Impression
Also known as: Dental impression, implant impression, digital scan, optical scan
Recording the position of implants or teeth to allow the laboratory to make your restoration.
An impression is a record of the position, shape and relationship of the implants and surrounding teeth, used by the dental laboratory to fabricate your custom crown, bridge, or other restoration with precision.
Conventional impressions
Traditional impressions use a tray filled with impression material (usually polyether or polyvinylsiloxane) that sets around special impression components attached to the implant. The resulting model is sent to the laboratory where the restoration is fabricated.
Digital impressions (intraoral scanning)
Increasingly, optical intraoral scanners are used to create a 3D digital scan of the mouth — eliminating the need for impression trays and materials. Digital scans are often more accurate, more comfortable for the patient, and can be sent electronically to the laboratory immediately.
Implant-level vs abutment-level impressions
Impressions can be taken at implant level (recording the exact position of the implant in the bone) or abutment level (recording the shape of the abutment above the gum). Implant-level impressions give the laboratory more flexibility in designing the restoration.
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