digital impressions Archives | Smith Dental Care

What Are Digital Impressions? A Modern Alternative to Traditional Molds

If you’ve ever been through the cumbersome and messy process of having traditional dental impressions taken, you know how much of a pain they can be. The dentist fills this bulky tray with goop and you have to fit that oversized tray into your mouth and bite down without moving. It’s gooey, messy, and uncomfortable. Plus, you have to hold still and avoid drooling or gagging. You have to hold there while the sticky stuff hardens so the impression is accurate.

For a lot of patients, this is incredibly hard. Even holding your mouth perfectly still is challenging, which means impressions are not always perfectly accurate. The process is uncomfortable at best and unbearable at worst. Thanks to digital impressions and a variety of new technology, though, the process has become so much easier to work through – and there’s no messy, goopy trays to contend with!

Digital impression systems are comfortable, accurate, and mess-free. At Smith Dental Care, we are proud to offer advanced solutions like these, using modern technology to make your impressions work so much more smoothly. It’s an easier process from start to finish. In this guide, we share everything there is to know about digital impressions. Read on to learn more!

What Are Digital Impressions?

Digital impressions are a high-tech and highly accurate solution. And they’re the perfect alternative to traditional molds. Instead of using the goopy trays, your dentist can use an advanced scanning system that captures images that resemble impressions. Those images and impressions catch details specific to your mouth, with every little detail being consistent and reliable. Not only is it a real-time picture, but it can even predict movement and planning for certain treatments.

The scan creates a three-dimensional image of your teeth and gums, much like traditional impressions create a mold of your teeth and gums. The technology uses optical or laser scanning technology, depending on the system in place. Rather than using the messy trays filled with impression material and waiting for it to harden slightly on your teeth, this uses a small handheld device, and no trays are required.

These systems can capture thousands of images in just seconds and compile all of those images to create a 3D digital impression of your mouth. It’s a perfect model, and professionals love it because they don’t have to worry about inconsistencies with the mold or potential movement that leads to inaccuracies.

The digital impression is created in just moments and instantly appears on a screen connected to the device. This gives patients and their dentist a crystal-clear view of the oral anatomy, with very specific detail.

Digital Impressions vs Traditional Impressions: What’s the Difference?

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Take a look at this chart that has some basic comparisons between digital and traditional impressions. We will discuss the differences further below.

Traditional Impressions Digital Impressions
Comfort Goopy trays, potential gagging
Clean, non-invasive scanning
Time

Just a few minutes to scan Several minutes to set

Accuracy

High-precision 3D images Prone to distortion and air bubbles

Convenience

Fewer remakes/Faster turnaround May require retakes

Traditional impressions rely on the physical materials. The unfortunate reality of these materials is they can easily distort or get air bubbles. The little distortions or movements can lead to inaccuracy. It’s a slow process, and many times there are multiple retakes to try to get it right. There is very little control of the process and accomplishing getting the molds.

Not to mention, those trays are incredibly bulky and very uncomfortable. They can also be very messy, getting the impression materials for the mold all over the place. They are hard to have in your mouth because they are so oversized, and even people without a strong gag reflex can struggle because of this.

When you compare this to digital impressions, there are many positives. Digital impressions are comfortable because they just use a small hand scanner, and there are no messy or bulky trays required. They are faster to work with, getting highly accurate results in a matter of moments. They rarely have to be retaken since there are no air bubbles or other issues from the messy materials. You can even view your scan in real time – it’s a neat experience.

At Smith Dental Care, we use a system called the iTero Digital Impression System. This is one of the leading platforms in the market, and it’s well-known for accuracy, efficiency, and more. It integrates with our treatment planning software so we can help plan for any of your needs with accuracy and ease. The scans it provides only take moments, and it offers so much more detail than a traditional impression.

The Patient Experience: What to Expect

If you’ve never had a digital impression, it’s so easy. Remember, there are no messy tools, just a handheld scanner that we are trained to use to get the impressions we need. Digital impressions are not only more advanced but remarkably simple and comfortable to complete. Below, you will find a step-by-step breakout of the process so you can know exactly what to expect.

1. Preparation

There are a few simple things we do to prepare before using digital impressions to ensure we are on the right track. We always start by reviewing your treatment needs and our recommended plan, going through any questions you might have. A dental assistant will likely prep the scanner to use, but you do not have any physical prep to worry about. We don’t have to dry out your mouth or apply any materials. That means you get to just sit back and relax.

