A method is provided for scanning the surface of an object in which
moisture such as
saliva or water is present on the surface. The method includes the step of applying a
saliva and water-resistant composition to the surface, wherein the composition is characterized in that it does not readily wash off the surface after application of the composition to the surface in the presence of
saliva or water. The composition forms an opaque film on the surface. The method further includes the step of scanning the surface having the film with a
scanner. Several formulations for the composition are disclosed. One includes a liquid
alcohol base, such as dehydrated ethyl
alcohol, a reflective
pigment, and a binder for promoting good adhesion of the formulation to the surface of the object being scanned. A suitable binder for scanning teeth and other oral structures is a denture
adhesive such as an off-the-shelf denture
adhesive, in
powder form, that is mixed with the
pigment and the
alcohol base. Other suitable compositions can be derived by persons skilled in the art from the teachings disclosed herein.