Digital impressions use a small, hand-held intraoral scanner to capture a series of high-resolution images of your teeth and surrounding tissues. Instead of mixing impression material and holding a tray in the mouth, the scanner records hundreds or thousands of overlapping images that software stitches together into an accurate three-dimensional model. The process produces a complete digital map of tooth surfaces, margins, and soft-tissue contours that clinicians can view, rotate, and measure on a monitor in real time.
The scanner works by projecting a light pattern or laser onto the oral structures and recording the reflected information with a camera. Advanced algorithms convert those reflections into precise point clouds and meshed surfaces that represent tooth anatomy with sub-millimeter accuracy. Because the image capture is incremental, practitioners can rescan specific areas immediately if more detail is needed, avoiding the common need to retake entire impressions.
For patients, the most notable difference is the elimination of traditional impression materials that can feel unpleasant or trigger gagging. The scanner wand is smaller and less intrusive than impression trays, and most procedures are completed in a fraction of the time required for mixed materials to set. The result is a fast, minimally invasive intake that provides a richer dataset for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Digital impressions increase predictability by delivering consistent, repeatable detail of tooth anatomy and preparation margins. The software-based approach reduces dimensional changes that can occur with conventional materials as they polymerize, cure, or are poured into stone models. That stability is especially important for restorations such as crowns, inlays, onlays, and bridges where marginal fit and occlusion are critical to long-term success.
Laboratory technicians also benefit from the clarity and completeness of digital files. A well-scanned model captures subtle undercuts, interproximal contacts, and soft-tissue relationships that can be hard to replicate from physical impressions. When used alongside CAD/CAM workflows, these files support precise design and milling of restorations, which translates into fewer adjustments at try-in and a more comfortable fit for the patient.
Beyond individual restorations, accuracy in the digital record supports coordinated care across specialties. Implant prosthetics, orthodontic appliances, and complex full-mouth rehabilitations all rely on accurate spatial data. Digital impressions help ensure that components designed by different clinicians or labs will align correctly when assembled in the mouth.
During a scanning appointment the clinician will prepare the area by ensuring teeth are clean and dry where possible, then glide the scanner wand progressively over the teeth and gums. The process is typically performed while the patient is seated upright; a video monitor often displays the model as it is generated, which many patients find informative and reassuring. The clinician controls the scan speed and can pause to capture specific angles or margins for restorations.
Scan sessions vary in length depending on the scope of the work—single crowns or small restorations may take only a few minutes of active scanning, while full-arch records require more time and careful attention to technique. If motion or saliva interferes with detail capture, the clinician can quickly recapture a small area rather than repeat the entire procedure. The non-invasive nature of the scan makes it suitable for a wide range of patients, including those who experience anxiety with traditional impressions.
After capture, the clinician will review the digital model on-screen and highlight any areas that need refinement. When indicated, the file can be immediately prepared for in-office fabrication or exported to a dental laboratory. Patients often appreciate the visual feedback during this stage, because the digital view helps explain proposed treatments and shows exactly how restorations will align with existing teeth.
Digital impressions are a cornerstone technology for modern restorative workflows, including chairside CAD/CAM systems that mill ceramic restorations within hours. When scanning is combined with in-office design and milling, certain crowns, onlays, and veneers can be completed in a single visit—saving time while maintaining high esthetic and functional standards. The integrated workflow eliminates multiple try-ins caused by lost impressions or shipping delays.
For implant dentistry, digital records can be merged with cone beam CT scans to plan implant positioning and fabricate surgical guides with precision. This hybrid digital approach improves coordination between surgical and prosthetic phases, ensuring that implant-supported restorations fit accurately on the day of placement. Orthodontic treatments and clear aligner therapy also rely on digital models to plan tooth movements and to fabricate custom devices.
Digital impression data supports predictable communication between the practice and specialized laboratories when components are manufactured off-site. File formats such as STL or proprietary CAD files carry the necessary resolution for design software, and many labs accept direct electronic submissions, which accelerates turnaround and minimizes errors associated with physical transport.
