- FREEDOM Air Scan Preparation

📌 FREEDOM Air Scan Preparation 

Proper preparation and scanning strategies are essential to obtain accurate data.

Before scanning, first review the 'FREEDOM Air Pre-scan Checklist' and then proceed to check the preparation items below.

1. Operator Position 

Both the operator and the patient should maintain a comfortable posture and orientation during scanning.

In addition, position the monitor directly in front of the operator so that the scan data can be continuously observed.

2. Scanner Grip 

When holding the FREEDOM Air, grip the center area where the D-Pad is located, rather than the front or rear end of the scanner.

Place your index finger or thumb (depending on the position) at the center of the D-Pad for easy operation during scanning.

3. Soft Tissue Retraction 

Retracting soft tissues during scanning is critically important, as it can significantly impact overall scan experience, including scanning time and data quality.

- Examples of retraction tools:

The scanner tip, retractors, mirrors, or fingers can be used to retract the cheeks, tongue, and lips effectively.

- Retraction methods for Anterior & Posterior soft tissue:

Refer to the images below to apply appropriate retraction techniques for anterior and posterior regions to improve scanning efficiency.

Anterior	Posterior
For anterior teeth, using two fingers together is effective in securing a clear field of view.	In narrow areas such as the most posterior molars, using both the scanner and auxiliary tools may cause patient discomfort. It is recommended to use only fingers or the scanner tip for gentle retraction.

4. Maintain Proper Distance Of The Scanner Tip 

During scanning, always maintain an appropriate distance (approximately 3–8 mm) between the scanner tip and the teeth.

If the tip touches the teeth or is too close, it may cause patient discomfort. Conversely, if the tip is too far from the teeth, the scanning process may not proceed smoothly.

5. Start Scanning 

Scanning should be started inside the oral cavity, not outside.

If the scan start button is pressed outside the mouth and then the scanner is moved inside, unnecessary data such as lips or tongue may be captured first, which can interfere with the scanning process.

Position the scanner tip at the desired starting point inside the mouth, then press the circular D-Pad to begin scanning.