The technique for taking a patient’s dental impressions has changed dramatically in the dental sector. For many years, traditional molds—typically composed of silicone or alginate—have been the norm. But the emergence of digital impressions is changing dental lab operations and affecting the patient experience in general.
Knowing the Procedures
Using traditional molds, a patient’s teeth and gums are physically imprinted. The dentist puts the impression material in the patient’s mouth after filling a tray with it. The substance solidifies after a few minutes, forming a negative impression of the teeth. After that, the mold is delivered to the dental lab, where technicians utilize it to make crowns and bridges, among other restorations. Digital impressions, on the other hand, make use of sophisticated 3D scanning technologies. An almost instantaneous digital model is produced by taking comprehensive pictures of the teeth and gums using a handheld scanner. Before shipping it to the lab, this model can be precisely measured and adjusted using computer viewing and manipulation.
Advantages of Digital Images
Compared to conventional molds, digital impressions provide a number of benefits. Accuracy is among the biggest advantages. Because digital scans are so comprehensive, they are less likely to contain flaws like distortions or bubbles that can happen with traditional molds. Better-fitting restorations result from this, potentially increasing patient comfort and happiness. The process’s quickness is another benefit. Dentists can finish operations in a single visit because to the speedy capture of digital impressions. Restoration turnaround times can be shortened by sending the digital files to the lab virtually immediately. Patients can get quicker outcomes and spend less time waiting for their treatments because to this efficiency.
Dental Labs Affected
Dental labs are being profoundly impacted by the transition to digital impressions. Labs can increase productivity and streamline processes with digital files. Restorations can be designed and manufactured more quickly thanks to the use of CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing) technology. In addition to improving the caliber of the job, this aids labs in better resource management.
Conclusion
The dentistry sector is undergoing a revolution as a result of the switch from conventional molds to digital impressions. This modification improves accuracy, productivity, and teamwork for dental labs. Digital impressions will probably become more significant as technology develops, improving restorative dental patient happiness and care quality.