Once captured, digital impressions become durable, tamper-resistant records that can be stored indefinitely and duplicated without degradation. Electronic files simplify case management because they can be archived, compared over time, or shared with partner specialists for co‑diagnosis. The ability to view previous scans side-by-side helps clinicians detect subtle changes in tooth wear, restorations, or tissue health during routine follow-ups.
Electronic transmission to dental laboratories reduces dependency on physical shipment and the risk of impression damage. Clear visual data helps eliminate guesswork in prescription interpretation: technicians can view preparation margins, contact points, and occlusal relationships directly rather than deciphering a written note. This transparency supports more efficient collaboration and often leads to fewer remakes or adjustments based on incomplete traditional impressions.
Data security and patient privacy remain essential considerations; reputable practices and laboratories use encrypted transfer protocols and follow regulatory requirements for handling health information. Properly managed, digital workflows provide both clinical advantages and operational improvements that benefit patients and clinicians alike.
Summary: Digital impressions offer a modern, patient-friendly way to capture detailed oral anatomy while supporting faster, more accurate restorative workflows. These technologies enhance communication with dental laboratories, integrate with advanced restorative and implant planning tools, and create durable digital records that aid long-term care. For more information about how digital impressions are used in our practice or to discuss whether they are appropriate for your treatment, please contact us.
Digital impressions use a handheld intraoral scanner to capture a sequence of high-resolution images that software stitches into a three-dimensional model of your teeth and surrounding tissues. The wand projects a light pattern or laser and records reflected data that advanced algorithms convert into precise point clouds and meshed surfaces. Because the capture is incremental, clinicians can rescan small areas immediately when more detail is needed without repeating the entire process.
This digital map shows tooth anatomy, preparation margins, and soft-tissue contours that can be viewed, rotated, and measured on a monitor in real time. The resulting file gives clinicians and laboratories a stable, reproducible record that supports diagnosis, treatment planning, and restoration design. Patients typically experience a less intrusive process compared with traditional impression materials.
Digital systems reduce the dimensional changes that can occur with conventional impression materials as they polymerize, cure, or are poured into stone models, which improves predictability and fit. The digital workflow captures fine detail such as undercuts, interproximal contacts, and preparation margins with sub-millimeter resolution. Because files are reviewed immediately, clinicians can verify and refine captures on the spot to ensure complete data before fabrication begins.
When paired with CAD/CAM design and milling, digital impressions support precise fabrication of crowns, inlays, onlays, and bridges, often resulting in fewer adjustments at try-in. The clarity of the digital record also helps laboratory technicians interpret preparation details more accurately, which reduces the likelihood of remakes due to unclear impressions. Overall, stability and repeatability of digital files translate into better-fitting restorations.
During a scan the clinician will first prepare the area by ensuring teeth are clean and as dry as practical, then glide the scanner wand over the teeth and gums while a live model builds on the monitor. Many patients find the wand less intrusive than impression trays, and the seated scanning position is generally more comfortable. Scan time depends on the scope of work—single crowns may require only a few minutes of active scanning while full-arch records take longer and require careful technique.
If saliva, motion, or other factors affect detail, the clinician can quickly recapture a targeted area rather than repeating the entire impression. The on-screen visualization also helps patients follow along and understand proposed treatments as the model takes shape. Because the process is noninvasive, it is well suited to patients who have experienced gagging or anxiety with traditional materials.
Digital impressions provide the digital files needed for chairside CAD/CAM systems that design and mill ceramic restorations in-office, enabling certain crowns, onlays, and veneers to be completed in a single visit. The immediate availability of an accurate digital model shortens the workflow by removing shipping times and the need for physical models. Clinicians can evaluate margins, contacts, and occlusion digitally and make necessary design adjustments before milling the restoration.
Because the entire workflow is integrated, patients often enjoy fewer appointments and faster completion of definitive restorations when a same-day approach is appropriate. The digital route also reduces the risk of lost or damaged impressions in transit and supports consistent communication between the clinician and the milling software. For complex cases a staged approach may still be recommended to verify fit and function over time.
