# Pen-Like Dental Scanners The Mabi Smart Mouth-Scanning System Brings Ease to Oral Examinations By Amelia Roblin | Published 2012-12-04 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mabi-smart-mouthscanning-system References: [industrialdesignserved](http://www.industrialdesignserved.com/gallery/Mabi/4524809) & [behance.net](http://www.behance.net/gallery/Mabi/4524809) When it comes to taking images of your pearly whites, there may soon be no more need for cardboard expanders, lead vests, robotic arms and the sight of your dentist slipping behind a substantial wall while the x-ray machine is in operation. The Mabi Smart Mouth Scanning System is a concept that anticipates a handheld device that's significantly more user-friendly and much more effective as a means of mapping a patient's jaw and teeth. [Lucas Terra's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/home-breath-analysis) [pen-sized handheld device](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handwriting-tool) has a hi-tech surveying tip that sends information wirelessly to a computer to create [three-dimensional images](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-body-scanner1) of the oral cavity. A digital model is formed, making it possible for a life-size reproduction of the person's mouth to be 3D-printed. The implications for orthodontics would enable added ease in the molding of retainers, trays, dentures and configuring braces. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.6/10 - Popularity: 35% | Activity: 36% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Inventions](https://www.trendhunter.com/inventions) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Handheld Dental Scanners:** The development of handheld dental scanners presents opportunities for more convenient and efficient oral examinations. - **Wireless Information Transmission:** The use of wireless technology in dental scanners allows for seamless data transfer and faster imaging processes. - **3D Printing in Orthodontics:** The integration of 3D printing technology in orthodontics offers the potential for more accurate and personalized dental appliances. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Dentistry:** Dentistry professionals can leverage handheld dental scanners to streamline their examination processes and improve patient experience. - **Wireless Technology:** Companies specializing in wireless communication can explore partnerships with dental scanner manufacturers to enhance data transfer capabilities. - **3D Printing:** The adoption of 3D printing in orthodontics opens up opportunities for dental labs and manufacturers to produce customized dental appliances more efficiently. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Innovation Itraoral Scanners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/align-technology-itero.md) - [Dental-Focused Mobile Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digital-dentistry.md) - [Advanced Intraoral Scanners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/intraoral-scanner.md) - [Smart Health-Monitoring Mouthpieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mouthio.md) - [AI-Equipped Gum Health Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gum-health1.md) - [Remote Teeth-Correcting Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dror-orthodesign.md) - [Accessible Teledenistry Partnerships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grin-and-oral-b.md) - [Efficiency-Improving Dental Innovations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digital-dental-ecosystem.md) - [Predictive Teeth Whitening Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colgate-illuminator.md)