Digital impressions use a handheld intraoral scanner to capture a precise, three-dimensional image of your teeth and surrounding tissues. Instead of filling a tray with impression material and holding it in your mouth, the scanner records a series of high-resolution images that the software stitches into a detailed digital model. For patients, that means a gentler, less intrusive experience and a clearer visual of their own oral anatomy.
These digital files are accurate enough to support crowns, bridges, implant planning, orthodontic appliances, and other restorative work. The detail captured by contemporary scanners makes it easier for dentists to evaluate margins, occlusion, and tissue relationships without relying on a physical cast. That shift from physical molds to digital models represents a major step forward in both patient comfort and clinical precision.
At the practice of Smith Tano Dental Group, we prioritize technologies that make care more predictable and comfortable. Digital impressions are part of that commitment: they reduce the need for repeat impressions and give both clinicians and patients a clearer picture of proposed treatments from the outset.
The process begins with a quick intraoral scan during a routine visit. The clinician moves the scanner around the mouth, capturing multiple images in a continuous sweep; the software then aligns those images into a coherent digital model in real time. Most patients find the procedure straightforward and minimally invasive — there is no need to hold unpleasant materials in the mouth or endure an extended, uncomfortable session.
Once the scan is complete, the clinician reviews the digital model on a monitor, making adjustments or rescanning any areas that need refinement. The file can be annotated to highlight margins, contact points, or other instructions specific to the restoration. This immediate feedback loop allows the dental team to catch and correct potential issues before a restoration is fabricated, improving the fit and function of the final work.
After finalizing the digital impression, the file can be transmitted electronically to an external dental laboratory or used in-house with CAD/CAM tools. Because the entire process is digital, communication between the dentist and the technician is more precise: visual markers, notes, and high-resolution imagery accompany the impression, which helps ensure the laboratory understands the clinician's intent.
One of the most noticeable advantages of digital impressions is patient comfort. Traditional impression materials can trigger gag reflexes, taste unpleasant, and require extended time in the chair. Digital scanning eliminates these concerns for many patients, making the experience quicker and less stressful. People who have avoided certain dental treatments because of impression-related discomfort often find digital scanning more tolerable.
Digital archives also improve convenience. Instead of storing and transporting physical models, the practice keeps secure digital records that can be retrieved whenever needed. That makes follow-up care and future restorative planning more streamlined, since the clinician can compare current scans with prior images to track changes over time without asking the patient to undergo repeat physical impressions.
Because the digital workflow reduces the number of manual steps, it also lowers the likelihood of human error during model fabrication. When scans capture precise margin lines and occlusal relationships, dental labs can produce restorations that require fewer adjustments at the time of placement. This typically translates to fewer appointments for fine-tuning and a smoother experience for patients.
Additionally, many patients appreciate the visual communication that digital impressions enable. Clinicians can show patients three-dimensional views of their teeth and tissues, which helps people understand recommended treatments and see the exact areas being addressed. That transparency supports informed decision-making and builds confidence in the proposed care plan.
For restorative dentistry, digital impressions enhance collaboration with dental laboratories. High-resolution digital files convey more information than a traditional impression alone — color maps, margin details, and exact occlusal relationships can be shared alongside specific fabrication instructions. That clarity helps technicians produce restorations that match clinical expectations with greater consistency.
In practices equipped with chairside milling systems, digital scans can be used to design and mill ceramic restorations the same day. Alternatively, when a laboratory fabricates the restoration, electronic transmission of the scan avoids the risks associated with shipping physical impressions, such as distortion or damage. Either approach benefits from a precise digital record that preserves the original anatomy captured at the time of scanning.
Because schools of quality control are built into digital workflows, clinicians can perform checks such as margin verification and occlusal simulation before fabrication begins. These preemptive steps reduce the chances of costly remakes and support more predictable clinical outcomes, which is particularly important for complex restorative cases or implant-supported work.
Digital scanning systems continue to improve in resolution, color fidelity, and software capabilities. Advanced scanners can detect fine margin detail and subtle tissue contours, while companion software offers tools for trimming, measuring, and analyzing occlusal contacts. This combination supports meticulous treatment planning, whether for a single crown or a multi-unit rehabilitation.
Accuracy also extends to digital treatment planning. For example, implant cases benefit from the ability to merge intraoral scans with cone-beam imaging and virtual prosthetic designs, aiding in the placement of implants that align with restorative goals. Even in more routine restorative work, precise digital records help the dental team anticipate and manage fit and esthetics more effectively.
From a long-term perspective, maintaining digital records offers value for monitoring changes in oral health. Repeat scans can be overlaid to visualize wear, shifting, or tissue changes, helping clinicians detect trends early and recommend appropriate interventions. This archival capability supports continuity of care and informed decision-making across multiple visits and providers.
In summary, digital impressions represent a modern, patient-friendly approach to capturing dental anatomy with precision and efficiency. They improve comfort, enhance communication with laboratory partners, and support better clinical outcomes through detailed digital records. If you’d like to learn more about how digital impressions are used in our office and whether they’re right for your treatment, please contact us for more information.