Yes. Digital impressions can be merged with cone beam CT scans to create a comprehensive, three-dimensional treatment plan for implant placement and prosthetic restoration. Combining surface data from the scanner with volumetric imaging allows clinicians to visualize bone, soft tissues, and tooth position relative to one another. This hybrid approach supports precise implant positioning and the design of surgical guides that translate the digital plan into predictable intraoral placement.
The same digital records that guide surgery can also be used to fabricate provisional and final implant restorations with accurate fit and occlusion. Coordination between surgical and prosthetic phases improves when all parties work from the same digital data set. Laboratories and in-office workflows can use the exported files to design components that align correctly at delivery.
Digital impression systems typically export standard formats such as STL as well as proprietary CAD files, and many dental laboratories accept direct electronic submissions. These file formats carry the geometric resolution needed for design software and milling machines, which facilitates remote fabrication and reduces the chance of interpretation errors. Before sending files, practices usually confirm the laboratory's preferred format and any design prescriptions to ensure compatibility.
Electronic transfer accelerates turnaround and eliminates risks associated with physical shipment, such as impression distortion or damage. Digital cases can include notes, screenshots, and margin markers to clarify the prescription for lab technicians. Clear visual data helps reduce remakes and supports a smoother collaboration between clinicians and labs.
Once captured, digital impressions become durable electronic records that can be archived indefinitely and duplicated without loss of fidelity. Reputable practices and partner laboratories use encrypted transfer protocols and adhere to applicable regulatory requirements for handling health information to protect patient privacy. Secure storage systems allow clinicians to retrieve prior scans for comparison during follow-up visits or to support continuity of care with specialists.
Access controls, audit logs, and secure backups are common safeguards that help prevent unauthorized use or data loss. When sharing files with outside laboratories or consultants, clinicians obtain appropriate consents and use secure channels to maintain confidentiality. Properly managed digital workflows combine clinical utility with strong information-security practices.
Most patients are good candidates for digital impressions, including those who find traditional materials uncomfortable or who have a sensitive gag reflex. The noninvasive nature of scanning and the ability to rescan targeted areas make the technique broadly suitable across age groups and clinical needs. However, very limited mouth opening, excessive bleeding, or extreme salivary flow can make capture more challenging and may require additional isolation or alternative techniques.
For complex cases or when clinical conditions prevent a clean capture, clinicians may use a hybrid approach or revert to well-executed traditional impressions to ensure accuracy. Technology is improving rapidly, and many limitations are mitigated by operator experience and updated scanner software. Your clinician will recommend the most reliable impression method for your specific treatment.
Because digital impressions improve the clarity of preparation margins and occlusal relationships, they often reduce the number of try-ins and remakes that result from unclear traditional impressions. Chairside CAD/CAM workflows can enable same-day delivery of certain restorations, which reduces appointments for suitable cases. When restorations are fabricated by external laboratories, the precision of digital files frequently minimizes chairside adjustments at placement.
That said, complex rehabilitations, multi-unit prosthetics, or cases that involve tissue healing may still require staged appointments to verify fit, function, and esthetics. The practice balances efficiency with clinical verification to ensure predictable, long-term outcomes. Your clinician will explain the expected sequence of visits for your treatment plan.
To learn how digital impressions are used in your care, schedule a consultation with our team to review whether scanning is appropriate for your planned treatment. During a visit we can demonstrate the scanning process, show digital models, and explain how the files integrate with restorative, orthodontic, or implant workflows. Seeing the model on-screen often helps patients understand proposed treatments and expected outcomes.
Our clinicians will discuss any case-specific considerations and outline the recommended workflow for your needs, including whether chairside CAD/CAM or laboratory fabrication will be used. If you have questions about what to expect or whether digital scanning is right for you, our practice can provide a detailed explanation tailored to your treatment plan. Contemporary Dentistry welcomes inquiries about how we incorporate digital impressions into modern, patient-centered care.