Intraoral scanning system using magnetic induction

An intra-oral scanning system comprising:

• a scanning device;
• a semi-replaceable scanning tip comprising at least a first magnetic induction coil;
• an infrared adapter configured to replaceably attach to the scanning tip, the infrared adapter comprising at least a second magnetic induction coil and at least one infrared light source;
• a disposable or reusable hygiene sheath disposed between the scanning tip and the infrared adapter;
• wherein the at least first and second magnetic induction coils are configured to provide power transfer and/or a communication signal between the scanning device and the scanning tip during operation of the scanning system.

A replaceable scanning-tip for a scanning device, the scanning-tip being configured for intra-oral scanning of teeth, the scanning-tip comprising:

• an optical element located at the distal end of the scanning-tip with a reflective surface inside the scanning-tip such that when the optical element receives light from a white light source located in the scanning device, the scanning tip provides white light to the teeth, wherein the optical element is configured for receiving the white light as back-reflected from the teeth, such that when the optical element receives the white light from
• teeth, the scanning-tip provides the white light to a first image sensor in the scanning device;
• and
• an infrared light source configured to emit infrared light, the infrared light source residing in or on the replaceable scanning-tip, whereby the scanning tip provides the infrared light to the teeth.