Digital Impressions vs Goopy Trays: What Changes for You
dentaltechnology
Digital scans replace the gag-inducing impression trays for most treatments. Here's what that means at your next visit.
If your last impression involved a tray full of putty and a lot of holding still, you'll notice something different at your next appointment. We use a small digital scanner instead — and it changes the visit in a few real ways.
What a digital scan actually is
A wand about the size of an electric toothbrush moves around your teeth, taking thousands of tiny photos per second. Those photos are stitched together into a full 3D model on the screen while you watch.
What's better for you
- No gag reflex. Nothing sits in your mouth setting for minutes.
- Faster. A full scan usually takes a few minutes, and we can pause any time.
- You can see it. The 3D model comes up on the screen so we can point out exactly what we're working on.
- Easy to redo. If a section needs a better capture, we rescan just that area instead of the whole thing.
- Kept on file. Your scan is stored digitally, so future guards, retainers, or reprints don't always need a new visit for impressions.
Where we use it
- Same-day CEREC crowns
- 3D printed models, night guards, and surgical guides
- Clear aligner planning
- Records for cosmetic treatment
When traditional impressions are still used
Occasionally a very deep margin or a specific lab requirement calls for a conventional impression — but for most patients, most of the time, it's a scan.
See more on our dental technologies or read our CEREC same-day crowns guide.