Difference Between Digital And Traditional Impressions In A Dental Lab

The choice between digital and traditional impressions in a dental lab involves considerations related to technology, workflow, accuracy, and patient experience. Here are some key points to compare digital and traditional impressions:

Digital Impressions:

1. Technology:
   • Digital impressions use intraoral scanners to create 3D images of the patient’s teeth and soft tissues.
2. Accuracy:
   • Digital impressions can offer high precision and accuracy, reducing the margin for errors associated with traditional methods.
3. Workflow Efficiency:
   • The digital process can be faster, streamlining the workflow for both the dental practitioner and the dental lab.
4. Patient Experience:
   • Digital impressions may be more comfortable for patients, as they eliminate the need for traditional impression materials that some find unpleasant.
5. Storage and Transfer:
   • Digital files are easily stored and can be transferred electronically to dental labs, reducing the risk of physical impressions being damaged in transit.
6. Adjustments and Iterations:
   • Digital impressions allow for easier adjustments and iterations without the need for additional physical impressions.

Traditional Impressions:

1. Material:
   • Traditional impressions use various materials like alginate or polyvinyl siloxane to create molds of the patient’s teeth.
2. Accuracy:
   • Accuracy may be influenced by factors such as the type of material used, the technique employed, and the setting time.
3. Workflow:
   • Traditional impressions involve more manual steps and may take longer to complete compared to digital impressions.
4. Patient Experience:
   • Some patients may find traditional impressions uncomfortable or claustrophobic due to the impression material’s consistency and the time it takes to set.
5. Storage and Transfer:
   • Physical impressions need to be stored carefully to avoid distortion, and they must be physically transported to the dental lab.
6. Adjustments and Iterations:
   • Adjustments may require new physical impressions, and the process can be more time-consuming compared to digital methods.

Factors to Consider in the Decision:

1. Cost:
   • The initial investment for digital impression systems may be higher, but the long-term costs, including material and labor, can be lower.
2. Workflow Efficiency:
   • Digital impressions often offer a more streamlined workflow, potentially reducing chair time and increasing overall practice efficiency.
3. Accuracy Requirements:
   • Consider the level of precision required for the specific dental work. Certain cases may benefit more from the accuracy provided by digital impressions.
4. Patient Preferences:
   • Some patients may prefer the comfort and speed associated with digital impressions, while others may not have a strong preference.
5. Lab Compatibility:
   • Ensure that the chosen method aligns with the capabilities and preferences of the dental lab with which you collaborate.

Ultimately, the choice between digital and traditional impressions may depend on the specific needs of the dental practice, the preferences of dental practitioners, and the nature of the dental work being performed.

Contributed by: Ultimate Dental Lab, 150-28 Union Turnpike Flushing, NY 11367.

  Difference Between Dental And Traditional Impressions In A Dental Lab