3D Impressions in Lancaster, PA

For the longest time, having physical impressions of your teeth was a lengthy and uncomfortable process. Physical impressions require you to bite into a mold for long periods of time, which may be an issue for some patients who have a powerful gag reflex. Because of this, our pediatric dental team proudly offers an alternative to physical molds with 3D impressions. Using advanced intraoral cameras, 3D or electronic impressions take precise scans of your teeth. These 3D images enable our team to create an exact model of your mouth, which helps us make dental restorations, like crowns, implants, onlays, inlays, dentures, Spark™ (Ormco)® clear aligners, and more. If you need restorative dentistry services or orthodontic work, avoid the stress and time of physical molds with 3D impressions at Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates in Lancaster, PA.

At Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates, opting for 3D impressions offers numerous advantages over traditional methods. Not only are these scans more efficient, but they often boast higher levels of accuracy. Unlike traditional impressions, which limit us to relying solely on the lab, 3D impressions empower our Lancaster, PA team to digitally craft and analyze your restorative treatment with precision.

The key benefits of 3D scanning include:

• Speed and simplicity in the process
• Reduced need for multiple treatments
• Enhanced comfort for most patients, eliminating the risk of gag reflex often associated with traditional impressions
• Greater control over the design and fabrication of dental restorations
• Electronic storage of digital impressions for future treatment reference
• Improved patient understanding of their condition through visualizing their oral health on-screen

Digital impressions work well for patients of all ages who have a sensitive gag reflex and/or people who want to stay away from the stress of physical molds. One of our dentists will use digital impressions if you need a custom dental restoration, such as a bridge, crown, onlay, inlay, dentures, or removable orthodontic aligners (like Spark™ (Ormco)). Digital impressions produce precise digital versions of your teeth, which we can send directly to a dental lab or in-office CEREC machine.

During this procedure, you can relax in the treatment chair while we move a small scanning wand around your mouth. This tool emits safe imaging wavelengths to precisely capture all areas, corners, and crevices of your teeth. Once the scan is complete, an image of your teeth will show up on the monitor. If we overlooked any areas during the initial scan, we can easily re-scan the needed parts of your mouth. When compared to regular molds, we would have to repeat the entire process.

We send your 3D impressions to a dental lab or an in-office CEREC system. After reviewing your child's digital scans and creating his or her orthodontic or restoration treatment, we will have the ability to start their therapy. Additionally, we will keep your scans on file. This will make it faster if you need a new restoration and to compare changes in your teeth and dental health.

Our group can help coordinate benefits through your insurance carrier. We're happy to work with you to make sure that the payment process is easy, and we will provide information about any out-of-pocket costs. If you do not have insurance, then Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates takes many payments, and our billing team members can help you to find low-interest financing.

Will I feel discomfort while having 3D impressions taken?
No, 3D impressions are designed to be comfortable. Your child can relax in one of our comfortable treatment chairs while our team uses a small scanning wand to capture precise images of your teeth without the need for uncomfortable physical molds.

How long does it take to complete a 3D impression scan?
The 3D impressions scan is a quick and efficient process. Your child will spend minimal time in the treatment chair as the scanning wand captures comprehensive images of their mouth.

What happens if some areas are missed during the initial 3D impressions scan?
If any areas are overlooked during the initial 3D impressions scan, we can easily re-scan the specific parts of the mouth without the need to repeat the entire process. This flexibility ensures comprehensive and accurate digital versions of your teeth.

How do 3D impressions differ from traditional impressions?
Unlike traditional impressions, which rely on physical molds, 3D impressions use digital scanning to capture highly accurate images of your teeth and gums, reducing discomfort and increasing precision.

How long does it take to get results from a 3D impression?
Results from a 3D impression are usually available almost immediately, allowing for faster diagnosis and treatment planning compared to traditional methods.

Are 3D impressions covered by insurance?
Coverage for 3D impressions varies by insurance plan. It's best to check with your insurance provider to understand your benefits and any potential out-of-pocket costs.

3D impressions at Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates are a terrific alternative to messy and uncomfortable dental molds. Using advanced technology, we digitally capture an accurate impression for an efficient restoration in less time. Please contact our office in Lancaster, PA today to schedule your appointment with one of our expert dental professionals.