If you have gotten orthodontic treatment or a restoration in the past, you are probably familiar with the process of taking dental impressions. Back in the day, this process involved biting down on a gooey material to form a perfect mold of your smile. The good news is that this practice is a thing of the past. However, this begs the question: how do digital impressions result in better fitting restorations? Here’s what you should know.
How Do Digital Impression Systems Work?
Creating a digital impression used to require biting down onto a mold of dental putty. However, this isn’t usually the cleanest approach, and it can be uncomfortable to the patient. Today, the process has been completely digitized. Your dentist can now scan your teeth with a handheld instrument and form a highly detailed impression in just minutes! This eliminates the mess and discomfort.
With these highly accurate impressions, your dentist can zoom in on the image that has been captured and see all of the smallest details. This gives them the ability to better diagnose and treat you. You don’t need to worry about getting a restoration that doesn’t fit quite right either. This method is very precise, so your high expectations will be met!
What Are the Benefits of Digital Impression Systems?
When you see a dentist who uses digital impressions, you can experience a wide range of benefits. Here are some of the most notable ones.
- Improved impression quality
- Quicker process
- More comfortable for the patient
- Reduces risk of errors
- Impressions stored electronically
- More eco-friendly
What Makes Digital Impressions More Accurate Than Traditional Impressions?
Digital impressions are easier, quicker, and more accurate than the traditional method that uses putty. Your dentist can scan your teeth and gums to get a complete 3D model of your mouth. It pretty much eliminates the possibility of errors occurring in the process. For instance, if you need a crown to protect a damaged tooth, digital impressions can ensure that the crown fits comfortably on the tooth and next to the neighboring teeth. Digital impressions are also ready almost right away. There isn’t a wait time for the results.
If you need a new dental restoration, you might want to see an orthodontist who has a digital impressions system. This way, you can look forward to precise, permanent restorations.
About the Author
Dr. Sean M. Altenbach earned his dental doctorate from the University of Florida. Today, he is DOCS certified as well as a certified Invisalign provider. He is actively involved with several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, International Congress of Oral Implantologists, Northeast District Dental Association, and Guild of Dental Scholars. To learn more about dental technology or to schedule an appointment at his office in Jacksonville, visit his website or call (904) 448-0441.