Intraoral scanners: enhancing efficiency and patient comfort in prosthodontics – a systematic review

This review evaluates the effectiveness of intraoral scanners in prosthodontics, focusing on their ability to reduce working time and enhance patient comfort compared to conventional impression techniques. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Studies from 2016 to 2023 were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria, including clinical trials involving adult participants using various intraoral scanners. The review included comparisons with traditional impression techniques to assess time efficiency, accuracy, and patient experience. Five studies were selected from an initial pool of 1,544 articles. The findings indicate that intraoral scanners significantly reduce working time, particularly in full-arch rehabilitations, and improve patient comfort. Digital impressions were associated with shorter chair times and fewer complications during follow-up, highlighting their efficiency and acceptability. In conclusion, intraoral scanners offer a promising alternative to conventional methods in prosthodontics, with significant benefits in terms of time efficiency and patient comfort. Further advancements in scanner technology and digital workflows are expected to enhance their accuracy and reliability in clinical practice. Received: 23th March 2025.Acepted: 10th September 2025.