Dental digital scanning and impressions allow dentists to create accurate maps of their patients’ oral cavities. This process involves a wand-like digital scanner connected to a computer equipped with specialized software, which processes and displays the detailed results.
During the procedure, the dentist gently guides the wand over the patient’s upper and lower teeth. As the scanner moves, it captures a precise digital impression of the oral cavity, providing a comprehensive view without the need for traditional molds.
Difference between traditional and digital scanning/impressioning
There are several distinctions between digital scanning and impressioning procedures and the traditional methods. Some of the key differences include:
Risk of Introducing Errors
Traditional impressions require numerous materials and steps, making the process delicate and prone to errors. Factors such as material defects, improper settings, and human error can easily lead to inaccuracies.
Number of Visits
Digital impressions often reduce the need for multiple visits to the dentist’s office. Dentists can quickly fabricate restorations on-site, allowing patients to complete their dental work in a single visit.
Comfort and Convenience Levels
Traditional impression techniques involve placing impression materials in the mouth for up to five minutes, which can be uncomfortable, especially for patients prone to gagging. Digital techniques use a scanner to swiftly and effectively capture an accurate digital impression of the patient’s mouth.
Accuracy
With traditional techniques, dentists rely on a visual evaluation of negative impressions, making it challenging to spot errors. If mistakes occur, the entire process must be repeated, which is inconvenient and time-consuming for both the dentist and patient.
Digital impressions, however, provide clear and magnifiable images for accurate evaluation. If a section is missing, dental professionals can easily re-scan only the specific area, avoiding the need to redo the entire impression. This process efficiently fills in any missing data without introducing new errors.
Benefits of Digital Scanning and Impressions
Patients can experience numerous advantages with digital scanning and impressions, such as:
- Reduced Chair Time: Procedures are completed more quickly, leading to shorter appointments.
- Enhanced Image Quality: High-quality images ensure better-fitting restorations for optimal dental solutions.
- Increased Comfort: Eliminates the need for uncomfortable and distasteful materials that might cause gagging.
- Patient Comfort and Anxiety Reduction: Provides a more comfortable experience, leading to less anxiety for patients during procedures.
- Error Reduction: Minimizes the likelihood of errors and inaccuracies associated with traditional materials.
- Efficient Recordkeeping: Digital storage allows for long-term retention of impressions, saving space and promoting organized recordkeeping.
- Eco-Friendly Approach: Supports a paper-free environment by eliminating the need for disposable materials and plastic trays.
