Why Do Modern Dental Laboratories Prefer Digital Dental Impressions?

Dental laboratories and patients rarely meet face-to-face, yet labs consistently deliver beautiful, well-fitting dental restorations. The key tool enabling this is the dental impression—a precise record of a patient’s mouth, which guides the creation of crowns, bridges, veneers, and dentures.

There are two main types of dental impressions

• Traditional Impressions: A manual method using physical materials.

• Digital Impressions: A modern, technology-driven approach.

Let’s explore why digital dental impressions are increasingly favored by both dental labs and patients.

What Is a Digital Dental Impression?

A digital dental impression uses an intraoral scanner to capture detailed, three-dimensional images of the patient’s teeth and gums. This data is instantly transferred to a computer, creating a virtual model of the mouth—including complex and soft tissues.

Benefits for Patients

• Comfort: No need for messy impression materials or trays.

• Speed: The scanning process typically takes just 3–5 minutes.

• Visualization: Patients can view clear, detailed images of their teeth during treatment.

• Faster Results: Digital files are sent instantly to the lab, speeding up the entire process.

What Is a Traditional Dental Impression?

In the traditional method, the dentist places a tray filled with impression material (such as alginate or silicone) into the patient’s mouth to create a mold. This physical impression is then sent to the dental lab, where technicians pour plaster to form a working model for restoration fabrication.

Drawbacks for Patients

• Discomfort: The process can trigger gag reflexes or cause nausea.

• Odor & Taste: Some materials have unpleasant smells or tastes.

• Accuracy Issues: Movement or improper technique can lead to distortions, - affecting the final restoration.

Why Do Modern Dental Labs Prefer Digital Impressions?

Advantages for Patients

• Enhanced Comfort: Especially beneficial for those with sensitive gag reflexes or dental anxiety.

• Time-Saving: Quick scans and immediate data transfer mean faster turnaround times.

• Transparency: Patients can see their dental scans and better understand their treatment.

Advantages for Dental Laboratories

• Speed: Digital impressions are transmitted instantly, allowing labs to begin fabrication the same day. Traditional impressions can take 1–5 days to ship.

• Accuracy: Digital scans provide highly precise data, resulting in restorations that fit better and require fewer adjustments.

• Reliability: Digital files are easy to store, retrieve, and share, reducing the risk of lost or damaged impressions.

• Eco-Friendly: Eliminates the need for disposable trays and impression materials, reducing waste.

• Consistency: Fewer errors from material distortion or shipping mishaps.

Digital Dental Impression at Xdent Dental Lab

At XDENT LAB, we embrace the future of dental technology. Our lab accepts files from all major digital impression systems—including Sirona CEREC, iTero, 3Shape TRIOS, and 3M True Definition. This allows us to craft high-quality, accurately fitting restorations from a wide range of materials.

Interested in learning more about our digital dental services?

Contact Xdent Dental Lab today for consultation and partnership opportunities.