Have you ever been to the dentist and needed to bite down on a tray full of foam? For many, this is an unpleasant part of visiting the dentist. Fortunately, dental technology has provided an alternative: digital impressions. While the technology is not new, it has become increasingly common in dentist’s offices nationwide. There are many advantages to using digital impressions versus physical ones, but first, it is important to understand why impressions are so important.
What are Digital Dental Impressions For?
Impressions of your teeth can be quite useful for a number of different treatments and procedures:
- Mouth Guards: Clenching or grinding your teeth can be very bad for them and your health in general. It can damage the teeth, cause you pain or discomfort and even lead to TMJ disorder. Since clenching and grinding most often occur while you sleep, a mouthguard can help remove the pressure to protect your teeth and wellbeing. An impression is required so that the customized mouthguard can fit comfortably atop your teeth.
- Whitening Trays: Professional take-home whitening trays from a dentist’s office are much more effective than those you can buy at the store. However, to ensure that all of the surfaces of your teeth are adequately treated, an impression is required.
- Crowns and Bridges: If you need to repair a damaged tooth or replace a missing one, crowns and bridges are great options. Crowns can cover missing or damaged portions of a remaining tooth, while bridges allow the attachment of a replacement tooth if one or more are missing. Impressions are crucial for creating crowns or tooth replacements that will fit your mouth naturally.
- Veneers: Veneers are thin shells that cover your existing teeth to present a brighter, whiter and straighter smile to the world. They can be customized however you like so you can achieve your dream smile. In order to do this, however, impressions of your current teeth must be taken.
What are the Advantages of Digital Impressions?
Digital dental impressions create a more positive experience overall. If you have experienced the physical impressions mentioned above, you might already understand its appeal. These trays are bulky, uncomfortable, and can often trigger your gag reflex. Digital impressions eliminate this discomfort as all the required imaging is performed outside of your body. What’s more, it is completed in far less time, speeding up your appointment and freeing up valuable time in your day. Digital scans can also help you better understand what is happening with your teeth. Digital impression scanners create 3D images that can be viewed easily on a computer monitor so your dentist can explain everything in great detail from multiple angles.