Digital dental impressions mean no more putty impressions.

Dental impressions are used widely in cosmetic dentistry. The conventional method is to use putty to create a mold that can be used to create a cast (a replica of your teeth), which is then utilized for procedures such as crowns, veneers, braces, implants, and bridges.

If you’ve had the traditional putty method done before, do you recall how long the process took and how the rubbery-tasting putty made you gag? You’ll be thrilled to hear that there is another option waiting for you. The intraoral scan (otherwise known as digital dental impressions) is a fast, effective way for your dentist to get an accurate map of your mouth.

What is an intraoral scan?

If you have had a traditional dental impression done, you may remember a complicated procedure involving putty in a tray, which is pressed firmly onto your arch of teeth. This is followed by an unpleasant-tasting gooey material, and after all that, if the impression isn’t perfect, the process will have to be repeated. 

Your dentist can take a digital dental impression of your mouth using cutting-edge technology—an intraoral scanner.

The intraoral scanner is a revolutionary method for creating a 3D digital replica of your mouth. Your dentist will systematically move a compact wand and scanner across your teeth while the scanner takes thousands of detailed images. 

The device’s software processes the scan into three-dimensional images that appear on a large screen. This allows both you and your dentist to observe the pictures as they are being taken, making it possible for you to discuss the entire process with your dentist as it’s being done. 

Digital dental impressions are comfortable.

Having scans taken by an intraoral scanner is completely pain free, because nothing has to be pushed uncomfortably into your mouth. And who doesn’t want pain-free procedures? There will also be no more gagging on unfavorably flavored putty. While the comfort of this new type of procedure is certainly appealing, it’s not the only advantage.

Intraoral scans are extremely accurate.

This technology allows your dentist to create an incredibly accurate map of your mouth. With the putty method, there’s always a high risk of error—especially in the crevices where the teeth meet the gums. 

The technician can enlarge the 3D image to amplify the detail to check more precisely for any errors. The entire result of a digital dental impression is much more detailed and exact than a putty impression would be. This means that whatever procedure you’re having an impression made for will be more likely to fit your teeth exactly the way it’s supposed to—providing you with better results. 

Digital dental Impressions are faster. 

The imaging is easy, effortless, and only takes a couple minutes. If a small area needs to be redone, the whole scan does not need to be repeated. Your dentist can simply rescan the small area and the computer will stitch the images together. Subsequently, you’ll spend less time in the dental chair. 

Not only is the process faster for you, it’s faster for the whole team. Traditional impressions have to be snail mailed to the lab, which takes time, but 3D images can be sent digitally. What does this mean? Your crowns, veneers, or braces will be ready sooner, and you’ll be able to start treatment sooner. 

We’re committed to providing excellent service.

Doctor Oxley and his team stay up-to-date on the latest technology for healthier, happier mouths. Intraoral scanners are one of those amazing technologies they make use of to ensure you receive treatment more comfortably and in a shorter time frame. 

If you love the idea of switching from putty to perfect digital dental impressions, contact Oxley comprehensive Dentistry today!