The dental industry has witnessed a significant shift towards digital technology in recent years, with digital impressions at the forefront of this transformation.

This innovation has revolutionised the way dentists capture patient data, providing several clear advantages over traditional tray-and-putty methods.

Benefits of digital impressions

For dental professionals, adopting digital impressions offers numerous benefits, from enhancing efficiency and accuracy to improving patient care and simplifying workflows.

Enhanced patient experience

Patient comfort is a key priority in any dental practice, and digital impressions address this concern effectively. The process of biting into a material-filled impression tray can be uncomfortable for patients, especially for those with a strong gag reflex.

Digital scanners, on the other hand, offer a fast and non-invasive alternative, eliminating the need for messy impression materials. With a digital scanner, a precise scan of the teeth is completed within minutes, significantly improving patient comfort.

Additionally, digital scans are displayed on a screen, allowing patients to view a 3D representation of their teeth. This visual feedback can make patients feel more involved and confident in their treatment choices.

Accuracy and efficiency

Traditional impressions are prone to issues such as bubbles, distortions, or incomplete captures, which can lead to multiple adjustments and delays.

Digital impressions, however, capture highly accurate images of the teeth and gums with exceptional precision. This accuracy reduces the likelihood of needing adjustments, which saves valuable time for both dentists and patients.

Faster turnaround times

Traditional impression methods involve creating physical molds and mailing them to a dental laboratory, a process that can take several days and is subject to potential postal delays.

Digital impressions, on the other hand, can be sent instantly to the lab. This expedited transmission accelerates the entire process from start to finish, enhancing the overall workflow and reducing waiting times for patients.

Digital impressions also allow better communication and collaboration with dental laboratories.

iTero Flex Digital Scanner

For dental professionals looking to integrate digital impressions into their practice, the iTero Flex Digital Scanner serves as a standout solution. Unlike stationary scanners, the iTero Flex is highly portable and can be moved easily between rooms, requiring only a compatible laptop for setup.

The iTero Flex streamlines the restorative process by enabling direct transmission of scans to the laboratory in an open STL format with just one click. This feature significantly reduces turnaround times and enhances the efficiency of the entire treatment process.

Its TimeLapse technology allows for the comparison of current scans with previous ones, providing valuable insights into changes in patients' oral health and facilitating more informed treatment decisions.

iTero Element 5D Digital Scanner

The iTero Element 5D intraoral scanner takes digital impressions a step further by incorporating advanced features that streamline both diagnosis and treatment planning.

The Element 5D is equipped with iTero NIRI technology (Near Infra-Red Imaging), which offers the ability to scan beneath the surface of the tooth. This allows for early detection of interproximal caries without the need for traditional X-rays, making the diagnostic process both faster and safer for patients.

Get started with digital impressions

Ready to put your practice at the forefront of modern dental care?

By transitioning to digital impression technology, you’ll enhance accuracy, streamline your workflow, and provide a more comfortable experience for your patients.

To learn more about iTero scanners and how they can benefit your practice, contact us now!

November 19, 2024 — Emelia Turner