Digital impressions use an intraoral scanner to capture a precise three-dimensional model of the teeth, gums, and bite relationship without traditional putty impression materials. A small wand-like scanner is moved around the mouth capturing thousands of images per second, which are assembled by software in real time into an accurate digital model. For patients who find traditional impressions uncomfortable, digital scanning offers a significantly more pleasant experience while producing highly accurate data that integrates seamlessly with modern dental laboratory and CAD/CAM workflows.
The intraoral scanner uses optical technology—either structured light or laser-based—to capture the surface geometry of the teeth and gum tissue. The scanner tip moves smoothly over the teeth while the software automatically stitches the captured frames together into a complete three-dimensional model displayed in real time on a monitor. The entire scan of a single arch typically takes two to five minutes, and both arches with a bite registration can be completed in under 10 minutes for most patients.
The digital model is reviewed for completeness and accuracy before the impression is considered complete. If any area is unclear or incomplete, those areas can be rescanned immediately without starting over. The final digital impression is stored in the software and can be transmitted electronically to a dental laboratory, exported for CEREC milling, or used directly in treatment planning software.
Traditional putty impressions require trays filled with impression material to be held in the mouth for several minutes while the material sets. Many patients find this process uncomfortable due to the gag reflex, the taste and texture of the material, and the length of time the tray must stay in place. Digital scanning eliminates all of this—the scanner wand is small, light, and requires no material to set, and the entire process is faster and far more comfortable for most patients. Impressions are also available immediately rather than requiring physical delivery to a laboratory.
Digital impressions are used for crown and bridge fabrication, veneer planning, orthodontic treatment with clear aligners, night guard and retainer fabrication, implant restorations, and diagnostic model creation. They are compatible with leading dental laboratory workflows and CAD/CAM systems, making them a versatile foundation for a wide range of restorative and cosmetic treatments.
At Cameron Park Dental Care, digital scanning is our preferred impression method for most cases—delivering greater patient comfort and excellent accuracy. Call us at (530) 676-0400 or contact us online to learn more.
Digital dental impressions use an intraoral scanner—a small wand device—to capture a precise three-dimensional model of the teeth and gums. The scanner moves around the mouth taking thousands of images per second, which are assembled by software in real time into an accurate digital model. No putty impression material, no trays, and no waiting for material to set are involved.
The digital model is available immediately and can be transmitted electronically to a dental laboratory, used in CEREC milling, or imported into treatment planning software. Digital impressions are used for a wide range of restorative and cosmetic treatments including crowns, veneers, aligners, night guards, and implant restorations.
Digital impressions are comparable in accuracy to high-quality traditional impressions for most clinical situations and offer several practical advantages. They eliminate dimensional changes that can occur when traditional impression material sets or is transported to a laboratory, and they allow the clinician to immediately inspect the scan for completeness and rescan any areas that are unclear. They are compatible with digital laboratory workflows and CEREC milling, which benefit from the precision of digital data.
For very complex cases or difficult-to-access areas, some clinicians still prefer traditional impressions in specific situations. The appropriate approach depends on the clinical situation, and we select the method most likely to produce the most accurate result for each case.
Digital scanning is significantly more comfortable than traditional impression-taking for most patients. There is no putty material, no heavy impression tray, and no waiting for material to set in the mouth. The scanner wand is small and smooth, and the clinician moves it around the teeth in a systematic pattern. Most patients find the experience unremarkable—comparable to a thorough tooth examination.
Patients with a sensitive gag reflex particularly benefit from digital scanning, as the small scanner wand presents far less of a trigger than a full arch impression tray loaded with material. Anxiety-prone patients also frequently report that digital scanning is one of the most comfortable parts of a treatment appointment.
A scan of a single arch typically takes two to five minutes, and both arches plus a bite scan can usually be completed in under 10 minutes for most patients. The speed depends on the complexity of the case, the patient’s cooperation and saliva management, and the coverage area needed. Full-arch scans for clear aligner treatment or complex restorative planning may take slightly longer.
Compare this to traditional impressions, which can take 5 to 10 minutes per arch for the material to set, plus the time needed to verify the impression and reimpression if any area is inadequate. Digital scanning is consistently faster and produces immediately available results.
Yes—digital impressions are the preferred method for Invisalign® and most other clear aligner systems. Invisalign® itself accepts digital scans directly through its iTero scanner platform, which integrates with Invisalign®’s digital treatment planning tools. The digital scan data is used to plan tooth movements and fabricate the aligner series. This digital-to-digital workflow is more efficient and eliminates the physical model shipping that traditional impressions require.
The quality of the digital scan directly affects the accuracy of the aligner fit, so scanner calibration, scan technique, and thorough coverage are all important. We take the time needed to capture a complete, accurate scan to support the best possible aligner outcome.
One of the advantages of digital scanning is the ability to see the model building in real time and identify any areas that need additional scanning during the appointment. If an area is unclear, occluded by saliva, or incompletely captured, the clinician simply rescans that area and the software integrates the new data. This is much simpler than traditional impressions, where a poor area may not be identified until after the impression material has set and the tray is removed.
We review the scan carefully for completeness and accuracy before considering the impression finalized. An incomplete scan is always rescanned at the same appointment rather than sent to the laboratory with known deficiencies.
Digital impressions are suitable for a very wide range of dental treatments including crowns, bridges, veneers, inlays, onlays, clear aligner orthodontics, night guards, retainers, custom whitening trays, study models, and implant restoration planning. They are compatible with the major dental laboratory workflows and CAD/CAM systems used in contemporary dental practice.
There are some situations where traditional impressions or supplementary physical records may still be used—for example, in some complex full-arch prosthetic cases where the physical model offers advantages for specific fabrication steps. We use clinical judgment to select the impression method most appropriate for each patient’s specific treatment needs.
Yes—digital scanning is particularly beneficial for children who find traditional impression trays uncomfortable or who have a sensitive gag reflex. The small, smooth scanner wand is far less intrusive than a tray loaded with putty, and the speed of the scan means the child is not required to hold still with something uncomfortable in their mouth for extended periods.
For very young children or children who have difficulty cooperating with intraoral scanning, a brief explanation of what the wand does and a demonstration before scanning begins usually helps. We adapt the scanning approach and communication style to make the experience as comfortable and non-threatening as possible for each young patient.
Digital impressions are typically included in the overall fee for the restorative or orthodontic treatment for which they are taken. There is generally no additional charge for digital versus traditional impressions. The cost of the technology is accounted for in the practice’s overhead and fees in the same way the cost of any diagnostic or clinical equipment is.
If you have questions about fees associated with your specific treatment, we are happy to provide a full cost estimate before proceeding. We believe in transparent communication about treatment costs so there are no surprises.
At Cameron Park Dental Care, we use digital scanning technology because it delivers a more comfortable patient experience and integrates seamlessly with modern digital laboratory and in-office workflows. We take the time to capture thorough, accurate scans and review them carefully before sending them to the lab or using them for in-office fabrication.
Patients who have had negative experiences with traditional gag-inducing impressions often find that digital scanning changes the experience of restorative dental care for the better. If you have questions about digital impressions or our use of technology in your care, call us at (530) 676-0400 or contact us online.
