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Do you dread the messy, “gooey” dental putty used to create impressions of your teeth? This traditional method is still widely used by many dentists, but over time, more and more dental professionals have switched to offer patients a less messy, more accurate alternative – a digital impression scanner. Find out what a cosmetic dentist in South Austin has to say about this latest advancement in dental technology and how it compares to traditional impressions.

WHAT IS A DIGITAL IMPRESSION SCANNER?

A digital impression scanner is a handheld device that your dentist uses to capture high-quality images of your mouth. Not only does it offer greater accuracy, but it lessens the likeliness you’ll experience any gagging while having the images taken.

There are various types of scanners available, but rest assured, if your dentist is using a digital impression scanner, they are interested and committed to providing patients with improved methods of technology to ensure more comfortability and better precision when preparing for various methods of dental treatment, such as placing a crown, bridge, or even a porcelain veneer.

TRADITIONAL VS. DIGITAL IMPRESSIONS

There is much debate as to how much better the scanner is in comparison to traditional impressions. To get an idea, here are some quick and easy ways to tell:

• Traditional impressions use a cold, dental putty. Digital impressions don’t leave patients feeling messy or with a bad taste in their mouth. Instead, it quickly scans your teeth and gums with no residue left behind.
• In order to achieve results, traditional impressions require the patient to sit for an estimated 45 seconds in order to create a mold. While digital scanners allow individuals to comfortably sit with their teeth resting normally as the dentist snaps images, it can take a minute and a half to retrieve accurate and precise results. However, the digital images create an exact replica of your mouth.
• The gagging effect is almost non-existent with digital impressions. This is because there is no cold putty being placed in the mouth. Some patients cannot control their gag reflex in this instance, which is why a digital impression scanner is a much better alternative.

Nowadays, technological advancements in the field of dentistry are making it possible for patients to have a more comfortable experience as well as faster procedures and recovery times because of greater accuracy of images obtained in the early stages of treatment. If you want to know more about the technology and equipment found in your dental office, ask a team member to explain how it’s used and how it will benefit you, your oral health, and your wallet.

About the Author

Dr. Jack Fan attended the University of California at San Diego before going on to pursue a doctorate at New York University College of Dentistry. Completing a general residency at LIJ Medical Center in Queens, he is certified in Level I Conscious Sedation. Dr. Fan is passionate about helping people achieve healthier, brighter smiles, and is dedicated to providing his patients with great opportunities for comfortability, faster treatment and recovery times. To find out about his state-of-the-art dental facility and technological equipment, contact us via our website or by calling (512) 361-4288.