The last time you got a crown from your dentist, you may remember that they needed to make a mold of your tooth by having you bite down on some putty. You might also recall that the putty was quite messy and uncomfortable to hold in your mouth. As such, you’ll be happy to know that the next time you need a restoration made, there likely won’t be a need for such materials. Instead, your dentist can take a digital impression of your teeth; not only is this easier and more comfortable for you, but it also helps ensure that you get the best restoration possible.
How Digital Impressions Work
There are many ways to capture digital impressions. One common method is to use a handheld device such as iTero to scan the entire mouth. During the scan, multiple pictures of the teeth are taken. Once the scan is complete, all of the images are combined to create a single comprehensive model. This captures all of the details about your teeth and gums, which allows a dental lab to create a crown or another restoration based on the unique shape of your smile.
What are the Benefits of Digital Impressions?
Digital impressions are more efficient and more accurate than traditional impressions, and they offer the following benefits for patients and dental professionals alike:
- Improved Fit: High quality digital scans make it easier to be as accurate as possible when designing a restoration. It’s much more likely that you’ll receive a crown that fits properly the first time when the lab has a digital scan to work off of. As a result, your new restoration will feel as great as it looks.
- Saves Time: You have to sit very still for several minutes while having an impression taken with dental putty. In contrast, digital impressions can be completed much more quickly, reducing the amount of time you spend in the dental chair.
- Fewer Errors: Traditional impressions taken with putty are prone to error, and sometimes they need to be redone. This is rarely a problem with digital scans, which paint a complete picture of your mouth the first time.
- Faster Turnaround Time: Instead of shipping a physical mold through the mail, your dentist can send a digital impression directly to a trusted dental lab in just a few seconds. As a result, you may not have to wait as long for your final restoration to be made.
Talk to your dentist today to see if they’re taking advantage of the latest technology for their restorative treatments. Your smile deserves the very best, and that means restorations that have been precisely designed with the help of digital scans.
About Our Practice
At Dallas Esthetics, we’ve been helping patients smile for over 4 decades. Restorative and cosmetic dentists Dr. Higginbottom, Dr. Derksen, and Dr. Hildebrand are all trained to provide the best that modern dentistry has to offer. The restorations that they provide are based on state-of-the-art digital scans, making them even more comfortable and reliable. To schedule a restorative consultation, visit our website or call (214) 827-1150.
