Our Office
28562 Oso Parkway, Suite K
Rancho Santa Margarita,
CA 92688
CA 92688
Existing Patients: (949) 505-9901
New Patients: (949) 272-0877
Visit Us Online
Digital impressions replace the old tray-and-putty method with a compact intraoral scanner that captures detailed images of teeth and surrounding tissues. Rather than relying on a physical mold, the scanner records a series of high-resolution images that are stitched together by software into an accurate three-dimensional model. The result is a precise digital file that represents tooth surfaces, margins, and adjacent soft tissue with a level of consistency that is difficult to achieve with conventional impressions.
Because the scanning process is visual and immediate, clinicians can inspect the captured data in real time, identify any missing detail, and rescan selectively. This targeted approach reduces the need for repeat impressions and gives dental teams a clearer starting point for planning restorative procedures. The digital model can be viewed from multiple angles, measured precisely, and saved indefinitely for future reference within a patient’s chart.
For patients, this technology feels less invasive. There’s no heavy tray to hold in the mouth, no setting time for impression material, and no risk of distortion from patient movement or material shrinkage. By converting a physical task into a digital workflow, modern optical scanning improves both the clinical experience and the reliability of the resulting restorative designs.
One of the most immediately noticeable benefits of digital impressions is patient comfort. Many people find traditional impression trays uncomfortable or triggering, especially those with a sensitive gag reflex. A slim scanner wand is far less obtrusive and typically requires only brief passes across targeted areas. That smaller physical footprint plus faster capture times results in a calmer, more comfortable visit for most patients.
Beyond physical comfort, digital impressions streamline appointments. Because clinicians receive instant visual feedback, they can address gaps or inaccuracies on the spot instead of discovering problems after the patient has left. This real-time feedback reduces the chance of follow-up visits solely for impression correction, saving patients time and minimizing inconvenience.
The approach also supports clearer communication during treatment discussions. Patients can see the same digital models their clinician uses, which helps explain proposed restorations, show wear patterns, or demonstrate how a planned prosthetic will interact with existing dentition. That shared visual reference often improves patient understanding and confidence in the recommended care plan.
Digital impressions yield highly accurate digital files that laboratories and in-office milling systems can use to fabricate restorations. The data captured by an intraoral scanner includes fine details around preparation margins and occlusal anatomy, which are critical when creating crowns, bridges, inlays, or veneers. Because the file is digital from the outset, it avoids common sources of error inherent in physical impressions—such as material distortion, poor pouring techniques, or transportation mishaps.
Electronic transmission of these files to a dental laboratory shortens the communication loop and reduces the possibility of lost or damaged impressions. Technicians can import the scan into their software immediately, simulate fit, and plan fabrication with the benefit of precise measurements. This workflow often improves shade matching, fit, and marginal integrity because the lab works from cleaner, more consistent data.
For clinicians, the predictability of digital impressions helps set realistic clinical expectations. When a digital scan is clear and complete, it allows the restorative team to anticipate potential challenges—such as interproximal contacts or occlusal adjustments—before the restoration is produced, which reduces chairside surprises and promotes better long-term outcomes.
Digital impressions are foundational to many contemporary restorative solutions, including chairside milling and in-office ceramic fabrication. When scans are integrated with design and milling systems, the entire process—from digital capture to final restoration—can be completed in a single visit. This capability eliminates the need for temporary crowns and multiple appointments while providing a precisely milled restoration that fits the captured anatomy.
Even when restorations are produced by an outside laboratory, the digital workflow speeds collaboration. Labs can use digital scans to design restorations with computer-aided design tools, verify fit virtually, and produce milled or 3D-printed appliances with tighter tolerances. The consistency of digital data supports advanced materials and fabrication techniques, which contribute to restorations that are both durable and esthetically pleasing.
At Rise & Shine Dental Group, our adoption of digital impressioning supports efficient restorative care and helps us deliver outcomes that align with patient expectations for speed, comfort, and precision. Using digital workflows enables the practice to offer contemporary treatment options while maintaining high standards for clinical accuracy and esthetics.
A typical digital impression appointment begins with a careful oral evaluation and any necessary tooth preparations. Your clinician will then use the scanner to capture the treatment area, moving the wand steadily to ensure full coverage. The process is often faster than traditional impressions, and many patients find it more tolerable because there’s no prolonged material setting time in the mouth.
During scanning, the clinician monitors the captured images on a screen and can immediately correct any missed details by rescanning specific areas. After capture, the digital file is reviewed and, if needed, adjusted for clarity. If the workflow involves same-day fabrication, the design and milling steps follow; if the lab will fabricate the restoration, the file is sent electronically with instructions for the technician.
Because the digital file is stored in your chart, it can be referenced for future treatments or maintenance. This archived record supports continuity of care and makes follow-up work more efficient should additional restorations or adjustments be needed. Patients can expect a smooth, transparent process that emphasizes both comfort and clinical precision.
In summary, digital impressions represent a modern, patient-friendly approach to capturing the details necessary for exceptional restorative dentistry. The technology enhances comfort, improves accuracy, and integrates seamlessly with advanced fabrication methods—benefits that translate into better experiences and predictable outcomes. If you have questions about how digital impressions may influence your treatment options, please contact us for more information.
Digital impressions use a compact intraoral scanner to capture high-resolution images of teeth and surrounding soft tissues. Specialized software stitches those images into an accurate three-dimensional model that represents tooth surfaces, margins and adjacent anatomy. The resulting digital file replaces physical impression materials and becomes the basis for restorative planning and fabrication.
Because scanning is visual and immediate, clinicians can inspect captured data in real time, identify any missing detail and selectively rescan areas as needed. Digital models can be measured precisely, viewed from multiple angles and archived in the patient record for future reference. At Rise & Shine Dental Group, we integrate these files into treatment workflows to support accurate, efficient care.
