Digital impressions are one of the wonders of modern dentistry, benefitting dentist and patient alike. If you’ve ever had an alginate impression and a digital impression, you will know just how much of a novelty the latter is in terms of comfort and ease. If you’re having a brace made, getting a crown, having your teeth whitened, or getting a custom sports mouth guard, here are some of the ways in which digital impressions will streamline your experience.
More comfortable for you
Alginate impressions are carried out manually and involve your dentist using a notoriously gloopy and unpleasant impression material that very often induces a gag reflex. Digital impressions scan both arches effectively and eliminate the need for the impression material, resulting in a less invasive process.
Educational patient experience
Most patients who walk through our doors do not (understandably and inevitably!) possess anything more than a layman’s knowledge of dentistry. As digital impressions project a 3D image of the teeth on a chair-side screen, it’s much easier for your dentist to help you understand the treatment you are undergoing as they have the visual aids to help explain it to you; the technology can even show the movements your teeth will go through before treatment even begins! Digital impressions are indeed becoming more and more common around the UK but this type of technology still creates a ‘wow’ factor for many patients and will help you feel more at ease about treatment as you will have a better understanding of the science behind it.
Improved accuracy and less time in the dentist’s chair
As mentioned above, the gloopy impression material associated with traditional impressions induces a gag reflex, which in turn, makes it difficult for the dentist to obtain an accurate impression the first time around. In the case of digital impressions, the simple scanning process means you the patient do not experience any discomfort and therefore are able to sit still so that the impression can be taken more quickly, reducing the overall time you spend in the dentist’s chair.
If you would like to book an appointment with us you can use our hassle-free booking form. Alternatively, give us a call and our friendly team will be happy to arrange this for you at your convenience. Our practice is easily accessible, being less than a 10-minute walk from Deptford Bridge DLR and a short walk from numerous bus stops.
Reviewed by Ricky Sardinha
Principal dentist, exclusive practice in orthodontics at SmileUp Dental. GDC 82734. Full profile