The importance of digital impressions in dentistry
Digital impression is an innovative technology that allows 3D images of patients' teeth and oral structures to be obtained. This technique revolutionized dentistry, bringing agility and precision to the impression process, making it more comfortable for patients and providing more accurate results for professionals.
Advantages of digital impression
Digital impressions have several advantages over traditional impression methods in dentistry. Among the main advantages are:
1. Greater accuracy
A digital molding allows obtaining high-definition images of patients' teeth and oral structures, ensuring greater precision in the analysis and planning of dental treatment. This means that professionals can work more safely and efficiently, avoiding errors and rework.
2. Greater comfort for patients
Digital impressions are much more comfortable for patients than traditional impression methods, which require the application of uncomfortable materials to the mouth, such as putties and alginates. With digital impressions, the patient only needs to position themselves correctly in front of the intraoral scanner, which will capture the images.
3. Agility in the molding process
Digital molding is extremely fast compared to traditional methods. While conventional impressions generally require several steps and waiting time to obtain plaster models, digital impressions allow 3D images to be obtained instantly, significantly reducing the time required for this procedure.
4. Cost reduction
By opting for digital impressions, it is possible to reduce dental office costs, as there is no need to constantly purchase impression materials, such as putties and alginates, nor equipment to obtain plaster models. Furthermore, the greater precision provided by digital molding reduces the incidence of errors, reducing the need for rework and, consequently, costs.
The digital molding process
The digital impression process in dentistry involves some specific steps. See below:
1. Patient preparation
Before taking a digital impression, the patient must be informed about the procedure and prepared appropriately. It must be comfortable and positioned correctly so that the intraoral scanner can capture images accurately.
2. Image capture
Images are captured using an intraoral scanner. This device is inserted into the patient's mouth and captures high-definition images of the teeth and oral structures. The intraoral scanner is extremely accurate and allows detailed 3D images to be obtained.
3. Analysis and treatment planning
After capturing the images, the professional analyzes them and plans the dental treatment. With the help of specific software, it is possible to view the images in 3D, make precise measurements and simulate the final result of the treatment.
4. Printing the models
After treatment planning, it is possible print templates 3D models of the patient's teeth and oral structures. These models can be used to make prosthetics, restorations, orthodontic appliances, and other dental devices.
Conclusion
Digital impressions in dentistry bring numerous advantages to professionals and patients, contributing to a more precise, comfortable and agile dental treatment. By adopting this technology, it is possible to obtain superior results, reduce costs and provide a more satisfactory experience for patients. Following market trends, dental professionals are increasingly investing in digital impressions as a strategy to stand out and offer a high-quality service to their patients.