Traditional impressions rely on physical trays and impression material that must set in the mouth and then be poured into a stone model, a process that can introduce distortion through material handling or movement. Digital impressions capture data directly as a digital file, eliminating many sources of error associated with impression materials, pouring and shipping. The result is a more consistent starting point for laboratory work and in-office fabrication.
Because the clinician receives instant visual feedback, gaps or inaccuracies are identified and corrected during the visit rather than discovered afterward. Electronic transmission of the scan shortens communication with the laboratory and reduces the risk of lost or damaged impressions. That continuity helps maintain the integrity of the restorative prescription from capture to fabrication.
Your appointment will begin with an oral evaluation and any necessary tooth preparations specific to the planned restoration. The clinician will move the slim scanner wand over the treatment area in a steady pattern to capture full coverage; this process is often faster than traditional impressions and does not require material to set in the mouth. Patients typically see the scan in real time on a monitor while the clinician reviews completeness and clarity.
If any areas need additional detail, the clinician can rescan those spots immediately and update the digital file. Once the scan is complete, the file is reviewed, refined if necessary and either sent electronically to a laboratory or used with an in-office CAD/CAM system for same-day fabrication. A copy of the scan is stored in the patient record to support future treatment or maintenance.
For many patients, digital impressions are less invasive because the procedure uses a slim scanner wand rather than a full tray filled with impression material. This smaller footprint and shorter capture time can be especially helpful for individuals with a sensitive gag reflex or those who find traditional trays uncomfortable. There is no waiting for material to set, which reduces discomfort and anxiety during the appointment.
Beyond physical comfort, the real-time review feature reduces the likelihood of a repeat appointment due to a faulty impression. Clinicians can point out areas of interest on the screen, which helps patients understand their condition and proposed restorations more clearly. The combination of faster capture and clearer communication often results in a smoother clinical experience.
Digital scanners capture fine details around preparation margins and occlusal anatomy that are critical for crowns, bridges, inlays and veneers. Because the data remains digital from capture through design and fabrication, common sources of error—such as material shrinkage, poor pour technique or transportation damage—are avoided. Precise measurements and the ability to view the model from multiple angles increase confidence in the planned restoration.
Technicians can import scans into CAD software to simulate fit, evaluate contacts and anticipate occlusal adjustments before fabrication begins. This virtual planning reduces chairside surprises and helps set realistic clinical expectations for both function and esthetics. The predictability of a complete digital workflow contributes to restorations with improved fit and marginal integrity.
Yes. When digital scans are integrated with chairside CAD/CAM design tools and milling equipment, the entire workflow—from digital capture to final restoration—can often be completed in a single visit. This process eliminates the need for provisional restorations in appropriate cases and can shorten overall treatment time while maintaining precision. The feasibility of same-day delivery depends on the scope of the restoration and the chosen materials.
Even when a laboratory produces the final prosthesis, electronic transmission of the scan accelerates collaboration and reduces turnaround. Rise & Shine Dental Group utilizes digital workflows to offer efficient restorative options when clinically appropriate and to coordinate with trusted laboratories when outside fabrication is preferred. The result is a more streamlined experience without sacrificing clinical standards.
Yes. Most dental laboratories accept standard digital file formats generated by intraoral scanners and can import those scans into their CAD/CAM systems. Technicians use the digital data to design restorations, simulate fit and select optimal fabrication techniques such as milling or 3D printing. The consistent quality of digital scans often improves communication about shade, contours and marginal relationships.
Digital workflows support a wide range of restorative materials, including advanced ceramics and hybrid restoratives, because technicians can plan and test restorations virtually before production. Electronic file exchange shortens the feedback loop and reduces the potential for miscommunication that can occur with physical impressions. This compatibility makes digital impressions a practical choice for many modern restorative solutions.
Digital impression files are stored as part of the patient’s electronic record and handled according to the practice’s health record and privacy procedures. Practices typically use secure servers, encrypted transmission protocols and regular backups to protect digital data, and access is restricted to authorized clinical and laboratory personnel as required. These measures help protect the integrity and availability of the scans for ongoing care.
Patients may request copies of their records or scans, and clinicians can share digital files with outside laboratories using secure transfer methods when needed for fabrication. The practice follows applicable privacy regulations and internal policies when managing protected health information. If you have specific concerns about data handling, your clinician can explain the office’s security practices in detail.
Digital scanners can capture implant scan bodies and implant position data when used with appropriate components and clinical technique, making them suitable for many implant-supported restorations. For partial-arch and single-unit implant situations, intraoral scanning is well established and yields reliable data for prosthesis design. Full-arch and complex multi-unit implant cases require careful technique, proper scan bodies and sometimes adjunctive protocols to ensure optimal accuracy.
In some clinical situations, clinicians combine digital scanning with other technologies such as CBCT imaging or photogrammetry to enhance accuracy for full-arch implant workflows. The choice of approach depends on the clinical goals, the system used and the practitioner’s experience. Your clinician will recommend the method that best balances precision and clinical feasibility for your specific case.
While digital impressions offer many advantages, certain clinical circumstances can limit scanner performance, such as excessive blood or saliva, very deep subgingival margins, extreme lack of stable landmarks in long edentulous spans, or inadequate access. In these situations the clinician may determine that a conventional impression or a hybrid approach will provide the best data for fabricating a restoration. The decision is guided by clinical judgment and the demands of the intended prosthesis.
Your dental team will evaluate the clinical conditions and discuss the most appropriate impression technique for your treatment. When a traditional impression is chosen, it is to ensure the highest standard of fit and function for the final restoration. The primary goal remains predictable, durable and esthetically appropriate results regardless of the capture method.
