Digital Impressions
Wausau, WI
Impressions are an important part of dentistry. They enable us to create a variety of dental restorations, including porcelain veneers, crowns, bridges, and dentures. They are also used for orthodontic treatment, creating whitening trays, and so much more. Taking dental impressions used to be messy and uncomfortable. Technology, however, has improved the process. At Wanserski Dental Center for Complex Dentistry, we take impressions of your mouth using digital impressions.
What Exactly are Digital Impressions?
Traditionally, dental impressions have been made using what is called impression putty. Impression putty is not just messy; it can also be uncomfortable. It can cause some patients to gag, which can then lead to anxiety and the avoidance of other treatments that require impressions. Impression putty is also not always very accurate, which can lead to ill-fitting restorations. As a result, you might need multiple adjustments and additional impressions.
Today, however, these issues are a thing of the past. Digital impressions have greatly improved the impression process, making it smoother and more comfortable, thereby improving the patient experience. Taking these impressions involves the use of a small optical scanner, which is attached to a computer. As we move the scanner around in your mouth, it captures a digital scan of your teeth and gums. The scan is then translated into a 3-dimensional impression on the computer monitor. The image appears almost immediately. The entire process is completely painless and takes only just a few minutes to complete.
How are Digital Impressions Used?
Digital impressions have many uses. One common use is for the creation of dental restorations. A scan provides us with exact measurements of your teeth and gums so that we can accurately design and create a variety of restorations such as veneers and crowns. They also allow for the creation of bridges, dentures, and crowns for dental implants.
Digital impressions allow for faster restorations to be created. Many come with in-house technology that enables the creation of restorations on-site. This avoids the need for an additional appointment. Even if the restoration is made in an off-site lab, there is a significantly lower chance that additional impressions, and a longer wait time, will be needed.
Digital impressions also allow for much more effective orthodontic treatment. Because the impressions are so accurate, your treatment plan can be more accurately created, enabling much more effective treatment and optimal results.
Why Digital Impressions?
The process for taking the impressions is quick. We can scan your entire mouth in just a matter of minutes. It is also much more comfortable than taking impressions with impression putty. This helps to improve the patient experience greatly.
Because digital impressions are more comfortable, this can provide great relief for patients with anxiety. You do not have to worry about gagging on messy putty. This issue is completely avoided thanks to the handheld optical scanner. By helping to reduce anxiety, those who might avoid dental treatment can easily get the care that they need.
Digital impressions provide much greater accuracy. With exact 1 to 1 measurement, we are better able to create restorations that will fit perfectly within your mouth. When your restorations are more accurate, there is a significantly lower chance of needing additional appointments for adjustments.
Finally, digital impressions are easily stored in your digital file. We do not have to worry about storing a physical impression, which could get lost or damaged. Instead, your impression can be easily accessed with the click of a button. It can also easily be sent to any specialists if necessary.
Digital impressions have greatly improved upon the process of taking necessary dental impressions. For more information, contact Wanserski Dental Center for Complex Dentistry at (715) 848-2435 today. |
