How To Ensure Accuracy With Digital Impressions In Dental Labs

Partner with dental labs to provide custom prosthetics and appliances for your patients. The labs rely on high-quality, detailed impressions that show your patient’s teeth, jaw, and oral cavity. Digital scanners offer higher precision than traditional moldings, but the equipment must be calibrated and used correctly. Here’s how to verify accuracy with digital impressions for dental laboratories:

Scanner Selection

Intraoral scanners bear unique features and benefits, so look for one that provides high-quality images. Resolution and accuracy impact the quality and details of the scanned images. You can consult dental labs to determine suitable scanners based on your practice and the scanning procedures you might need. Look for scanners with capabilities designed for specific procedures like implant placement and full-arch scans. Calibrate the scanner regularly to maintain its performance and reduce the chances of errors.

Patient Preparation

The area being scanned should be dry and free from blood, saliva, and other debris that can affect the scan’s quality. Cheeks and lips should also be retracted to reduce interference and isolate the gingival areas. Before scanning, prepare the tooth to achieve clear margins. Optimize the total occlusal convergence, preparation height, and interproximal space to help the lab fabricate comfortable prosthetics. Keeping the total occlusal convergence angle within the right range helps to prevent undercuts. Rounded line angle and interproximal space preparation also minimize milling errors that can lead to seating issues for crowns.

Scanning Technique

Intraoral scanning is usually done with a steady, consistent motion and even patterns across the teeth. Capture overlapping scan lines to cover the full arch without leaving gaps. Scan the occlusal relationships for proper bite registration and articulation. Avoid excessive movement, which can result in image distortion.

You can use software tools to analyze the scanned models for potential inaccuracies. Some tools also offer digital adjustments and corrections for minor issues like margins and soft-tissue contours. Use such tools to align your images and eliminate all distortions before sending the files to the lab.

Scan Review

Images from intraoral scanners come in various formats, including STL, PLY, and OBJ. Dental lab software may support specific formats and alter or present compatibility issues with others. Consult the lab to determine the formats they work with during fabrication. Use standard formats supported by most scanners and lab software. Review the 3D models carefully and thoroughly to check if you have complete coverage. Look for missing areas, undercuts, and overlaps that can result in errors. Double-check complex areas like subgingival margins and tight contacts.

Lab Instructions

Dental laboratories produce custom prosthetics based on the instructions you provide. Leading labs let you upload the files directly from the scanner if the manufacturer adds the lab. You can also upload files using the lab’s website or send them via email.

When uploading files, provide detailed instructions about the restoration. The Rx should include material choice, tooth number, shade, and product line. Add any specific requirements and share relevant complementary clinical photos. Maintain open communication with the laboratory for feedback on the precision and accuracy of the scans and potential improvements. If they notice any distortions on the scan, they may ask that you rescan the patient’s mouth. This will allow them to create the most accurate product possible.

Consult With Reliable Dental Labs Today

Accurate dental digital impressions result in custom prosthetics that fit comfortably. You can partner with a lab for professional insights into scanning techniques and complex procedures like full arch scans. Scanning your patient’s mouth can provide faster results than mailing traditional impressions. Contact dental labs today to learn more about digital dental impressions and their use in computer-aided fabrications.