Until now, the traditional system of representing the patient’s oral cavity has been to make dental impressions with materials such as alginate or silicone that are uncomfortable to the patient (gag reflex, bad taste…), require more work time, and cause errors.
Today, the digital workflow in clinics has become more and more evident, and the use of the intraoral scanner has simplified the design of models, so performing prosthetic or orthodontic treatments has brought less work time. (Compared to the traditional impression model)
A common disadvantage of traditional impressions is the need to start over if an impression fails or receives additional measurements (e.g., working models and device manufacture). In addition, the contact between the impression tray and the teeth may disturb the patient and trigger a bad gagging reflex. Digital impressions eliminate all these negative aspects. They streamline and speed up the traditional workflow, reduce the number of patient visits and maximize efficiency and cost savings in the clinic. Along with better control and improved accuracy of directly acquired digital models, the scanners add plug-and-play capability to automatically exchange patient information in or out of the lab. Lost or broken devices can be easily reproduced using digital files in a database in the Cloud.
Advantages of intraoral digital impression:
1) Using the intraoral scanner, a 3D printed model can be obtained to work on in two or three minutes, avoiding the cumbersome use of alginate plaster.
2) Images can be obtained without disturbing the patient by taking physical measurements, thus preventing complaints about the gag reflex, taste or odor of alginate or silicones. This is very annoying for patients (adults and children). Therefore, the process will be faster, more enjoyable and more comfortable for the patient. Probably one of the advantages that works very well for the patient, patient satisfaction will be achieved for more efficient procedures that reduce waiting minutes.
3) High quality models are produced. One thing that stands out is the precision and fidelity of obtaining the models, as there are no inconveniences such as bubbles, frostbite, wrinkles or cracks or tears. Thus, errors are minimized to the maximum level and measurements are of incredible precision. Scanners are so sensitive that models of both natural teeth and implants can be captured.
4) Instantly corrects defects. If for some reason an image becomes distorted, simply by scanning the area, scanning again, the problem can be fixed without any problems.
5) The patient will be able to visualize the progress of his treatment and will feel actively part of the process. It also allows you to show the condition of cavities, broken teeth, the presence of calculus and the current position of their teeth, giving you a more easily understood information about their mouth.
6) Simplifies the process: simplifies diagnosis, simplifies the model acquisition process, and improves the efficiency of results.
