Oral scanner vs traditional impression: which method is more suitable for modern dental clinics?

Ⅰ Fundamental principles of two modelling approaches
1. The old way of making impressions
Traditional impressions use physical materials like alginate, silicone rubber (PVS), and others to copy the contour of teeth. The doctor puts the impression material in a tray and inserts it in the mouth. After the material hardens, it is taken out and a plaster model is made so that restoration can be made later.
This approach has been around for a long time and has advanced technology. Many dental clinics still use it.

2. Method of oral scanning
Oral scanners employ lasers or optics to immediately capture three-dimensional data on the patient's teeth and soft tissues. They can then be used for CAD/CAM design, 3D printing, or CNC milling.
Basically, it's the "entrance" to the digital dental procedure and a key piece of equipment for current digital clinics.

Ⅱ A comparison of how things are done and how quickly they can be done

1. The process features of conventional impressions
The following steps are usually included of traditional impressions:
Choose the impression tray and material.
Combining materials for impressions
Take the mould out of your mouth and let it harden.
Make sure the impression is still good
Making a gypsum model and fixing it
It usually takes 30 to 60 minutes or longer to finish the whole process. If bubbles or other changes happen, the mould needs to be taken again.

2. Benefits of using intraoral scanners in the process
The process of using an intraoral scanner is much easier:
Keep the mouth clean and dry.
Finish the scan by following the scanning path
Make 3D digital models right away
Enter the design directly or provide data
Scanning usually just takes a few minutes, which makes diagnosing and treating much faster.

Ⅲ Comparing the accuracy and stability of the data

1. The reasons why traditional impressions are wrong
There are many things that can affect how accurate traditional impressions are:
Shrinkage or bending of impression materials
Humidity and temperature in the mouth
Operator experience differences
Errors in gypsum casting that show up on top of each other
These mistakes tend to add up when fixing multiple units or dealing with complicated instances.

2. Benefits of intraoral scanners for accuracy
The intraoral scanner makes a digital model that has:
Ability to recognise edges with high resolution
Data that can't be changed and can be used again
A more stable record of bite relationships
Digital scanning is very good at making dental crowns, bridges, implant guides, and invisible orthodontics more accurate and consistent.

Ⅳ Big differences in how patients feel

1. How patients view traditional impressions
A lot of patients don't like typical impressions:
The impression material doesn't feel good.
Can easily make you cough
It takes a long time to get your mouth open.
This is especially clear in kids, old people, or people who are worried.

2. Comfortable use of the intraoral scanner
The intraoral scanner uses non-contact scanning:
No smell, no imprint substance
Short time for scanning
Display of 3D photos of the mouth in real time
This not only makes patients more comfortable, but it also makes them more confident in the clinic's professionalism.

Ⅴ Analysis of the cost structure and long-term investments

1. The costs of traditional impressions
Traditional impressions don't cost much at first, but there are hidden costs:
Constantly using impression materials and trays
Cost of making gypsum models
Costs of time and labour for rework and redo

2. The return on investment for an intraoral scanner
The first cost of intraoral scanners is rather significant, however in the long run, they can:
Lower the cost of supplies
Lower the rate of rework
Make reception more efficient
Help more projects that add a lot of value
Digital investments usually pay out more in the long run for clinics that have stable or growing operations.

6. Analysis of Applicable Scenarios and Clinic Types

Traditional impressions can still be used in some basic restorations, but they are gradually becoming inadequate in complex cases and high efficiency scenarios.