We know that going to the dentist doesn’t land on most people’s lists as something fun to do. And while we might be a bit biased, we don’t think it’s all that bad. We’re taking steps to make your time in the dental chair easier. Advancements in dental technology are everywhere. And one of those things you’ve always disliked—dental impressions—is now easier than ever. At King Dental, your family dentist near Virginia Beach, we offer digital impressions. They’re a game changer, and we can’t wait to tell you why.

The drawbacks of traditional dental impressions. 

Remember those putty impressions of yesteryear? Traditional dental impressions often involved a tray filled with gooey putty that had to be placed in your mouth. This method was not only messy but also uncomfortable. Many patients struggled with the putty triggering their gag reflex, making the experience super unpleasant, to say the least. The taste wasn’t much better, often leaving a bad aftertaste long after the impression.

For patients, this process was inconvenient and sometimes even stressful. Keeping still while the putty set could be challenging, especially for those with sensitive gag reflexes. The entire experience could be off-putting, making people dread their dental visits even more.

Dentists faced challenges, too. The traditional method required significant time and effort to get accurate impressions. Any small movement could ruin the impression, meaning it had to be done all over again. Additionally, the putty-based impressions were not always precise, leading to potential issues with the fit of crowns, bridges, or other dental appliances.

These limitations and discomforts of traditional dental impressions often made the dental visit more stressful and less efficient for everyone involved. Fortunately, advancements in dental technology have introduced a much better alternative: digital impressions.

Digital impressions are transforming dentistry—in the best way possible.

We want our patients to be as comfortable as possible in the dental chair. That means looking for any possible way to make a better experience, from the moment you arrive to the moment you climb out of the dental chair and head out on your way. That’s why we are so pleased to offer digital impressions. 

Here’s why we think you’ll love this new dental technology.

1. Better Accuracy and Precision

Digital impressions capture a highly detailed and accurate 3D image of your teeth. This precision means fewer errors and a better fit for crowns, bridges, and other dental appliances. It eliminates the guesswork, resulting in more effective (and accurate) results.

2. Improved Patient Comfort

Say goodbye to those uncomfortable putty trays that you disliked so much. Digital impressions involve a small, handheld scanner that quickly and comfortably captures the images of your teeth. This method is much more pleasant, especially for those with sensitive gag reflexes or dental anxiety.

3. Quicker Turnaround Time for Dental Appliances

With digital impressions, the time it takes to create dental appliances is significantly reduced. The digital files are sent directly to the lab, speeding up the entire process. This means you get your crowns, bridges, or aligners faster. And why is that important? It means you can achieve your desired smile quicker than ever before.

4. More Enjoyable Patient-Dentist Communication

Digital impressions provide a visual aid that helps patients understand their dental issues better. We can show you what we are seeing on the screen. These 3D images allow dentists to explain procedures more clearly, making it easier for patients to see what’s happening and why certain treatments are needed.

5. Reduced Environmental Impact

We all want to protect our environment. But, traditional impressions require disposable trays and materials that contribute to waste. Digital impressions are more environmentally friendly since they reduce the need for these single-use items. This is a small but significant step toward a greener practice.

6. Easier Storage and Retrieval

Digital impressions are stored electronically, making them easy to access whenever needed. No more searching through physical molds or worrying about losing them. This simplified storage system eases record-keeping and improves efficiency.

7. Integration with Other Digital Dentistry Technologies

Digital impressions can be integrated with other digital dentistry tools, such as CAD/CAM systems and 3D printers. This integration allows for the creation of highly customized and accurate dental appliances, further improving the quality of care.

Good Oral Care Tips

As a dental team, we’d be remiss if we didn’t end this article without good oral care tips. One of the best ways to create a great experience in the dental chair is to take good care of your teeth and gums at home. Here is what we recommend.

• Brush your teeth twice a day. And, the brush you use matters. Select a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid putting too much muscle into the process. Brush for two minutes at a time.
• Floss between all of your teeth at least once a day. We suggest that you floss after you brush your teeth. This will help loosen food particles that have become lodged between your teeth throughout the day.
• Rinse with a fluoridated mouthwash after brushing. This helps rinse away those particles as well, kills bad bacteria in your mouth, and helps make your breath fresher.
• Avoid over-indulgence in sugary and starchy foods. Stick to tooth-friendly options such as dairy, green vegetables, and lean proteins. Keeping those bad foods to a minimum will pay off in the long run, reducing your risks of cavities.
• Beware of tooth-staining foods and beverages as well. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration, keep up your saliva production, and lessen the risk of tooth discoloration.

Experience digital impressions at your next visit to King Dental. 

Is it time for your next dental checkup? Are you overdue for a professional cleaning and oral evaluation? Now is the time to request an appointment for a general dentistry visit. During your visit, be sure to ask us about digital impressions and how they can benefit your overall dental experience.