Biting down into a mold filled with cold, messy dental putty may not be what you look forward to when visiting the dentist’s office. Unfortunately, it’s often the reality for many patients whose dentists continue to rely on traditional treatment methods. While the motto “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it” might be true in certain situations, dentists can benefit from incorporating newer technologies, such as digital impressions. But do they really provide greater restorations?
What is the Difference Between Traditional & Digital Impressions?
The most basic explanation is that traditional impressions require patients to bite down on a hard plastic (or metal) tray filled with gooey dental putty. They are then required to sit still and let the mixture “set” so that technicians can use a hardened mold to create a custom restoration.
Digital impressions require dentists to use a camera-tipped, handheld device to scan a patient’s teeth and bite, eliminating the need for cold dental putty and an unwanted gag reflex.
What Are the Benefits of Digital Impressions?
When a dentist states they will use digital impressions to ensure a carefully crafted restoration, patients can expect there to be many great benefits that come with it, including:
- Greater detail thanks to the high-resolution scans taken with the handheld device. Unlike dental putty, which can develop defects, 3D scans produce more accurate, precise impressions, allowing technicians to view them from multiple angles and ensure restorations are fabricated correctly.
- Greater comfort because patients don’t need to bite down on anything and sit still until the putty is fully set. Digital impressions take only a few minutes, and the scanner does not cause any discomfort when it’s placed inside the mouth.
- Quicker ability to share between dentists and labs. Instead of mailing a putty model, 3D scans captured with digital devices can be sent electronically, allowing for a faster restoration process.
Do Digital Impressions Create Better Restorations?
Yes, you can trust that when your dentist takes digital impressions of your smile, you will receive a fully customized and comfortable dental restoration. Whether it’s a crown, veneer, dental bridge, etc., it will fit in place without difficulty, and it will blend in beautifully with your existing smile.
With digital impressions, your dentist can correct any errors as they appear on the nearby screen, making the process easier for technicians when they receive the appropriate file.
Advanced technology is enabling greater comfort and accuracy, so if you need digital impressions, trust that the results will be far better than anything you’ve received in the past.
About the Author
Dr. Justin Geller is a dentist in Novi with nearly 30 years of experience. He incorporates some of the latest technologies into his practice, including digital impressions. Designed to ensure a clearer, more accurate model of a patient’s smile, he creates more comfortable and reliable restorations that repair and restore damaged teeth. If you want to learn more about the technologies used in-house, contact us at (248) 926–4030 to schedule an appointment.