What happens during the scan
A clinician moves a handheld scanner wand around your teeth, and the images build a 3D model on screen as they go. There is no putty to hold in your mouth while it sets.
Tell us before the appointment if you have braces or recent dental work, so we can check the timing is right for a new guard.
Is a 3D scan better than impression putty?
For most people, yes: a scan needs no tray of putty, so there is nothing to bite into, nothing to taste and nothing setting in your mouth. That suits children, and anyone who gags on impression trays.
The clinician sees the model build on screen and can rescan a missed spot straight away, instead of taking a second impression.
Is the scan safe?
Yes. The TRIOS scanner records your teeth with light and a camera, not x-rays, and its light meets the international safety standard for lamps. The scanner tip is sterilised between patients.
How long does it take?
The scan takes under five minutes. Allow 7 to 10 working days after your scan and design are ready for us to make the guard, plus postage if we send it to you.
From the scan to our lab
The scan goes to our own lab inside Dental Spot, a full dental practice in Croydon. Our dental technicians make your guard by hand on a model of your teeth, in the colours and design you chose online.
Medium and Heavy guards include bite registration, which records how your top and bottom teeth meet.
Scans at our clinic or at your club
The scanner is portable, so we bring it to club and school scan days. We need 30 players in Sydney or 50 interstate, prepaid, with 2 to 3 weeks' notice.
Can my dentist send you a scan?
Yes. Contact us before you book, so we can tell your dentist what to send. This suits customers outside Sydney: your dentist takes the scan and sends it to us, our lab makes your guard, and we post it to you for an extra postage fee. Your dentist may charge for the scan.
What happens to my scan file?
We keep scans on file. If your teeth and bite have not changed, the team can check whether your scan is suitable for a replacement. Growing teeth, orthodontic treatment or dental work may mean a new scan.
We handle your scan as part of your records under our privacy policy.
