Ⅰ What is the difference between ideas and rules?
1. The old way of making impressions
The conventional imprint method mostly includes using physical materials to physically copy the shape of teeth. Common impression materials include:
Alginate: cheap and easy to use, but it can change shape, therefore it's good for constructing temporary models.
Silicone/Polyvinyl Siloxane (PVS): Very accurate, very stable, and useful for making dental crowns, bridges, and implant guides.
Process of operation: The dentist puts the impression material in the impression tray, puts it in the patient's mouth, and then waits for the material to harden. After that, the impression is taken off and plaster is poured to make a working model.
Downsides: It can make mistakes because of things like material deformation, how it is used, and the patient's mouth dampness.
2. The dental scanner approach
Dental scanners use optical imaging or laser scanning to directly get three-dimensional digital data on teeth and soft and hard tissues in the mouth. They then make STL or CAD models. Some common methods are:
Scanning using structured light
Scanning using lasers
Scanning with stereophotogrammetry
You can directly import the digital model into CAD/CAM systems to make dental crowns, bridges, temporary restorations, orthodontic appliances, and implant guides.
Summary: Traditional impressions are made in the real world, while dental scanners make copies of them in the digital world.
Ⅱ Time and cost of operation
1. The old way of making impressions
Get ready the trays and supplies for impressions.
Put the substance in your mouth and wait for it to harden (around 3 to 5 minutes).
Take the impression out and make sure it is still good.
Casting a model out of gypsum (30 to 60 minutes)
Give the model to the technician so they can make dental crowns or bridges.
Characteristics: Takes a long time, has a lot of steps, and is very affected by how much experience you have with the job.
2. The procedure of scanning teeth
Keeping dry and brushing your teeth
Scan the dental arch and the area that is missing (1–3 minutes for one tooth or 5–10 minutes for the whole mouth)
Software makes 3D digital models on its own
Import a CAD/CAM system to design and print or mill right away.
Features: Quick, easy process with fewer manual processes; can go straight to the digital design and printing stage.
Ⅲ Comparison of Accuracy and Error
|
indicator |
Traditional impressions |
Dental scanner |
|
precision |
Due to material and operational factors, typically 50-200 microns |
High precision 10-50 microns, controllable error |
|
repetitiveness |
Low, there may be errors when pouring gypsum once |
High, digital files can be reprinted repeatedly |
|
transform |
Easy to cause errors due to material shrinkage or expansion |
Digital data remains unchanged |
|
Small gap recognition |
Limited space between tiny teeth |
Can accurately capture subtle gaps and edges |
Conclusion: Digital scanning is much more accurate, repeatable, and controllable than traditional impressions. It is especially useful for clinical applications that need very precise restorations.
Ⅳ A comparison of patient experiences
1. How patients feel about traditional impressions
The impression substance doesn't feel good, and some patients may cough or feel uncomfortable.
It takes a long time to cure, and the mouth has to stay open.
Simple to produce allergies to materials or irritation in the mouth
2. How patients feel about dental scanners
The scanning method doesn't need any impression materials, thus it's really comfortable.
No smell, and you don't have to open your lips for a long time.
Can swiftly finish scans and cut down on the time needed for consultations
Conclusion: Dental scanners make patients far more comfortable and happy, and they are one of the best things about digital dentistry.
Ⅴ A look at the materials and costs
1. The price of classic impression materials
The price of impression material is low, especially alginate.
We require gypsum models, which makes the cost of supplies go up.
Mistakes can mean extra labour and expenditures.
2. The expense of digital scanning
Scanner equipment is very expensive, costing between $10,000 and $100,000.
Need CAD/CAM software and printing/milling tools to help.
The only things that cost money are printing resin or milling ceramic blocks.
When mass production or regular clinical usage happens, digitisation is cheaper in the long term than traditional methods.
Summary: The initial cost is expensive, but the long-term cost of digitisation is reduced. This is especially true for dental technology companies and clinics that work quickly.
Ⅵ Differences in application scenarios
|
scene |
Traditional impressions |
Dental scanner |
|
Single dental crown |
Feasible, but limited in accuracy |
High precision, suitable for single and multiple dental crowns |
|
Multiple dental bridges |
Easy to accumulate errors |
Digital precise matching |
|
Planting guide plate |
Traditional impression+manual operation required |
Direct scanning+digital design, high precision |
|
Invisible aligners |
A gypsum model needs to be made |
Can directly generate digital models for rapid production |
|
temporary crown |
Gypsum model needs to be processed |
Quick design and printing, high efficiency |
|
Teaching/Case Demonstration |
Gypsum model |
Digital model, capable of animated demonstration |
Ⅶ The pros of traditional impressions and the cons of scanners
1. Benefits of traditional impressions
Cheap and easy to use
Most basic repairs can still be done.
Technology that is well-established and cheap to train on
2. What the scanner can't do
A lot of money spent on equipment
Doctors or technicians need to know how to use software.
Scanning the whole mouth or working on complicated instances needs a lot of skill.
Humidity and light reflection can make scanning less accurate.
Small clinics can slowly start using scanners, and for complicated cases or restorations that need a lot of precision, it's best to employ digital workflows.
