Digital dental impressions are a computer-generated replica of your oral anatomy captured using an intraoral scanner. These impressions are more accurate than traditional physical impressions and are a faster solution for mapping out a patient’s oral anatomy. Here is more information about the role of digital impressions in dental laboratories:
Why Are Digital Dental Impressions Necessary?
Unlike traditional impressions that require trays and impression materials, digital impressions provide dental technicians with precise 3D images of the teeth and gums. The technician can display the images on a monitor in real-time for analysis, store them, and share them electronically. The intraoral scanner used to capture digital impressions is a small handheld wand that fits comfortably in the mouth. This device eliminates the discomfort associated with traditional impressions and minimizes errors caused by material distortions or poor technique. Digital impressions also integrate seamlessly into computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems, enabling dental labs to fabricate restorations precisely. Here are some restorations performed by dental laboratories that require digital impressions:
Crowns and Bridges
Dental labs use digital impressions to determine precise fittings for crowns and bridges. Lab technicians take a digital dental impression, which they use to make a plaster model of your teeth. They then use CAD software to create a crown or bridge that fits the plaster model.
Inlays and Onlays
Dental inlays and onlays are custom restorations made to repair holes in the teeth caused by accidents or decay, which are too large to cover with a filling. Digital scanning allows dental technicians to capture an impression of the damage to the tooth. The resulting image helps them create inlays and onlays that fit the damaged area on the tooth perfectly.
Orthodontics
Digital data helps dental technicians to fabricate clear aligners, retainers, and other orthodontic appliances more accurately. The impression of your mouth helps technicians visualize intricate details of the teeth and gums, making it easier for them to make fitting orthodontic solutions. Digital data can be transmitted to the lab immediately after the intraoral scan, reducing patients’ wait times for orthodontics.
Benefits of Using Digital Impressions in Dental Labs
Digital impressions are an upgrade from traditional impressions, which rely on trays filled with dental putty that dentists place in a patient’s mouth to make a mold of their teeth. Capturing images of a patient’s oral anatomy digitally eliminates the discomfort of traditional methods. Here are some benefits of using digital impressions in dental labs:
Enhanced Accuracy
Traditional impressions are vulnerable to distortions from material shrinkage, improper handling, or environmental factors like humidity. Digital impressions provide superior accuracy as they are less susceptible to distortions. Intraoral scanners capture the exact dimensions of a patient’s dental structure, helping dental technicians create restorations that fit properly.
Improved Patient Comfort
Biting into a tray filled with sticky dental putty can be unpleasant, particularly for individuals with a strong gag reflex. Digital impressions are more comfortable for patients as having an intraoral wand in your mouth is less intrusive than dental putty. The accuracy of digital impressions also means you need fewer appointments for retakes.
Better Workflow Efficiency
Digital impressions improve workflow efficiency in dental labs because scanning takes a shorter time. Lab technicians do not need to mix materials or make molds when capturing digital impressions. Once they get the needed impressions, technicians transmit the data instantly to the lab. The efficiency in work processes allows labs to handle more cases at a time and meet patients’ needs better.
Work With Reputable Dental Laboratories
Digital impressions provide an efficient solution for dental laboratories that create restorations like crowns, bridges, and dental aligners. These impressions provide an accurate image of your oral anatomy, allowing dental technicians to create solutions best suited to your needs. Send your digital impressions to a reputable lab that can provide high-quality dental solutions today.