2. The Scan

When you are relaxed, we will start with the scan. Let us know if you have any anxiety about this, as we might be able to help calm you. We use a small handheld wand for the scanning process. The person in charge of your scan is going to gently move it around your teeth, capturing every angle they have been trained to get. As they scan, the device will capture detailed images of your teeth, gums, and bite from every possible angle. There is no pressure or discomfort, and the scan will be complete within about 3-10 minutes at the most.

3. Live 3D Visualization

As the scan happens, you will almost instantly see the digital model of your mouth start to appear on the screen. Typically, providers have this screen placed where you can see it as well as them. It will appear in real-time so you can see exactly what that scan is doing. Not only is it an interesting experience to see the impressions appear on the screen, but it gives you a clear picture of what we are working with so you can better understand the treatments we recommend to you. We can use those impressions to show you any areas of concern and even predict teeth movement so you can see the changes from any treatment we will provide.

4. Completion and Review

While we can discuss the scan in real-time and go over it with you, it is very important that the dentist review the images for accuracy as well. It is sent to a digital lab, where it might be processed or used to create whatever is needed for your treatment process. This digital process can save days in processing times when compared to physical molds that have to be mailed from one place to another.

One of the great things about the digital impression system is that it is so much more user-friendly and less invasive. These concepts make it easy for someone with a sensitive mouth, a strong gag reflex, or dental anxiety to tolerate the process of getting the impressions completed. You don’t have to be scared because you’ve had a bad experience with the messy impression trays in the past. This is nothing like that, and you will likely breathe a big sigh of relief when it’s finished. Because the process is fast, mess-free, and non-invasive, digital scanning generally removes the fear and discomfort associated with traditional impressions.

Why Digital Impressions are More Accurate

Digital impressions have greatly improved overall accuracy and helped remove the need for retakes or remakes. But what makes this system so much more accurate than a physical mold of a person’s teeth? We’re glad you asked!

Reduce Human Error and Improve Precision

Humans make mistakes, and when you’re using messy impression trays, those errors can come from the dental assistant or even the patient. For example, if you accidentally move your teeth in the middle of the setting process, the smallest movement can lead to inaccuracy. If the dental assistant pulls the trays out before the materials have set enough, it can affect the mold.

Those traditional impressions depend heavily on the manual placement of the trays, the physical setting of the materials, and not making any small movements that might impact the final result. A small movement, a temperature change, or even a small error when removing the tray from your mouth can cause that mold to distort. Sadly, the professionals may not even realize there is a distortion until something doesn’t fit your mouth right after it’s been built.

With digital scanning, those variables are all removed. They won’t impact the impression since it is entirely digital. Digital scanners capture thousands of reference points with pinpoint accuracy. This ensures that the final impressions created are precise. It also helps guarantee that any product created from those impressions, like crowns, retainers, dentures, etc., is going to fit right and function the way that it should.

Fewer Remakes and Adjustments

One of the things that can be frustrating for a dentist and their patient is when they order something fitted to an impression and it doesn’t fit right. They might have to redo the crown, the aligner, or some other item that has been ordered for your mouth. This happens because the original mold is not quite right, even though nobody realized it when the mold was finished. It’s nearly impossible to tell with those molds.

In some cases, the dentist can make slight adjustments if it’s a minor error, but this is also inconvenient. It should be made correctly, right? After all, that item is costing money. With digital scanning tools, the enhanced precision makes a huge difference. Whatever is created for you is far more likely to fit correctly – the first time. This saves time, money, and frustration. It also saves adjustments that aren’t always the best fix.

A Better Fit Means Better Function and Appearance

When dental restorations (of any kind) fit properly, they are more comfortable for you to wear or use. So many people who have old dentures stop wearing them because they never fit right. But then the dentures can’t do what they are supposed to do, right? The concept applies across the board for any appliance or material made from those impressions.

When the item fits right, it looks better. It’s going to last longer because there isn’t abnormal wear from it not fitting right. The items look more natural because they actually fit correctly. And best of all, they work better. The item is functional as it should be, rather than uncomfortable and ill-fitting.

How Smith Dental Care Uses Digital Impressions

At Smith Dental Care, we believe that technology was invented for a reason. That’s why we’ve invested in the iTero system. We are committed to patient comfort and the use of leading-edge technology to provide you with the best experience and results. We want you to be comfortable during your appointments, and we want your process to be efficient and successful.

Using digital impressions makes this a very real capability that we can offer. With iTero, we can easily raise the bar for a better standard of care for every patient and every need that could possibly arise. There is nothing better than making strides to improve experiences as well as successful results.

