Digital Impressions
by Dr. Mehryar Issac Ebrahimi, DDS | Beverly Wilshire Dental Group
What Are Digital Impressions?
A digital impression is created using a small handheld scanner that captures a detailed, three-dimensional digital model of your teeth and gums. Rather than biting into a tray of putty material and waiting for it to set, the scanner is moved gently around your mouth, capturing images that are compiled into a precise digital replica. This digital model can then be used for a range of purposes, including designing crowns, planning orthodontic treatment, or fabricating other custom dental appliances.
The Benefits of Digital Impressions
1. A More Comfortable Experience
Many patients find digital scanning more comfortable than traditional impression material, particularly those with a sensitive gag reflex or who have found putty impressions unpleasant in the past.
2. Greater Accuracy
Digital scanners capture fine detail with a high degree of precision, which can contribute to a more accurate fit for crowns, aligners, and other custom-made dental appliances.
3. Immediate Results
Unlike traditional impressions, which require the material to set and then be sent to a lab, digital impressions are available immediately, allowing Dr. Ebrahimi to review the scan right away and, in some cases, begin same-day treatment planning.
4. Easier to Retake if Needed
If a portion of a digital scan needs to be redone, only that specific area typically needs to be rescanned, rather than repeating the entire impression process as would be required with traditional putty material.
5. Supports a Range of Treatments
Digital impressions are used for many types of treatment, including crowns, veneers, clear aligners, nightguards, and dental implant planning, making the technology broadly useful across different types of dental care.
Common Myths About Digital Impressions
Myth: "Digital impressions are less accurate than traditional molds." Digital scanning technology is generally highly precise and, in many cases, can produce more consistently accurate results than traditional putty impressions, which can be affected by material shrinkage or handling.
Myth: "The scanning process is uncomfortable or time-consuming." Most patients find digital scanning quick and comfortable, often completing the process in just a few minutes without the taste, texture, or gagging sensation sometimes associated with traditional impression material.
Myth: "Digital impressions can only be used for cosmetic procedures." Digital impressions are used across a wide range of treatments, including restorative procedures like crowns and bridges, orthodontic treatment, and various other custom dental appliances.
Myth: "You still need a traditional mold as a backup, just in case." Digital impressions are designed to be a complete, standalone alternative to traditional impressions and are used as the primary method for many treatments without requiring a backup mold.
Myth: "Only high-tech or specialty practices use digital impressions." Digital impression technology has become increasingly common in general dental practices, including practices like Beverly Wilshire Dental Group, as the technology has become more accessible.
Myth: "Digital scanning takes longer than a traditional impression." In many cases, digital scanning is faster than waiting for traditional impression material to set, and it eliminates the need to redo an entire impression if a small area needs adjustment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the digital scanning process uncomfortable? Most patients find it comfortable, and many prefer it to traditional impression material, since there's no putty taste or texture and no waiting for material to set in your mouth.
How long does a digital impression take? Scanning typically takes just a few minutes, depending on how much of your mouth needs to be captured for your specific treatment.
What types of treatments use digital impressions? Digital impressions are used for a range of treatments, including crowns, veneers, clear aligners, nightguards, and planning for dental implants, among other applications.
Can I see my digital scan? Yes, in many cases, Dr. Ebrahimi can show you the digital model on a screen, which can be helpful for understanding your treatment and visualizing the plan.
Are digital impressions more expensive than traditional ones? Cost is generally tied to the specific treatment being planned rather than the impression method itself. Our office can address any billing questions related to your treatment plan.
Will my crown or aligners fit better with a digital impression? Digital impressions are designed to capture precise detail, which can contribute to a more accurate fit for custom-made restorations and appliances compared to some traditional impression methods.
Do all dental treatments require a digital impression? Not every treatment requires an impression, digital or otherwise. Dr. Ebrahimi will let you know when a digital scan is needed as part of your specific treatment plan.
Experience a More Comfortable Impression Process
At Beverly Wilshire Dental Group, Dr. Ebrahimi uses digital impression technology to make the process of planning your treatment more comfortable, efficient, and precise. If you have questions about how digital impressions may be part of your upcoming treatment, we're happy to discuss it during your visit.
Digital Impressions: A More Comfortable Way to Capture Your Smile
Taking an accurate impression of your teeth is a necessary step for many dental treatments, from crowns to clear aligners. At Beverly Wilshire Dental Group, Dr. Ebrahimi uses digital impression technology to replace the traditional putty-based molds many patients remember, offering a more comfortable and precise alternative.