Digital and conventional impression techniques of obtaining complete-arch dental impression

Abstract

Summary. Impression making has become an essential procedure in dentistry.Various materials and impression-taking processes have been utilized over time to obtain the desired accuracy for successful treatment. Aim of this study is to investigate the accuracy and trueness of digital full arch dental impressions in comparison to a conventional dental impression procedure in clinical application.This study was conducted in the department of stomatological propaedeutics “Pavel Godoroja” at the State University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Nicolae Testemițanu” and Smiles for Miles Dental Office Modesto, California. The preferences of 20 patients with full dentition were analyzed and compared regarding the use of conventional and digital impression techniques. Patients were requested to complete a comparative questionnaire in regards to their experience with each technique. The results of the comparative questionnaire presented show that 100% of patients preferred the digital impression technique when given the option for either impression. Through the questionnaire, it was determined that the comfort and satisfaction of patients was greater in the digital impression technique. Digital impression was less invasive and did not require the scanner to be placed in the mouth to the depth of the conventional impression tray. The intraoral scanner did not have any unpleasant odors or trigger gagging reflex.