What is a dental impression?

A dental impression is taken to get a representation of the mouth and teeth for fabrication of appliances such as sports guards, crowns and bridges and dentures.

The old fashioned way involved placing a putty like substance in the mouth using a tray that needs to set for 2-3 minutes.  The new way uses digital technology to create an accurate model of your mouth.

Traditional dental impressions involve the dentist selecting a tray that will closely fit the patient’s mouth. The tray is then filled with a thick material like alginate (refined sea algae) or polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) which is a rubber like silicone material.

Both of these materials are inert and non-toxic making them safe for use in the mouth.  The trays remain in the mouth for 2-3 minutes allowing the substance to set (harden).  It is very crucial that during the set period, no movements occur as even the slight of movement can distort the model and affect the final casting.

After the material sets, the trays are removed and the casting process using the impressions begin. The casting process itself involves distortions meaning there are variations that happen naturally (expansion, shrinking) in the stone model.  If the casting is within a reasonable accuracy, then the final appliance will fit well (crown, denture etc) however there are times where a new impression needs to be taken due to distortions.

conventional-impressions

The new method for taking an impression of the mouth is done using digital design. It is easier for the patient, faster, less harmful to the environment and is the most accurate.

digital-impressions bowmanville

The iTero scanner digitally captures the structure of the teeth and gums using the latest optical technology. The scanner is a compact, hand-held wand. Once your dentist begins the scanning process, it can be stopped and started as many times as necessary.

Your mouth is scanned with a radiation-free laser and, in as little as two to three minutes, renders a digitally perfect, 3D impression of your teeth and soft tissue structures. Through digital software, you’ll then be able to follow the progress of the scans, including a 3D model of your teeth on our computer screen. The iTero scanner can be used for any restorative treatment including crowns, veneers, inlays/onlays, bridges, and implants, as well as orthodontic treatments like Invisalign.

3d-scan bowmanville

Our office in Bowmanville offers digital impressions at no additional cost to our patients as we strongly believe in how great of a result it offers.  For more information about this technology or to book an appointment with us contact us at 905-697-1118

 

 

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