What does “Dental impression” mean?
An impression records the appearance of the teeth and surrounding oral tissues. It is used to make prosthetics or orthodontic appliances, and an impression is made from the material or the shape is recorded using an intraoral scanner.
What information is recorded?
Record the tooth surfaces as well as the boundaries and surrounding tissues where the prosthesis will touch. The relationship between the upper and lower teeth can be conveyed together in the occlusal record.
What is the difference between a regular impression and a digital impression?
A normal impression is formed by hardening the material in a tray. Digital impressions create three-dimensional data of the mouth by combining multiple images, and the goal is to ensure that all necessary areas are recorded.
Can one impression be used for every treatment?
Diagnostic casts and records for final prosthesis fabrication have different purposes. If treatment changes the shape of the tooth or does not sufficiently contain the necessary boundaries, it can be re-recorded.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I do an oral scan, do I need an X-ray?
Scans primarily record the visible surface morphology, while x-rays provide other information, such as the interior of the tooth and bone. They are not tests that replace one another.
What if I have a strong gag reflex?
If you let us know in advance, we can adjust the posture, tray, and progress method. Digital records may be reviewed if appropriate for treatment purposes.
Questions needed to understand impressions
Learn what the term means and how it relates to your dental condition.
- Sufficient understanding
Is this record for diagnostic or production purposes?
Explanation and evidenceDistinguishing the purpose helps explain why another impression may be needed.
Cleveland Clinic · Dental Impressions - A choice suited to your condition
Is the bite also recorded?
Explanation and evidenceWe also need data to determine how the final device will meet the opposing teeth.
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