Digital impressions with an intraoral scanner
A digital impression can be used for implant restorations such as single crowns and bridges.
The first intraoral scanners were large and not easy to handle inside the mouth. Compact scanners for digital impressions are now available that resemble conventional dental handpieces in size, shape and weight. Alongside conventional impression methods, intraoral scanners are being used more and more often.
Intraoral scanning makes it possible to create a 3D image of the teeth. In the course of treatment this image is used as the base model for prosthetic restorations such as crowns, bridges or implants.
The technique replaces the more time-consuming conventional impression process. The scanner is guided along the teeth of the upper and lower jaw without touching them and scans the surfaces of the teeth and gums; special software converts the data into 3D images. Intraoral scanning replaces the conventional impression taken with a tray and impression material.
The scanned data of the digital impression is available in real time and is checked while the scan is still under way. If any scanned area needs improving, this is shown immediately. The three-dimensional data of the teeth can be viewed directly on screen, is available for planning, and can be sent quickly and easily to the dental laboratory for further processing.
A digital impression can also be used for implant restorations such as single crowns and bridges. Intraoral scanners are expected to produce restorations that fit more precisely. That precision should avoid having to repeat impressions on the patient and remake restorations. The inaccuracy that is unavoidable with conventional impression materials is thereby eliminated.
For the patient the digital intraoral impression is more comfortable and can be interrupted at any time if needed. The procedure is far less of a burden, because no foreign bodies such as an impression tray or impression material have to stay in the mouth for any length of time. The unpleasant gag reflex while the impression material sets, and any intolerance of impression materials, are avoided.
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