What is a digital impression?
Technology has made significant advances in many industries possible. Dentistry is no exception. In the last 10-15 years, there has been a move towards digital dentistry. So what exactly is digital dentistry? We will explain all about this, as well as digital impressions in this blog post.
What is digital dentistry?
Generally speaking, digital dentistry is dental treatment performed with the aid of computers and scanners. Instead of using analogue methods such as molds and stone models, all the treatment for patients is planned on the computer using 3D scans and 3D images of the teeth. There are many digital dentistry programs available nowadays which help dentists to digitally plan a patients’ treatment. Often the patient can view the expected treatment and even trial the end result. Examples of where digital dentistry are used nowadays include Invisalign clear aligners, CEREC same day crowns, implant surgery planning and digital smile design (which is used for smile makeover treatments).
What is a digital impression?
A digital impression or scan is a 3D electronic image of a patients’ teeth. This is used instead of the conventional dental molds in the planning of treatment for patients. Usually an intra-oral scanner (like a camera) is used to create this digital image. It takes numerous photographs of a patients’ mouth to create a 3D image of the mouth. These days, the accuracy of these scans is excellent. In some cases, they can be more accurate than conventional molds as they are not subject to inaccuracies such as drying out, deformation and improper storage or decontamination.
What are the benefits of digital impressions?
- They are more comfortable and better tolerated by most patients. If you have ever gagged on a dental mold, you will most likely prefer to have a digital impression instead. Most patients do not gag when they have a digital scan done as there isn’t any gooey material touching your palate or tongue.
- They are less messy. Molds can get over your face and get stuck in facial hair.
- They can be faster to have done than some mold materials, which can take up to 5 minutes to set.
- They can’t get lost! In the unlikely outcome of a mold getting misplaced or lost, it would have to be re-done. Most digital impressions can be sent electronically, so there isn’t this problem. Most systems are fully backed up as well.
- They can’t develop inaccuracies from the mold material drying out or deforming.
Ask your dentist today if you can ditch the gluggy molds and have digital impressions taken instead. We are happy to offer digital impressions to all patients at our Claremont dental clinic. All of our Claremont dentists are fully trained in the use of digital dentistry technology. We truly believe this is the way forward for providing a better quality of care and treatment to all of our patients.
Do you have more questions about digital dentistry and how you can benefit from it? Call our friendly Claremont dental team on 6143 5655. You can also book a consultation with our Claremont dentists right here.
