Does Using a Digital Impression System Make a Difference?

Whether you need to have a personalized dental crown created to restore your damaged tooth or you’re thinking of completing Invisalign, understanding as much detail about your smile as possible from the beginning is vital. While impression molds using putty material have been shown to be effective for quite some time, digital impression systems are becoming more commonplace in dental offices around the United States and the world. As a result, it might make you wonder if they even a make difference compared to traditional methods. Learn the facts from a dentist today!

How Does Digital Impression Technology Work?

While there are multiple brands that create digital impression systems, they all accomplish relatively the same goal. This is to capture hundreds of images of the mouth in only a matter of minutes in order to create a 3D image for further viewing.

The device consists of a handheld wand which is attached to a nearby computer with a display. The handheld form factor makes it easy for dentists to carefully scan the teeth, gums, and other oral structures in order to collect hundreds of high-resolution images. These images are recompiled to create the 3D model, which then is used as a foundation for a variety of dental services.

Are the Results That Much Better?

It’s fair to say that dentists have their own preference when it comes to the impression systems they use, but some dentists note that once they’ve made the switch to digital, it becomes difficult to go back. After all, digital systems reduce the amount of human error compared to biting into a putty mold. This is because putty material can create air pockets, forcing the dentist to have to redo the impression entirely. Other factors can also introduce error, including human element, material defects, and improper setting or distortions.

More research needs to be done in order to fully understand the efficacy of dental impression technology. With that said, there are still many benefits to consider compared to traditional methods.

What Benefits Do Digital Impressions Provide?

The process of using digital impression systems is incredibly fast and accurate. Not only do patients end up spending less time in the dental chair, but dentists can simply email digital impressions to dental labs directly, rather than sending packaged physical molds.

Most notably, patients are not forced to bite into impression material, a process that many will use as a justification to not visit the dentist at all! Going digital ensures they can skip this process and still get the treatment they need more comfortably.

If you have the option to complete treatment with the use of digital impression technology, it’s recommended that you give it a try. Call a dentist today to experience it for yourself!

About the Author

Dr. Terry Drennan works hard to continue his education and include additional technologies to his practice over his 40-year-long career in the dental field. One example is the Carestream 3600 digital scanner, a device that can capture high-resolution images of the mouth to create detailed 3D models of teeth. Not only does this ensure better results, but it makes the dental experience all the more enjoyable for patients. To schedule an appointment with his office, you can contact him through his website.