Kingsport, TN
Who doesn’t remember the messy, gag-inducing material that dentists once used in trays for dental impressions? Once upon a time, this was the best way to gather information about the intricate details of a person’s mouth and teeth. Thankfully, dental impressions — and many other aspects of dentistry — have evolved and benefited from advancements in dental technology, and dentists and patients alike are embracing the changes. Our dental lab professionals at Premier Dental Arts are summarizing today how technology is helping dental practices overcome traditional impression challenges.
What are the issues with traditional impressions?
Discomfort — No one loves the feeling a tray full of gooey material being shoved in their mouths. Dental hygienists would often apologize before performing the procedure, which often caused a gag reflex in patients. In fact, the process caused some patients so much anxiety that they wouldn’t visit the dentist for their routine checkups and cleanings.
Time-consuming — As if it isn’t uncomfortable enough to have the tray of gooey material shoved in your mouth, waiting while the material set properly feels like an eternity.
Inaccuracy — Traditional impressions are not always accurate, resulting in ill-fitting restorations that leave a dentist and patient frustrated. This potential inaccuracy can also compromise the outcome of someone’s treatment.
Fortunately, technological advancements have created options that help dentists mitigate or eliminate challenges with traditional impressions.
Digital Impressions — Digital impressions using intraoral scanners have revolutionized the way dental impressions are taken. The scanners eliminate the need for impression material and create highly accurate 3D models of a patient’s teeth and soft tissues of the mouth. Unlike the traditional tray of goopy material, the digital image process is quick and comfortable.
Improved materials — Some practices may still use traditional impression methods, but the materials have evolved to eliminate many of the shortcomings of outdated products, including discomfort and inaccuracy.
Efficiency and precision — Digital impressions improve patient comfort and enhance the efficiency and precision of dental workflows. The 3D models that scanners produce can be manipulated and analyzed digitally, allowing for precise treatment planning and restoration fabrication.
What are the downsides?
With any technological advancement comes extra costs associated with equipment and ongoing training, but the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term challenges. Patients and dentists, alike, benefit from a more efficient, accurate and comfortable experience with digital impressions.
Dental impressions throughout the Southeast United States
Dentistry has entered an era of being able to deliver quick, comfortable and efficient care to patients. This is especially important for patients who, citing these issues, avoid the dentist. Nothing is more frustrating than having to repeat a messy, uncomfortable impression when it gets to the lab and something prevents us from being able to use it. Digital imaging, or at least using more modern material for impressions, is a way to get it right the first time, leading to satisfactory results for the patient, the dentist and the lab. If you have any questions, contact us at Premier Dental Arts, (888) 732-5221, or reach us online today.