Digital Impressions And Its Benefit
What are digital impressions? Digital impressions, evident by its name, is a cutting-edge technology that enables dentists to build a computer-generated, virtual replica of the soft and hard tissues in the mouth. This is done by using optical scanning devices such as lasers.
Digital impressions are dental scans taken with 3D scanning technology. The digital impression system captures the dentition with the use of polygons (triangles) and by that, it helps build up a highly accurate 3D image of the patient’s dentition.
What are the disadvantages of digital impressions?
Disadvantages of digital impressions
- Impressions of a full arch is less accurate than with conventional.
- High investment costs for hardware.
- High investment costs for training.
- Implementation will take time.
- Sizes of intraoral scanners are sometimes larger than impression trays.
The 3 types of dental impressions are:
- #1 Preliminary impressions.
- #2 Final impressions.
- #3 Bite registration impressions.
A significant benefit of digital impressioning is its accuracy. In a traditional impression workflow, there are many places where errors can occur that can lead to inaccurate results.
What are advantages of digital impressions?
Compared to intrusive and potentially inaccurate methods, digital dental impressions are faster, more efficient, more accurate, and more comfortable for your patient–a factor that, data tells us, increases their overall satisfaction and makes them more likely to recommend your practice.
One major benefit of digital dentistry is the use of advanced diagnostics technology like intraoral scanners and digital X-rays. Intraoral scanners create 3D images of the inside of the mouth by using optical scanning technology.
When your dentist has completely prepared the teeth that require restoration, a wand is used to take a digital image of the teeth. Dr. Tau explains that taking a digital impression of prepared teeth takes approximately a minute and a half, and an impression of the teeth in the opposite arch takes a mere 45 seconds.
What is the difference between digital and traditional dentistry?
Dental restorations created through traditional dental impressions are subject to human error. This is because imperfections can form in the cast when pulled from the patient’s mouth. Digital dental impressions, on the other hand, create digital images of teeth that cannot be altered.
Alginate continues to be the dental impression material of choice for full-mouth opposing impressions, study models, orthodontic appliances, mouthguards, and removable prosthetics, including complete and partial denture fabrication.
The future of dental care is digital, and it promises a world where treatments are not just efficient and precise but also tailored to meet the unique needs of every individual.
Contributed by: Ultimate Dental Lab, 150-28 Union Turnpike Flushing, NY 11367.