Dental impressions are bad enough, but there’s a better way to take them. Nowadays, there are many different ways to take dental impressions, including digital ones. Digital impressions use a small wand connected to a computer and creates digital images usable. This means no bulky metal tray, no goop, and no gagging.
The Traditional Impression Alternative
Goopy, gag worthy putty dental impressions have long been a common practice in dentist’s offices. Patients who dislike having the putty material sit in their mouths look for more modern methods. Digital scanner systems are the reliable answer and have an added benefit to dentists who want to get that perfect impression. Dr. Dan found that the Itero System eliminated the mess, and the need for repeated impressions. Most importantly, the final restorations are much more accurate with digital than the traditional method.
What is a Digital Impression Scanner?
A digital impression scanner is a device used by dentists to create a 3D image from a patient’s teeth. It works by scanning the surface of the tooth using lasers or other light sources. Digital impressions are a modern and convenient way to take very precise impressions. Patients who gag easily will appreciate the comfort of digital impressions. Traditional impressions require messy, goopy materials that are hard to clean up after.
Digital impressions provide a much cleaner and easier method of taking impressions. resulting data is then converted into a digital file which is used to create a permanent model. A digital impression scanner is much faster than taking multiple conventional impressions. In fact, a full mouth digital scan takes less than 5 minutes.
At Ponderosa Dental Group, we are proud owners of the Itero digital scanner, the latest, fastest and most accurate scanner on the market; this means fast accurate impressions with no goop, no gag and absolute precision. The Itero scanner is a state-of-the-art digital impression system that is accurate and eliminates the need for messy putty in your mouth. We can quickly and comfortably capture the 3D anatomy of your teeth and gums.
How Does a Digital Impression work?
The impression software allows Ponderosa Dental Group to ensure that teeth are properly shaped so that an ideal crown, implant, bridge or denture can be installed. A scan of your whole mouth takes just a minute or two. An added bonus of digital files is that if needed, they are easy to send to your preferred orthodontist for consultation.
The digital dental scanner provides our team with the needed detail to get great results, pain and mess free to our patients.
Digital impressions are then used to create molds of teeth that are used to make the needed crown, bridge, implant, partial denture, or dentures. We also use digital impressions to straighten teeth with Invisalign, make retainers, and make whitening trays to that bright, beautiful smile.
What are the Advantages of Digital Scanners?
Do you hate the idea of having messy and uncomfortable dental impressions? You are not alone! Lots of people find it difficult to tolerate ordinary tray impressions where a soft impression material is placed in the tray and which is then fitted in your mouth and left to set. Although it only takes a few minutes for the impression material to harden, it can seem like a lifetime for some people especially if you gag easily.
A good dental impression is necessary, so your new dental restoration can be accurately fabricated but thankfully, here at Ponderosa Dental Group, old-fashioned impression trays are a thing of the past. Our dental office is equipped with advanced scanning technology, so we can take digital impressions of your teeth. If you need a new crown, bridge, denture, night guard, then your teeth and gums can be digitally scanned to create a 3-D impression. Dr. Dan will take digital impressions if you need other types of restorations including dental bridges, veneers, retainers, whitening trays, or Invisalign. If you already have dental implants, we can digitally scan them when creating your implant-supported restorations.
If you would like to learn more about digital impressions and the other advanced technology we use at our office, please call Ponderosa Dental Group and schedule your appointment with Missoula’s best dentist, Dr. Dan, and make 2022 the year of the smile!
Visit our Instagram page @danmcfarlanddds or our website to see before and after photos of our patients!