By using intra-oral optical scanning devices, the need for patients to have a messy conventional dental impression taken of their teeth is eliminated. Digital optical impressions enable the dentist to more efficiently and effectively obtain an accurate computer generated representation of their patient’s teeth along with the surrounding tissues. In addition to being much more comfortable for the patient, a digital impression eliminates the need for the dentist to either create a stone model from the impression, or to mail the impression directly to the laboratory for any type of work to be done. Digital impression information is transmitted electronically, significantly reducing the turnaround time of any needed outside laboratory work. Digital impressions are also integral to systems that produce same day, in-office ceramic restorations.
Digital impressions are high-resolution, three-dimensional scans of the teeth and surrounding oral tissues captured with an intraoral optical scanner. The device records a series of images that specialized software stitches together to create an accurate 3D model of the mouth. This digital model can be rotated, measured and inspected in real time to confirm detail before it is used for treatment planning.
Once the scan is complete, the digital file is exported to design software or sent electronically to a dental laboratory for fabrication. The digital workflow replaces the need for tray material and stone casts in many cases and supports precise communication between the dentist and the lab. Because the model is stored electronically, it can be reused or referenced for future treatments without deterioration.
Digital impressions eliminate the need for impression trays and impression material, which many patients find messy or uncomfortable. They allow clinicians to visualize the scan immediately and correct any missing detail on the spot, reducing the likelihood of remakes. In contrast, conventional impressions require physical shipping and manual model fabrication, which can add steps and time to the process.
From a clinical standpoint, digital scans provide consistent, reproducible data that can improve communication with a dental laboratory and support digital design workflows. That said, traditional impressions are still useful in some clinical scenarios and for certain laboratories that prefer physical models. The choice between methods depends on the treatment goals, clinician preference and available technology.
Modern intraoral scanners achieve the level of precision required for single-unit crowns, implant restorations and clear aligner therapy in many clinical studies and practical applications. For implant work, clinicians use scan bodies that attach to the implant to capture the exact position and orientation necessary for a precise restoration. The combination of accurate scanning and compatible CAD/CAM manufacturing can produce well-fitting restorations when proper technique is followed.
Complex cases that involve long-span prosthetics or extensive occlusal work require careful planning and experienced clinicians to ensure accuracy across multiple units. Laboratory partners and in-office milling systems that accept digital files further enhance fit and predictability. Ultimately, the clinical protocol, scanner calibration and technician expertise all contribute to successful outcomes.
Digital impressions are generally much more comfortable for patients than conventional putty impressions because they avoid bulky trays and setting material. The scanning wand is slim and mobile, which reduces gag reflex triggers and allows the clinician to target specific areas without covering the entire palate or back of the mouth. Many patients report that the procedure feels less invasive and much quicker than traditional methods.
Some mild discomfort may occur from keeping the mouth open for extended periods or from retraction needed to capture subgingival margins, but these issues are usually manageable with breaks and efficient scanning technique. For children, individuals with anxiety, or those with sensitive gag reflexes, digital scanning is often a preferable option. Clinicians adjust their approach as needed to maximize comfort while ensuring diagnostic quality.
The time required for a digital impression depends on the area being scanned and the complexity of the case, but most single-arch scans can be completed in a matter of minutes with an experienced operator. Full-arch or full-mouth scans naturally take longer, typically several minutes more as the scanner captures additional surfaces and occlusal relationships. Preparation time, including isolation, retraction and surface cleaning, will also factor into the total appointment length.
Because the clinician can review the scan immediately and capture missing areas on the spot, the overall workflow often shortens compared with the sequence of taking a conventional impression, pouring a model and shipping to a lab. Efficiency improves with practice and with scanners that use real-time feedback to guide the operator. Scheduling for restorative procedures should still account for clinical preparation and any design or milling steps that follow the scan.
Digital impressions are captured using optical imaging that relies on visible or near-infrared light, so they do not expose patients to ionizing radiation. The process is noninvasive and poses minimal health risk when performed according to standard infection-control and device-use procedures. Most scanners are designed with patient safety and comfort in mind, and clinicians are trained to operate them correctly.
Standard infection control protocols apply to the scanner wand and any reusable components, including cleaning and sterilization or barrier protection between patients. Because the technology does not use radiation, it can be safely used for repeated scans during treatment without the concerns associated with radiographic exposures. Patients with specific medical concerns should discuss them with the dental team so the clinician can tailor protocols appropriately.
Yes, digital impressions are a core component of same-day CAD/CAM workflows that allow clinicians to scan, design and mill restorations within a single appointment. Scans are fed into design software that produces a restoration model, which can then be milled from ceramic or composite blocks in-office or sent to an integrated milling center. This capability enables same-day crowns and onlays for many straightforward cases when the practice is equipped for chairside CAD/CAM.
Not every case is suitable for same-day fabrication due to complexity, esthetic demands or material considerations, and some restorations benefit from specialized laboratory techniques. When same-day care is appropriate, the digital workflow reduces turnaround time and provides a streamlined patient experience. Clinicians evaluate each treatment for suitability and discuss the expected process with the patient before proceeding.
Digital impression files are typically exported as standard formats (such as STL or proprietary formats) and transmitted electronically to dental laboratories or design centers via secure file-transfer systems. Practices and labs use encryption and secure portals to protect patient information during transfer and storage, and many follow HIPAA and industry best practices for digital data security. The files can also be stored locally within the practice management system for ongoing treatment planning.
Dental teams maintain protocols for controlling access to digital files and for retention or deletion according to regulatory and privacy requirements. Patients may ask how their data will be used, who will receive it and how long it will be stored, and clinicians should be prepared to explain those policies. Secure handling of digital records is an important part of modern dental workflows and patient trust.
Most patients are suitable candidates for digital impressions, including those receiving crowns, bridges, implant restorations, clear aligners or other prosthetic work. Digital scanning is particularly helpful for patients with a strong gag reflex, sensitivity to impression materials, or those who prefer a faster, less intrusive experience. It also benefits cases that require precise digital communication with a laboratory or when the treatment plan includes digital design and fabrication.
Certain clinical situations such as very limited mouth opening, heavy bleeding, or severe subgingival margins can make scanning more challenging and may require modified techniques or adjunctive procedures. The dental team evaluates each patient individually to determine whether digital scanning is the best option and to plan any necessary intraoral management. 360 Dental of Mill Creek assesses candidacy on a case-by-case basis to ensure optimal results.
During the appointment the clinician will prepare the area by cleaning and isolating the teeth to ensure a clear field for scanning, and may use retraction or air-drying to expose margins. The scanning wand is then moved methodically around the arch while the software captures and stitches together many images into a complete 3D model. You will often see the model appear on a screen in real time, and the clinician can pause to rescan any areas that need refinement.
After the scan is verified for accuracy, the digital file is either sent electronically to a laboratory or used immediately in an in-office CAD/CAM system to design and fabricate the restoration. The process is generally efficient and minimizes the need for repeat appointments related to poor impressions. At the office of 360 Dental of Mill Creek the team will explain each step so patients understand what to expect and how the digital workflow supports their treatment plan.
