Dentistry's "Next Big Thing"- Digital Impressions

Dentistry’s “Next Big Thing” - Digital Impressions

The age of digital dentistry has arrived in full force and is changing the way dentists provide dental care. Digital radiographs are becoming the norm. CAD/CAM-created restorations are proving to meet and even exceed expectations. We use CAT scan technology to identify implant placement with accuracy never before thought possible. Digital technology has a tremendous impact on all aspects of how dentistry is practiced today

Seeing all the positive effects that digital dentistry has had on our practices, it's time for all dentists to begin to take a serious look at the “next big thing” in the digital world of dentistry — digital impression systems.

 “What is a digital impression system?” The basics start with capturing an image of a tooth (or teeth) crown, onlay or veneer preparation using a camera to capture the desired image. This image is then electronically transferred to a manufacturing facility which fabricates a working, articulated model. This model is then sent to the lab of choice. From this model, a multitude of different restorations can be fabricated — crowns, bridges, inlays/onlays, and veneers are all possible. ( see figure 1)

Benefits of digital impressions

Using a digital impression system provides many benefits to your patients and your practice.

1.   Digital impressions eliminate the uncomfortable experience of making a physical impression. Taking impressions can be stressful for the doctor and assistant and uncomfortable, stressful, or even traumatic for the patient.

2. Digital impressions are an incredible teaching tool because the dentist can evaluate the preparation on a 19-inch monitor (see figure 2)

3. The image on the monitor shows you if you have captured all the needed data before sending it to the lab.  When the impression is displayed on a 19-inch monitor, we can rotate it and see every detail. We know before we send the impression if we need more data. (see figure 3)

4. The accuracy of the model allows the laboratory technician to fabricate a final restoration that has excellent marginal fit and incredibly accurate occlusion (the way the teeth bite together).

5. Immediate- and long-term benefits are realized by being able to see if proper occlusal reduction has been achieved.  If you’ve ever had a filling or crown feel “too high” like you were biting on it before any other tooth, that is the feeling you get if the “occlusal reduction” has not been achieved. (see figure 4)

6. Because of these reasons, there should be a noticeable reduction in remakes.

 7. Disinfection of impressions is now a non-issue with a digital system.

8. Recordkeeping. The digital impression can be stored indefinitely.

9. Reduction of inventory, streamlining procedures, and going green. There is no longer a need to keep large amounts of impression materials in the office. Digital data is thrown away with the “delete” button. The environmental “footprint” of digital impressions is significantly smaller than traditional impression materials. Just think about the volume of used impression materials thrown away daily. Also, with no physical impressions, there is no need for impression trays. That results in a dramatic drop in the use of plastics associated with disposable impression trays. Lastly, we eliminate the need to retake an impression, and we expect a minimization of remakes. Both of these factors will reduce the volume of traditional impression material used.

 The benefits of digital impressions are many and this is an exciting time for dental offices to be able to offer this wonderful new technology to their patients.