What is Digital Impression Taking & Why Should You Consider It?

As a dentist that relies on conventional impression-taking, chances are you’re familiar with:

• Cumbersome tasks such as selecting trays, preparing materials, disinfecting impressions and organizing couriers;

• Imprecision caused by drags, voids and bubbles in impression material;

• Patients complaining about uncomfortable trays, gagging and retakes;

• Lost productivity as ill-fitting restorations necessitate repeat appointments and remakes.

Indeed, predictable and accurate impressions and bite registrations have always been one of the more difficult procedures to perform consistently. A host of variables present daily challenges, making conventional impression-taking an inexact science.

Are you aware that

• 50% of conventional impressions do not show the entire preparation margin needed to fabricate a dental prosthesis;

• 90% of conventional impressions have incomplete registration of finish lines;

• And as a result, 36% of dentists retake impressions three or more times per month.

Digital dentistry, however, has arrived and is set to revolutionize your practice’s efficiency, flexibility and overall patient experience.

So... what exactly does digital impression-taking involve?

An intra-oral scanning wand, connected to a computer processing unit, houses a camera and records oral structures by capturing points of light.

Light is converted into digital data which is then rendered into a 3D on-screen, virtually articulated model of your patient's mouth as scans of the prep, opposing and bite are stitched together.

A monitor enables you to complete an on-screen electronic prescription form as well as preview the prep and review the impression with your patient chairside.

Wireless internet connectivity facilitates swift transmission of your digital impression to SCDL, meaning we can provide immediate clinical advice, feedback and discuss case parameters.

SCDL's in-house digital workflow – whereby models and restorations are digitally produced at the one facility – maximizes your practice's efficiency, marketability and bottom line.

Digital technology eliminates many chemical processes, meaning that error accumulation during both treatment and the manufacturing cycle is minimized.  With intra-oral scanners, we can say goodbye to:

• Air bubbles, drags and voids

• Tray displacement and movement

• Insufficient/inadequate impression material or adhesive

• Distortion from disinfecting procedures

• Problems during transit

SCDL is pleased to announce agreements with pioneers in the digital landscape that sees us now selling: