Give Your Dental Practice Superpowers

How Digital Impressions Make Our Work Easier, Faster, and More Cost-Effective

Whenever dental technology advances, such as with artificial intelligence, it can be very unsettling and unconvincing. How can a computer possibly see and understand what we see?

Well, it can't — but technology makes it possible for a doctor's work to be even more laser-accurate.

With Sept. 19 being Batman Day, I started thinking about how Batman — a superhero in a universe of aliens and supernatural powers — is just a regular guy in a batsuit. However, because he has advanced technology and knows how to use it effectively, he can save lives.

As someone who oversaw the transition from old-school dental laboratory work into new digital CAD/CAM technology-based work, I understand why doctors can be skeptical about upgrading their practice's equipment and changing their procedures. I was skeptical too, before I purchased my digital system. Allow me to offer my perspective as a dental lab technician.

If I had to equate any dental technology for dentists to a superpower in terms of impressiveness, one of my first picks would be digital impressions. Clicking a button and immediately having a laser-accurate digital impression is a pretty awesome accomplishment in our times.

Traditional impressions are prone to errors that aren't really anyone's fault. We're human, and we all make mistakes from time to time. Sometimes, the impression can move around in the patient's mouth before it is fully set. Other times, if the tray is just slightly too small, it can distort the impression. When traditional impressions are poured and worked on during the model work stage, it gives the chance for more human errors to happen.

One great advantage of digital impressions, is that our lab will be able to view your digital scans while your patient is still in the chair. This allows us to confirm the accuracy of the scans or make any needed adjustments while they are there. Another advantage, and something you will notice instantly, is the savings you get from not needing to use and purchase impression material.

Even though the initial price of an intraoral scanner may seem high, consider that you'll not only improve the speed, accuracy, and cost of your impressions in the future, but you'll also improve your patients' comfort. Your patients' experience can make a big difference in their enthusiasm and appreciation for your care.

Learning about and adopting digital impressions into your practice can be a bit overwhelming and intimidating. Sometimes just a little extra support from your lab is all you need. If you have any questions or need help with sending your impression scans to us, we'd be happy to answer them or walk you through exporting and sending your digital scan files. Just give us a call at 510-525-0135.