What is a digital impression?
A digital impression is best described as the use of a wand-like appliance that is connected to a computer next to the dental chair. The device is run along the mouth to create scans which are then converted to the computer software to create a 3D image of the patient’s smile. This is done almost instantaneously and provides visible and accurate photos of the teeth and gums.
Why are digital impressions important?
Instead of an x-ray which provides a 2D image of the inner mouth structures, the digital impression creates essentially an electronic “mold” of the patient’s smile, showing the teeth and gums as they exist in the mouth. This makes it far easier for dentists to create dental restorations such as dental crowns or fabricate trays for treatments such as clear aligner therapy, commonly used in lieu of metal bracket and wire braces. Digital impressions ensure accurate appliances and restorations without messy molds and impressions as other dental practices still perform.
Cosmetic dentistry in Arvada
At Arvada Dental Center, we are pleased to provide cosmetic dentistry in which digital impressions are used. This is done to create CEREC same day dental crowns as well. The dentist can prepare the tooth by removing large portions of the enamel and then take digital impressions of the tooth structure that is left. These impressions are then sent through CAD/CAM software on the computer to design a dental crown and mill it from a block of porcelain while patients wait. The restorations are made of porcelain which is a material that mimics the shine and appearance of natural tooth enamel, ensuring seamless integration.
Why choose a dental practice that uses digital impressions?
There are several advantages to both the patient and dentist when it comes to using digital impressions of the smile. They are easy and more comfortable than using messy mold materials commonly used at other dental facilities to this day. These are often bothersome to patient with sensitive teeth or a severe gag reflex. Digital impressions also have better accuracy and allow for same-day repairs of many dental concerns. Patients wait in the chair while the new restoration is made, eliminating the need for a temporary crown and a second dental appointment to remove and replace it. The use of this amazing dental technology at Arvada Dental Center shows that our team reinvests in the practice to ensure patients have access to the latest technologies and techniques not available at other offices in the community of Arvada, Colorado and the surrounding communities.
Ready to see how digital impressions can improve your experience in the dental chair?Contact Drs. Gregory Bennett and Andrew Timmerman of Arvada Dental Center to learn more about cosmetic dentistry in Arvada and the use of CEREC CAD/CAM technology to complete necessary dental work. Our team is located at 5220 Wadsworth Bypass, Unit C and accepts new and established patients in the Arvada, Colorado area who call (303) 720-7465 for appointments.
