Reproducing the intraoral situation on a real or virtual model is a quite crucial step on the way to an accurate restoration, as fabrication of definitive restorations, from inlay to a multiunit bridge, is possible only indirectly. However, because of numerous material science framework conditions, it is not so far possible to fabricate a "faultless" conventional (plaster) model via a classic impression. Therefore, every virtual model produced on the basis of this model is also inaccurate, no matter how precise the scanning procedure itself. This suggests performing the scanning procedure directly in the mouth. Intraoral scanners today achieve a level of precision that is comparable to that of conventional impression techniques. The scanners also offer numerous advantages compared with a conventional impression. However, knowledge of their limitations is an important precondition for their successful use. Above all, they require consistent soft tissue management and knowledge of the respective indication.