Digital scanning vs Impressions

Technology continuously evolves to make our lives easier and more efficient. This is especially true in the field of dentistry, where digital scanning technology is revolutionizing patient care. At Smile Family Dentistry in Muskogee, OK, our dentist, Dr. Casey Fishburn, has embraced this innovation by incorporating Trios 4 digital scanning into our practice. But how does this compare to traditional impressions? Let’s explore the benefits and see why Trios 4 digital scanning is the future of dentistry.

What is Trios 4 Digital Scanning?

The Trios 4 is a state-of-the-art intraoral scanner that revolutionizes dental impression-taking by capturing highly detailed 3D images of the patient’s teeth, soft tissues, and bite relationships. With advanced optics and imaging technology, the Trios 4 delivers high-resolution digital impressions, ensuring precise treatment planning and restoration fabrication. Unlike traditional impressions, which require manual molding and setting of impression materials, the Trios 4 scanner captures digital impressions in real time, providing immediate visualization and assessment of scanned images on a computer screen.

Trios 4 Digital Scanning Vs. Traditional Impressions in Muskogee

Accuracy and Precision

Traditional Impressions: Traditional impressions involve manually molding the patient’s teeth using alginate or silicone materials. While experienced dental professionals can achieve accurate results with traditional impressions, there is a potential for distortion or inaccuracies due to material setting time and patient movement.
Trios 4 Digital Scanning: Digital scanning with the Trios 4 intraoral scanner offers unparalleled accuracy and precision. The scanner captures highly detailed 3D images of the patient’s dentition in real time, eliminating the risk of distortion associated with traditional impressions. This precise digital data ensures optimal fit and function for restorations and orthodontic appliances.

Patient Comfort and Experience

Traditional Impressions: Traditional impressions can be uncomfortable for some patients. They involve placing a bulky tray filled with impression material into the mouth for several minutes, and patients may experience gagging or discomfort during the impression-taking process.
Trios 4 Digital Scanning: Digital scanning with the Trios 4 is a comfortable and non-invasive procedure. The handheld intraoral scanner is compact and maneuverable, allowing easy oral cavity navigation. Patients typically find digital scanning more comfortable than traditional impressions, eliminating the need for messy impression materials and reducing chair time.

Efficiency and Workflow

Traditional Impressions: Traditional impression-taking requires multiple steps, including mixing and setting impression materials and shipping the physical impressions to the dental laboratory. This process can be time-consuming and may result in delays in treatment planning and restoration fabrication.
Trios 4 Digital Scanning: Digital scanning with the Trios 4 streamlines the impression-taking process and enhances workflow efficiency. The scanner captures digital impressions in minutes, eliminating the need for material mixing and shipping physical impressions. Digital impressions can be instantly transmitted to the dental laboratory for immediate fabrication of restorations or orthodontic appliances, reducing turnaround time and expediting treatment delivery.

Versatility and Compatibility

Traditional Impressions: Traditional impressions are suitable for a wide range of restorative and orthodontic treatments, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. However, they may not be ideal for patients with severe gag reflexes or limited mouth opening.
Trios 4 Digital Scanning: The Trios 4 offers digital scanning versatility and compatibility with various treatment modalities. The scanner’s advanced software allows for seamless integration with CAD/CAM systems, enabling the fabrication of highly precise and esthetic restorations. Additionally, digital impressions can be easily archived for future reference and treatment planning.