How a Digital Scan Replaces Goopy Impressions: What to Expect
dentaltechnology
A step-by-step look at what happens during a digital dental scan — how it feels, how long it takes, and why it makes appliances fit better than putty impressions.
If you've ever gagged on a tray of dental putty, you'll be glad to know most impressions at Morgan Heights Dental Centre are now digital. Here's exactly what to expect during your scan appointment, from arrival to the moment your appliance is designed.
Step 1: Settle in and get comfortable
A scan appointment is short and non-invasive. You'll sit upright, and there's no need for numbing. If you've had a strong gag reflex in the past, let us know — the digital wand is far easier to tolerate than trays of impression material.
Step 2: The wand does the work
Your dentist or hygienist glides a small handheld camera around your teeth. It captures thousands of images per second and stitches them into a full 3D model on the screen beside you. Most full-mouth scans take about 5–10 minutes.
Step 3: Review your 3D model together
Before you leave the chair, we can rotate your scan on-screen, point out areas of wear or crowding, and show you exactly where a night guard, crown, or dental implant would sit.
Step 4: Design and print
The scan goes straight into our design software. From there, appliances like night guards, surgical guides, and temporary teeth are printed in-house — no shipping to an outside lab, no second impression appointment.
Why the digital workflow fits better
- No distortion from setting materials
- Accurate to within microns
- Easy to re-scan a small area if needed
- Stored digitally, so we can compare year over year
Ready to skip the goop? Contact our South Surrey office to book your next visit, or see the technology we use behind the scenes.