There are many different appliances and procedures that can benefit from such technology. Here are some great examples:

Invisalign or any clear aligners
Crowns and bridges
Dental implants
Dentures
Nightguards and retainers
Cosmetic treatments

With digital scans, we can provide precision for each of these things. That means proper fit and bite alignment, improved patient comfort, exceptional accuracy, and a better overall design custom made for you.

Whether you need a simple appliance of some sort or you’re looking at full mouth reconstruction in the future, digital impressions can help plan and execute your treatment, ensuring precision in the midst of it.

Benefits for Patients: Beyond Comfort

While comfort is certainly a huge perk of using digital impressions rather than traditional impressions, there is so much more to the process. Ultimately, the benefits all boil down to precision, timeliness, and improved treatment plans. We agree the comfort factor is a big win, but we also excitedly embrace all of the benefits that make digital solutions a superior option for every single patient.

Let’s dive into the benefits.

Faster Turnaround Time for Treatments

When you have to take an impression and send it off, it can take days or even weeks to get the results from. In addition, if there is any kind of issue or a remake has to be completed, that adds even more time to the process. A digital file can be transmitted directly to a dental lab or orthodontic manufacturer so they get it right away.

This digital impression paired with the ability to send it digitally will eliminate shipping delays and lead to a faster production time. Plus, there isn’t a remake unless the lab messes it up, so that’s not an issue, either. All of this means you get faster treatments, which will lead to quicker results. It’s a win-win.

Fewer Appointments or Delays

Imagine walking into a dentist office thinking your treatment is getting placed or applied that day, only to have them fit it to you and it won’t work or fit right. They might spend some time trying to adjust it only to find it’s not going to work. In some cases, they can tell quickly it won’t work. And in other cases, someone might spend a lot of time trying to force it to work.

In the end, it doesn’t work so they have to make new impressions to be sure they are accurate, and they send you home with nothing. That means you wasted time from your day for an appointment that you just have to reschedule again in a few weeks. It’s a nuisance.

If there isn’t a need for remakes and adjustments, then you spend less time having experiences like these or having to come sit in the chair only to walk away with nothing. There is no wait between appointments while the item gets remade. While there is still potential for human error at the lab, this is rare. Your treatment timeline is so much more efficient with digital impressions.

Improved Communication and Visualization

Having a visual from digital impressions helps your provider communicate with you and you actually understand what they are saying. They can use the 3D images to point out oddities or issues and explain to you what they plan to accomplish with your treatment.

You don’t have to just smile and nod, because you can visualize what they are saying and exactly what they mean with your treatment plan. This helps you understand your diagnosis and the treatment options, improving communication and trust between you and your provider.

Digital Impressions Are Eco-Friendly

Finally, the digital impression system is far more environmentally friendly. There is less waste compared to traditional materials, particularly if the impressions have to be retaken. Plus, there is no shipping and delivery and no molds that end up in the trash somewhere. It eliminates the need for disposable trays, impressions materials, shipping packaging, and more. This makes it a more eco-conscious choice all around.

Are Digital Impressions Right for You?

You might be wondering if digital impressions are suitable for your specific needs or a situation you are facing. The good news is that in most cases, they are perfect for your needs. There are a few exceptions, but your provider will know exactly when they can and cannot be used. Below are some common questions, along with their answers to help you better understand.

Is it Safe?

Yes, digital impressions are completely safe. The process uses non-invasive light scanning with no radiation like other types of scans out there. They are comfortable for people of all ages and hold little to no risks to complete.

Is it Covered By Insurance?

It simply depends on your insurance and the reason for the scan. In most cases, the use of digital impressions is part of a covered procedure. However, we will always review your insurance plan and explain benefits before doing the scan so you can know for sure.

Can Kids Get Digital Impressions?

Absolutely. In fact, it’s a great choice for kids because it avoids the discomfort and anxiety that often accommodate traditional trays and messy methods.

Are There Any Limitations to Digital Impressions?

Digital impressions are suitable for the majority of dental procedures and needs. In very rare cases, they may need to be paired with traditional methods to ensure the highest possibility of accuracy, but this is incredibly unusual.

Final Thoughts

At Smith Dental Care, we use digital impressions because they provide substantial benefits and improved accuracy. We are here to make you as comfortable as possible no matter your dental needs. Additionally, we work to prioritize your comfort, health, and time – every time. We believe dentistry shouldn’t be intimidating, and that’s why we are proud to use digital tools to make it easier for everyone.