Getting dental impressions has traditionally been a messy and uncomfortable process. The dentist would place a tray filled with a thick, putty-like material in your mouth to make a mold of your teeth. While this method was effective, it often caused discomfort, gagging, and a long wait for results. Thankfully, technology has advanced, and digital impressions have become a more popular choice. Digital impressions offer many benefits, making the process easier and more comfortable for patients.
What Are Digital Impressions?
Digital impressions use advanced technology to create a detailed, 3D image of your teeth and gums without the need for messy putty. The process involves a special camera that scans your teeth and creates an accurate digital model. This model can then be used for a variety of dental procedures, including crowns, bridges, and clear aligners.
The digital scanner takes thousands of pictures in just a few seconds and combines them into a complete image of your mouth. This means there is no need to bite down on uncomfortable materials or sit for long periods of time while the impression hardens.
Comfort and Convenience
One of the biggest advantages of digital impressions is the comfort they provide. Traditional impressions often leave patients with a bulky tray in their mouth that can cause gagging or discomfort. With digital impressions, there’s no putty, and the process is much quicker. The small, hand-held scanner is gently moved around your teeth, providing a comfortable experience.
Digital impressions also eliminate the need for multiple visits. With traditional impressions, you might need to return to the dentist to check the accuracy of the mold or to make adjustments. Digital impressions provide an immediate, accurate result, saving you time and reducing the need for follow-up appointments.
Greater Accuracy
Digital impressions offer a higher level of accuracy than traditional molds. The scanner captures detailed images of your teeth, gums, and bite in real time, creating a precise 3D model. This accuracy is crucial for procedures like crowns or bridges, ensuring the dental restoration fits perfectly.
They also allow for a better overall treatment plan. The dentist can see everything clearly and in real time, helping to make adjustments as needed during the process. This reduces the chance of errors or the need for remakes, leading to faster, more successful treatments.
Faster Turnaround Time
With traditional impressions, there is often a waiting period while the mold is sent to a dental lab to be processed. The lab creates the restoration based on the mold, which can take several days. With digital impressions, the information is instantly sent to the lab, where the restoration can be made much faster. In some cases, it may even be ready in a single visit.
This faster turnaround time means less waiting and less hassle for you. If you’re getting a dental crown or bridge, for example, we can complete the entire process in a single visit.