Digital Impressions and Scanning


Find UK Dentists »

Dentistry is evolving and advancing at a rapid pace and traditional methods are being replaced by new and innovative technology. The introduction of new technology often improves accuracy and efficacy of treatment, reduces time in the dental chair, increases cost-effectiveness and makes the process less stressful and time-consuming for both the patient and the dentist.

Digital impressions

Digital impressions offer a clean, accurate and quick alternative to traditional methods of forming impressions, which are traditionally used to create new restorations and plan treatment.


Traditionally, creating an impression involves using dental putty to form a mould of the mouth; not only is this messy and potentially inaccurate; it may also be very uncomfortable and unpleasant for the patient, especially if they feel anxious or they have a very sensitive gag reflex. When a dentist creates a mould in this way, they insert the putty into the mouth and then shape it, so that it covers the teeth and gums; when the putty sets, a model of the mouth is formed. These models are then sent away to a laboratory where dental technicians will use them as a basis for a new restoration, such as a crown or bridge, or a gum shield for sport, for example.

Digital impressions are a new and improved version of traditional methods, which enable dentists to produce and use incredibly detailed and accurate images of the mouth within minutes. Digital technology also enables easy and quick sharing, which means that dentists can share images with technicians and other professionals (for example, in the case of a referral) in seconds.

With digital technology, you can obtain both digital images and videos.

Scanning

Scanning is often associated with medicine; however, it is becoming increasingly commonplace in dentistry and has a number of important roles to play. Scanners are now found in many modern dental clinics and they can be used in treatment planning and diagnostics.

Scanning helps in the diagnosis of dental diseases and produces results quickly, which can speed up the treatment process and reduce the risk of further complications. Scan images can also aid dentists in planning treatment and drawing up individual patient plans; most notably, scans are instrumental in preparing for successful implant treatment. The images are used to locate the best site for the implant and guide the dentist when they are placing the implants; finding the optimum location reduces the chances of implant failure.

This guide will provide information about digital impressions and scanning within dentistry, including their roles, comparisons between new and traditional techniques and the benefits they offer to dentists and dental patients.

« ClearSmile Treatment Cost and Comparison What are digital impressions? »



Guide to Digital Impressions and Scanning




Further Information about Dental Treatment