
How 3D Scanners Improve Dental Impressions
Why 3D Scanners Are a Game-Changer for You:
If you’ve ever had a dental impression taken, you probably remember the uncomfortable, goopy material being stuffed in your mouth. It’s not exactly anyone’s idea of a good time, right? But the good news is, those days are quickly becoming a thing of the past thanks to an exciting new technology: 3D digital scanners.
More Comfortable, Less Stressful Remember the gag-inducing tray filled with sticky material that you had to bite into for what felt like forever? That’s all behind us. With a 3D scanner, the process is as simple as having a small, handheld device gently moved around your mouth. It’s quick, non-invasive, and far more comfortable. There’s no need to worry about gagging or sitting in the chair for extended periods.
Faster & More Efficient Traditional impressions often required waiting for the gooey material to set and then removing it without accidentally damaging it. If something went wrong, you’d need to start all over again. 3D digital scans, on the other hand, are immediate. The scanner takes thousands of images in just a few minutes, creating an instant, digital map of your teeth. There’s no waiting, no mess, and no need to redo anything.
Better Accuracy Traditional impressions can sometimes be imperfect due to distortion in the material or movement during the procedure. This can lead to poor-fitting crowns or other dental work. 3D digital scans, however, provide a far more accurate and detailed impression. These highly precise images allow your dentist to create perfectly fitting restorations or appliances, which means better results for you.
No More ‘Take Two’ Moments In the past, if a dental impression wasn’t perfect, your dentist might need to redo it, requiring you to endure another round of uncomfortable impressions. With 3D scanning, errors are much less likely. The digital process is much more forgiving, and if something doesn’t go quite right, the scan can easily be repeated with minimal disruption.
More Convenient for Complex Treatments 3D scanning doesn’t just make things more comfortable for routine check-ups. It’s also a powerful tool for more complex treatments like dental implants or orthodontics. With 3D technology, your dentist can plan your treatment with greater precision, often reducing the need for extra visits. Some practices even offer same-day treatments, such as crowns or bridges, thanks to the speed and accuracy of digital scans.
Better for Your Health If you have dental sensitivities or a history of gagging with traditional impressions, the 3D scanning process can be a real relief. It’s less invasive and more gentle, so it’s suitable for patients of all ages, including those with anxiety or children who may struggle with the discomfort of traditional molds. It’s also safer because there are no messy impression materials that could cause allergic reactions.
Hudgens Dental uses 3D scans for crowns, night guards, dentures and partials, whitening trays etc. Call our office to schedule an appointment using the latest dental technology or ask about digital scans at your new cleaning and check up! 843-556-7437