The Benefits of Digital Imaging and Impressions

Dr. Andrew Glenn utilizes cutting edge dental technology to create precise restorations and provide overall superior results. One of these advances is the advent of digital imaging and impressions. Digital imaging and impressions can be used for a variety of dental treatments and offer many benefits to patients and dentists. To find out which treatments are right for you, or to learn more about the benefits of digital imaging and impressions, schedule a consultation at our Lincoln, NE practice.

What Is Digital Imaging?

Digital imaging is an advanced technology used to create impressions of the teeth and soft tissues of the mouth. Digital imaging creates a precise replica of the teeth and tissues within the mouth using special lasers and other optical scanning technologies.

Through digital imaging, highly accurate digital impression may be quickly made, avoiding the messy nature of traditional impressions. Once digital impressions are captured, they are stored in a computer where they can be accessed to craft precise dental restorations.

Digital Impressions versus Traditional Impressions

The process for taking digital impressions is faster, more comfortable, and less messy than traditional methods. With traditional impressions, a special paste or molding material is applied to the teeth or area being treated. Errors and defects are more likely to occur with traditional impressions as a result of human error, material defects, or an improper setting of the molding material. Digital impressions eliminate many areas of potential error because no molding materials are used and digital imaging devices precisely capture the dimensions of the teeth and tissues.

Which Treatments Utilize Digital Imaging and Impressions?

Digital imaging and impressions can be used for virtually any dental treatment that requires impressions. Some common treatments in which digital impressions may be used include porcelain crowns, dental bridges, Invisalign®, porcelain veneers, inlays, and onlays.

The Benefits of Digital Imaging and Impressions

Digital imaging and impressions offer many benefits to the patient and dentist. Digital imaging and impressions provide highly accurate digital replicas of the teeth, gums, and other soft-tissues of the mouth without the need for messy pastes or modeling materials used for traditional impressions. Some of the many benefits of digital imaging and impressions include:

• Impressions are stored electronically for easy access
• Issues may be diagnosed immediately, as no time is needed for processing images
• Precise imaging allows for improved fit of restorations
• Saves time for the patient and dentist
• Reduces post-procedure adjustments
• More environmentally friendly than physical impressions
• Digital impressions are more accurate than traditional impressions
• May be used to make same-day restorations
• Reduces the likelihood of impression-taking errors
• Digital impressions are fast, generally taking between three to five minutes to complete
• Beneficial for those who find that traditional impression materials trigger their gag reflex
• More comfortable experience than traditional impression-taking methods

Learn More about Your Treatment Options

Digital imaging and impressions are fast, convenient, and highly accurate, making them one of today's leading cutting-edge advancements in dental technology. To find out how digital imaging and impressions may benefit you, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Glenn.

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