Leaving a long-lasting impression – MyCrown
Featured Products Promotional FeaturesPosted by: Dental Design 10th October 2018
Taking a good impression of a patient’s oral cavity is essential when fabricating a prosthesis that fits well, functions efficiently and meets aesthetic expectations. There are various materials and techniques available for taking impressions but not all are likely to be effective for each and every case. Traditional methods that employ the use of vinyl polysiloxane or polyether materials are widely accepted within the dental profession, but they present other challenges to both patient and practitioner. Digital intraoral scanners offer a solution by creating more accurate impressions, improving the treatment experience for patients and aiding in the fabrication of an optimal final prosthesis.
Traditional impression-taking can be an awkward process, often involving a wide variety of materials and multi-step procedures that require a great deal of skill to complete. Errors can occur as a result of practitioners making mistakes or because of defects in materials – which include voids, air bubbles, improper setting or distortions.[i]
The vast majority of patients can tolerate the use of traditional impression material in their mouth, but will argue it is an uncomfortable and messy experience which can trigger sensitive gag reflexes. Some patients may also find that they suffer an allergic reaction to the material.[ii]These can be difficult issues to deal with the first time a patient requires an impression, but if errors do occur, the patient will need to undergo the procedure again. This results in greater inconvenience, increased appointment time and additional costs to both the patient and the practitioner.
On the other hand, digital intraoral scanners eliminate the need for impression materials to be applied – a complete image of the patient’s teeth and gums can be captured digitally and saved to a computer for instant analysis on a chairside monitor. Digital impressions can accurately measure the occlusal clearance between the prepared and opposing teeth.[iii]These intraoral scans can also be magnified on screen to improve practitioners’ view of the oral cavity, so that any necessary changes can be made. Any defects can be addressed through an immediate rescan of the oral cavity, which is far easier to do than having to recall the patient to the practice for another mouthful of impression material.
Digital impressions can also be stored electronically for an indefinite amount of time, thus saving space in the practice for more efficient recordkeeping that supports a paper-free environment. This eco-friendly dentistry eliminates the need for disposable plastic trays and impression materials which would otherwise pollute landfill space. Patients are more likely to appreciate the technology as well, becoming more engaged with treatment and better informed about the process because they are able to review digital impressions on screen. This gives them a realistic idea of what the final restoration will look like, thereby also increasing treatment acceptance rates.
Not only are digital intraoral scanners effective in capturing impressions, but they can also streamline the delivery of restorative solutions. Some CAD/CAM systems are fully integrated with an intraoral scanner and an advanced milling unit capable of fabricating restorations in one appointment.[iv]These advanced technologies are able to produce aesthetically pleasing and durable results. Systems like MyCrown, for instance, feature a sophisticated intraoral scanner that captures digital impressions in striking detail. Combined with MyCrown’s state-of-the-art milling unit, the scans can then be used to fabricate various restorations chairside – including dental crowns, veneers, inlays, onlays and small bridges – in as little as 12 minutes.
It is important that practitioners consider their method of impression-taking in order to ensure that they deliver the most accurate and comfortable restoration. Digital technology can enhance the standard of treatment that you provide, but also leave a good impression on patients who will appreciate the time and investment you put into your services. Ultimately, this will distinguish you from competitors who may not yet be taking advantage of the latest equipment.
For more information, visit www.my-crown.co.ukor call 03339 873007
[i]Andreescu, C. F., Botoaca, O., Barbu, H. M., Gheric, D. L., Bechir, A. and Rauten, A. M. (2017) Deficiencies in Silicone Impression for Crowns and Bridges. Revista de Chimie. 68(10):2317-2319. Link: http://www.revistadechimie.ro/pdf/21%20ANDREESCU%20C%2010%2017.pdf. [Last accessed: 26.03.18].
[ii]Yuzbasioglu, E., Kurt, H., Turunc, R. and Bilir, H. (2014) Comparison of digital and conventional impression techniques: evaluation of patients’ perception, treatment comfort, effectiveness and clinical outcomes. BMC Oral Health. 14: 10. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3913616/. [Last accessed: 26.03.18].
[iii]Yang, X., LV, P., Liu, Y., Si, W. and Feng, H. (2015) Accuracy of Digital Impressions and Fitness of Single Crowns Based on Digital Impressions. Materials (Basel). 8(7):3945-3957. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5455646/. [Last accessed: 26.03.18].
[iv]Šupler, M. (Unknown) Endodontic treatment, retreatment and permanent cementation of full ceramic CAD/CAM crown in one visit. Link: http://my-crown.co.uk/mudr-marek-supler-mph/. [Last accessed: 26.03.18].
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