What are Digital Impressions?

Digital impressions are the modern alternative to traditional dental molds. Instead of using messy impression materials, dentists use advanced intraoral scanners to capture highly accurate 3D images of a patient’s teeth and gums. These digital scans provide a detailed and precise representation, improving the efficiency of various dental procedures, including crowns, bridges, dentures, and orthodontics.

One of the leading scanners in digital dentistry is the iTero Element Intraoral Scanner, a state-of-the-art system that eliminates the need for traditional putty impressions. Using a small wand, it captures thousands of images in seconds to create a detailed 3D model of the patient’s teeth and gums. This technology enhances orthodontic treatment planning, even allowing patients to preview their expected smile transformation.

Process of Digital Impressions and Use of Intraoral Scanners

The digital impression process begins with an intraoral scanner—a handheld device that captures high-resolution images of a patient’s mouth. The scanner is gently moved over the teeth and gums, instantly generating a detailed 3D model on a computer screen. This digital model can then be shared directly with dental labs, enabling quicker and more precise fabrication of restorations and appliances.

Among the top scanners recognized for their outstanding performance is the iTero Element Intraoral Scanner, known for its comfort, speed, and precision. Unlike traditional methods, the iTero 3D scanner ensures a gag-free and mess-free experience, making it ideal for orthodontic treatments such as Damon™ Smile braces and Invisalign®.

Accuracy of Digital Scanners

Digital scanners have revolutionized dental impressions with their exceptional accuracy. They eliminate the inconsistencies and distortions that often occur with traditional putty-based impressions. Digital impressions offer superior precision, reducing the need for adjustments and remakes.

The iTero Element Scanner stands out as a highly precise device that allows for faster and more accurate diagnoses. It was also a finalist in the Intraoral Scanner Awards 2020, competing against top scanners like CEREC Primescan, 3Shape TRIOS4, and Medit i500. These scanners continue to set the standard in digital dentistry by ensuring the highest level of accuracy for treatment planning and execution.

Advantages of Digital Impressions

Precision and Accuracy in Dental Impressions

With digital impressions, every detail of the tooth structure is captured with remarkable precision, reducing errors and improving the overall fit of dental restorations.

Faster Results with Digital Impressions

Traditional impressions require shipping physical molds to labs, which takes days. Digital files can be sent instantly, significantly speeding up the workflow and reducing turnaround times.

Improved Patient Comfort

Gone are the days of uncomfortable trays filled with impression materials that trigger gag reflexes. Digital impressions are quick, non-invasive, and much more comfortable for patients. The iTero scanner is a prime example of patient-friendly technology that eliminates discomfort while delivering precise results.

Minimized Risk of Errors

Digital scanning reduces common errors associated with traditional impressions, such as material shrinkage, air bubbles, and distortions, leading to fewer remakes and better treatment efficiency.

Enhanced Treatment Planning

The high-resolution 3D models provide detailed insights, allowing dentists to plan treatments more effectively. The iTero Element Scanner plays a crucial role in orthodontic planning by enabling practitioners to visualize and customize treatments for braces and Invisalign®.

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Option

By eliminating disposable impression materials and reducing the need for physical molds, digital impressions contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly dental practice.

Better Communication with Dental Labs

Digital impressions allow for seamless collaboration between dentists and labs. Real-time scans can be shared instantly, ensuring precise fabrication and fewer corrections.

No More Messy Materials

Patients and dentists alike appreciate the clean, efficient nature of digital impressions. There’s no need for sticky, uncomfortable impression materials, making the process much more pleasant.

Easier Storage and Retrieval of Records

Digital records are securely stored and can be accessed at any time, eliminating the hassle of physical storage and potential loss or damage of traditional molds.

Streamlined Appointment Process

With faster scanning and processing times, digital impressions help reduce chair time, allowing for more efficient appointments and a better overall experience for patients.

Conclusion

At Confident Dental lab, we are your digital partners, embracing cutting-edge dental technology to provide the best care possible. We accept digital impressions from all major intraoral scanners, including award-winning devices such as iTero Element, CEREC Primescan, 3Shape TRIOS4, and Medit i500.