Technology has greatly changed dentistry, making it more efficient and precise by transforming traditional practices. One technological advancement that has changed the game is digital dental impressions.
At Enamel Dental, we use the latest dental technology to provide the best care for our patients. This guide explains how digital dental impressions work, along with the advantages, costs, and their use in dentistry.
What Are Digital Dental Impressions?
Digital dental impressions are a modern way to take detailed pictures and measurements of a person’s teeth and mouth. Digital impressions create a 3D virtual model of the patient’s teeth. They use advanced technology instead of physical molds and messy materials like traditional impressions.
How Do They Work?
The process of obtaining digital dental impressions is a seamless and patient-friendly experience. Here’s how it typically works:
1. Intraoral Scanner: Dental professionals use an intraoral scanner, a small camera device, to scan the surfaces of your teeth. The scanner captures multiple images of your teeth from various angles, creating a comprehensive digital representation.
2. Real-time Imaging: As the scanner moves across your teeth, you can view the digital images in real-time on a computer screen. This enables immediate adjustments and guarantees accurate capture of all necessary areas.
3. Digital Model: The software processes the images to generate a 3D digital model of your teeth.
After completing the digital impression, you can save it or send it to dental labs or specialists if needed.
How Long Do Digital Impressions Take?
One of the standout advantages of digital dental impressions is their speed and efficiency. Traditional impressions can be time-consuming and uncomfortable for patients. In contrast, dentists or dental assistants complete digital impressions in a matter of minutes, significantly reducing chair time. Patients appreciate the brevity of the procedure and the comfort it provides.
Dental professionals can now create mouth guards in under two weeks for patients who struggle with grinding. At Enamel Dental, we use digital impressions to create brux guards, and have a turnaround time of approximately two weeks!
Are Digital Dental Impressions More Accurate?
Accuracy is paramount in dentistry, and digital impressions excel in this regard. The precision of digital impressions minimizes the risk of errors that can occur with traditional molds. The high-definition 3D images show detailed teeth information, helping with treatment planning and accurate restorations for patients.
What Are the Advantages?
The benefits of opting for digital dental impressions are abundant:
1. Enhanced Patient Comfort
- No need for gooey impression materials
- Reduced gag reflex discomfort
2. Speedy Process
- Minimized chair time
- Immediate viewing of results
3. Exceptional Accuracy
- Improved restoration fit and function
4. Eco-Friendly
- Eliminates the need for disposable impression trays and materials
5. Enhanced Communication
- Easy sharing of digital impressions with dental labs
- Improved collaboration among dental specialists
6. Improved Patient Experience
- Reduced anxiety and discomfort during impressions
- Greater involvement in treatment planning
What Is the Difference Between Traditional and Digital Impressions?
While both traditional and digital impressions serve the same purpose, they differ significantly in several aspects:
Traditional Impressions
- Reliant on physical molds and impression materials
- More prone to distortions and errors
- Longer chair time
- Uncomfortable for some patients
Digital Impressions
- Utilize 3D scanning technology
- Highly accurate and detailed
- Quick and comfortable
- Eco-friendly and efficient
What Are the Drawbacks of Using Digital?
Digital dental impressions have many benefits, but they may not work for every dental practice. The initial investment in technology can be costly for dental practices. There is a learning curve for dentists and staff in adopting digital techniques.
At Enamel Dental we recognize the importance of embracing digital impression technology in our practice early on. We promise to give our patients the best care, making sure they are comfortable and happy during their dental treatment. Digital impressions help dentists make better diagnoses, treatment plans, and restorations, leading to improved outcomes for patients.
Digital Impressions in Practice
Dentures, whether partial or complete, require precise measurements to ensure a comfortable fit and natural appearance. Digital impressions improve denture fit, enhance smile and quality of life by making the process easier and faster.
Implant dentistry relies heavily on accuracy to ensure successful implant placement. Digital impressions provide implant dentists with precise 3D mouth images, aiding in accurate planning and placement of dental implants. This increases the chances of successful outcomes and reduces the risk of complications.
How Much Do Digital Impressions Cost?
The price of digital dental impressions can change based on factors like case complexity and the dental practice’s location. In general, digital impressions may be slightly more expensive upfront because of the technology’s initial investment. However, they can ultimately save patients money by reducing the need for remakes and adjustments associated with traditional impressions.
In conclusion, digital dental impressions have welcomed a new era of precision, comfort, and efficiency in dentistry. They help with dental procedures like braces and implants because they are accurate, fast, and patient-friendly.
Enamel Dental, your trusted Penticton Dentist, uses advanced dental technology to give you the best care possible. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment for digital impressions, feel free to contact us.
Your journey to a healthier, more beautiful smile begins here.