If you have ever had a dental impression taken the traditional way, you know the experience. You have to clench a tray full of goopy material in your mouth for what always feels like too long. It can be uncomfortable, especially if you have a strong gag reflex. At Echeverri Dental Center in Spring Branch, we have moved on from that process.
What's Different About a Digital Impression?
A digital impression uses a small handheld scanner to create a detailed 3D image of your teeth and gums. The scanner captures thousands of images in seconds as we move it across your teeth.
There is no tray involved at all, no messy, uncomfortable material, and no long wait for it to set. The result is a 3D digital model your dentist can use to plan and design your treatment right away.
Where We Use This at Echeverri Dental Center
Digital impressions play a role in several treatments at our Spring Branch office.
- For dental crowns that Spring Branch patients need, the scanner captures the exact shape and size of the prepared tooth. This creates such an digital model that our dentists can use to design a crown that fits the perfectly the first time.
- If you are getting clear aligners at our Spring Branch dental office, these scans replace the impression trays normally required to plan orthodontic treatment. Instead, we use the scan to map tooth movement and create your custom aligner series.
What to Expect at Your Next Appointment
If your treatment plan includes a crown, clear aligner, or any restoration that usually requires an impression, you can expect the digital scanner instead of a tray. The process is quick, comfortable, and gives your dentist a clearer picture of what is happening in your mouth. Most patients find it a much easier experience than the traditional method.
If you would like to see digital impressions at work, call Echeverri Dental Center to schedule an appointment.