Digital Dental Impressions: Benefits Over Traditional Molds

Digital dental impressions use an intraoral scanner (a small wand-like device) to create a precise 3D digital model of your teeth and gums. This replaces the traditional method of biting into a tray filled with putty-like impression material. Digital impressions are faster, more comfortable, and often more accurate than traditional methods, and the digital file can be sent instantly to a dental lab or used for in-office CAD/CAM fabrication.

2 min readMedically reviewed contentLast updated March 26, 2026

Key Takeaways

Digital scanners capture thousands of images per second to create a precise 3D model of teeth and gums.
The scanning process takes 1 to 5 minutes per arch compared to 3 to 5 minutes per arch for traditional impressions.
Digital impressions eliminate the discomfort and gag reflex associated with putty impression material.
Accuracy of digital impressions meets or exceeds traditional methods for most applications.
The digital file is transmitted instantly to dental labs, reducing turnaround time.
Digital impressions are used for crowns, bridges, veneers, aligners, implant restorations, and dentures.

Understanding Digital Dental Impressions

Advances in dental technology continue to improve the precision, comfort, and outcomes of dental treatment. Patients benefit from these technologies through more accurate diagnoses, less invasive procedures, and faster recovery times.

Clinical Applications

This technology is used across multiple dental specialties. Your dental specialist can explain how it applies to your specific treatment plan and whether it is available at their practice.

Not all dental offices have the same equipment, so if a specific technology is important to you, ask about it when scheduling your consultation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is digital dental impressions?

Is this technology safe?

Yes. All dental technologies in clinical use have undergone rigorous testing and regulatory approval. Your dental specialist is trained in the proper use of these instruments and follows established safety protocols.

Does this technology cost extra?

In most cases, the cost of technology is built into the overall treatment fee rather than charged separately. Some advanced imaging (like CBCT scans) may have a separate fee. Ask your provider for a detailed cost breakdown.

Do all dental offices have this technology?

Not all offices have the same equipment. Specialty practices tend to have more advanced technology than general dental offices. If a specific technology is important for your treatment, ask about availability when scheduling.

Does insurance cover treatments using this technology?

Insurance covers the dental procedure itself, not the specific technology used. Whether you receive a crown made with CAD/CAM or traditional methods, the insurance coverage is the same for the crown procedure.

How do I know if I need this technology for my treatment?

Your dental specialist will recommend the appropriate technology based on your specific diagnosis and treatment plan. During your consultation, ask about the technology that will be used and how it benefits your particular case.