The first stages of receiving orthodontic treatment used to be somewhat unpleasant. Traditional imaging involved the use of stiff bite-trays to help get clear images but also bit into your gums. An impression of your teeth was necessary to prepare prosthetics, plan restorations, and develop a treatment plan. Unfortunately, physical impressions required the use of trays filled with a goopy medium that would take the shape of your teeth. Thankfully, the advance of imaging and dental technology has produced a new option to achieve these goals with less mess and fuss.

The Role Of Digital Impressions in Orthodontics

Today’s 3D imaging is capable of creating a digital impression that is incredibly precise and doesn’t require any mess or discomfort at all. Imaging and impressions are still fundamental requirements to producing effective orthodontics, making these technologies a blessing. More than just replacing the previous technologies, these newer tools address some fundamental problems with these earlier methods.

X-rays were always fairly effective, but multiple images were needed to get a full view of the patient’s mouth. Even then, the films produced were in a flat 2D format which made things more difficult to read. 3D Digital Imaging creates one composite image that can be rendered in 3D, rotated, zoomed in on, and even printed out in a physical form. Digital impressions are made using an intra-oral camera. The intra-oral camera takes thousands of images of the interior of the patient’s mouth, stitching them together into a 3D composite using special software.

Using this advanced technology, your dentist will be able to better diagnose any existing conditions and develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Consider the following benefits of receiving digital x-rays and digital impressions:

• Better results than physical impressions
• Ability to view the results in dynamic 3D
• Precision is far in excess of older versions.
• Ability to produce printed medium in great detail
• No more uncomfortable bite trays
• No messy impression trays
• Improved ability to do treatment planning

These are the primary benefits of using modern dental technology to produce superior impressions and imaging. There are additional benefits as well. They can be easily transferred between practices without risking losing them. You can get and retain a copy for your own records. They’re easy to view and provide an immense amount of information. All-in-all they’re superior in every way too antiquated physical technologies.

Speak To Your Dental Provider For Additional Information

Being able to view your orofacial structures in a manner that exactly mimics their appearance in real life improves diagnostic and treatment efforts. Dentists and patients regularly report an improved experience when using these tools. For patients, there’s no reason to dread getting imaging done and no risk of triggering the gag reflex with unpleasant tools and goop. Reaching out to your dental provider will give you the opportunity to learn more about the treatment options they have available. They’ll also be able to inform you how digital x-rays and impressions have improved their ability to provide outstanding care to patients like you.