DIGITAL
The ability to take a digital impression has been available to dentists for almost 30 years. But the technology that facilitates a high quality impression, the comfort level for the patient, and the ease with which a dentist or dental assistant can master the process have all shifted remarkably since the first scanner hit the market. In the last few years in particular, the introduction of dynamic new offerings in intraoral scanning have made the technology accessible to a wider group of dentists and continue to raise the bar on user experience and service—making this foundation of the CAD/CAM workflow a must-have for all future-minded practitioners.
IMPRESSIONS 35%
58%
of respondents indicated that the No. 1 factor drawing them to CAD/CAM is a better workflow with their lab. DPR Technology Census 2012
A zoomed in view of the impression not only leads to increased accuracy for the final restorations, but improved margin prep on the part of the dentist.
of dental labs believe intraoral digital impression capture technology will have the greatest impact on their business in the future.
Some of the most dramatic technological evolutions have been in the size and shape of the scanning wand. Slimmer models offer optimal patient comfort and enhanced ergonomics for dentists.
2010 DLP Future of Dental Technology Survey
24%
of respondents indicated they planned to incorporate some aspect of CAD/CAM dentistry into their practice in the next year.
Most intraoral scanning units are portable enough to offer the technology in multiple operatories.
DPR Technology Census 2012
TRADITIONAL IMPRESSIONS VS. DIGITAL IMPRESSIONS
Restorations created from a digital impression device seat more easily, reducing seating appointment time by 22%.
22%
“
ADA Professional Products Review March 2011 – Study conducted by University of Pacific
The biggest plus for me is the predictability of my crowns. They fit every time. Digital impressions are superior to traditional impressions. If they took it away from me, I don’t know what I’d do.” -Dr. Bret Jacobson
DIGITAL DENTAL WORKFLOW The digital impression is captured using an intraoral wand that is inserted into the patient’s mouth and moved over the surface area of the tooth or teeth.
The recorded data and resulting design are transmitted to the milling unit for fabrication. This technology is so efficient that in-office units allow dentists to offer sameday dentistry.
The dentist can review the electronic image for accuracy prior to sending the file to a dental lab or in-office CAD/CAM system. Design software facilitates the creation of bridges, crowns, inlays, onlays and veneers.
INFORMATION ON SCANNING There are two types of digital impression technology currently available for dentists to use: Point and Stitch
Continuous Video Capture
Providing dentists and dental laboratories with a series of images
Capture and view a true replica of the oral anatomy in extraordinary detail
TIME IS MONEY It takes approximately a minute and a half to capture a digital impression of prepared teeth. An impression of the teeth in the opposite arch takes just 45 seconds. Consumer Guide to Dentistry
The images can be captured using lasers or digital scanning. l Laser scanning uses concentrated light that is safe and highly precise. l Digital optical scanners offer the same benefits,
but require teeth to be powder-coated for improved accuracy with a special spray before scanning to ensure all parts of the impression are recorded properly. Consumer Guide to Dentistry
22%
FOR MORE INFORMATION
To access a one-stop source for digital impression and CAD/CAM related product information, as well as reviews from your fellow dental professionals, go to dentalproductsandreviews.com. ®