital. In 2019, 60% of all laboratories across Europe and the US used CAD/CAM systems.

1900: Analog Impression

The digital workflow allows dental technicians to deliver faster and more precise work.

To be able to make a design on the computer, the model needs to be scanned. The scanning output is a 3D model that is imported in a CAD software.

The complete analog process from the impression taking to the final result is time and cost consuming and seems old-fashioned in today’s digital world. As most laboratories shift towards an entire digital workflow, dentists are feeling the urge to follow. Yet, even though CAD/CAM in dentistry was introduced in the1980’s, less than 20% of all dentists in Europe and the US are working withCAD/CAM systems (2018).

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Prof.François Duret, on the other hand, invented the entire digital workflow already in the 1970’s. In his doctoral thesis he described the CAD/CAM workflow and started lecturing about his invention around the world.

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Our Co-Founder: Professor François Duret

The visionary behind our unique software-driven intraoral scanner is Professor François Duret. Prof. Duret is both our Co-founder and Clinical Director and provides day-to-day management of our development team.

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“Health care is a science and invention is an art which, as in a painting, blue and mauve periods which mark the evolution of our research and thoughts.” —Professor François Duret

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1970’s: CAD/CAM Dentistry

• In the 1970’s, Prof. Duret, drawing inspiration from space technology, invented CAD/CCAD/CAM dentistry. In his doctoral thesis, he described and invented the entire CAD/CAM workflow. 

1986: 1st Generation Intraoral Scanner

• In the Chicago mid-winter show, Prof. Duret launched the first intraoral scanner which was hardware-driven and used projected light technology. depended on hardware, which makes them more expensive, bulkier, and prone to become obsolete as technology evolves.

2000’s: Stereophotogrammetry 

• After much research and development, Prof. Duret invented a software-driven intraoral scanner using 3D surface imaging technology. This replaced the original and older products.

• He imagined that the 1st generation of software-driven intra-oral scanners would be affordable, easy to use (no training), small, hands-free, and consistently able to improve. This new technology would be based on stereophotogrammetry, draw on CNES, Apple maps, and generate a software library for 3D imaging.

2018: The Patent is In

• The tray scanner was born. Patents were filed on 29th of January 2018. The actual development started in Q4 2019.

2019: Digital Dentistry

• In 2019, 60% of all laboratories across Europe and the United States used CAD/CAM systems. 
• The digital workflow is faster and delivers more precise results. 
• Laboratories are shifting to digital designs and restorations which are less time consuming and more affordable.

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2021: IOS (Intraoral Scanner)

• Today, impression taking by alginate impression is a universal tool used by ALL dentists.

Don’t stop with traditional dentistry. Go digital with our revolutionary Condor Flash.‍

Condor Flash builds on the traditional dental practices and tray. BUT instead of paste and an uphill learning curve, it uses cameras to create 3D images. Labs, which are going more digital with time are receptive to these accurate scans which are true in color and shareable due to 5G compatibility. 

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“Intra Oral Scanners are one of the most exciting new technologies in dentistry.
Digital impressions represent a huge step forward in the pursuit for the perfect restoration, and also offer advantages in profitability and marketing.” – Market Watch

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