The team at Medit have been working tirelessly to update their scanner software over the past 2 years, all free of charge for their user base. This recent release is quite impressive. The Medit Link software has 4 new applications added to it that can be used by any Medit i500 user. This includes Orthodontic Simulation, Smile Design, Medit Compare and Crown Fit. Below is a breakdown of these software additions and their uses.
If you are considering investing in a Medit i500, read out review here.
Want to see how all of Medit's scanners compare? View our article here.
Medit Orthodontic Simulation
Orthodontic Simulation is a welcomed addition to the Medit Link software. Anyone familiar with iTero scanners will know what this is - basically, a simulation can be created that will help the patient visualize potential results of multiple orthodontic treatment scenarios. This feature was previously only found in iTero and TRIOS 4 scanners. The unique part of the Medit version is the ability to add facial scanner data to the simulation.
Medit Smile Design
Smile Design software has completely changed cosmetic dentistry and it is starting to be added to intraoral scanners. The TRIOS 4 was the first scanner to include a smile design software and now Medit has followed suit. Smile Design is basically a method of overlaying a smile simulation on a patient's picture. This photo-realistic smile simulation is a great patient motivation tool. The Medit Smile Design shares similar concepts to the TRIOS version with a horizontal before and after slider, although the designs themselves don't look quite as good as TRIOS.
Medit Compare
Medit Compare is a data analysis tool that allows the user to see the differences in two or more sets of scan data. You can overlay two different sets of scan data and view surface roughness, curvature, and data deviation. This is seen in other scanners and is known as patient monitoring. By comparing scan data over time, it allows you to accurately track changes in the dentition. Medit Compare has both clinical and research applications.
Medit Crown Fit
This is a completely unique application to the Medit and is quite an interesting use of scan data. With Medit Crown Fit, clinicians can conduct modeless crown fitting. You can scan the prepared tooth and your finished crown and compare this data. After the prepped area and crown data is aligned, the software can reveal where alterations may be needed.
These additions to the Medit software and i500 scanner are great to see. We have already reviewed the Medit i500 as one of the best scanner-only options, and easily the best for low-cost budgets. If you've got a bit more money to spend, check out our review of the Medit i700.
These additions, all free of charge, make the scanner even more attractive, as typically applications like this are reserved for scanners on the premium end of the market, more than 2 - 3 times the cost of the i500. It will be interesting to see how other scanner companies respond to this in due time.
If you have any questions or thoughts, please leave them below!