Intraoral scanners provide clinical advantages that positively impact the success of practicing dentists. This proven alternative to traditional impressions has been shown to achieve higher accuracy in less time.1,2 However, many dentists are understandably hesitant when it comes to the adoption of this technology, which alters the familiar routines of restorative dentistry.

Glidewell Laboratories continues to receive more digital impressions each year for all case types (Fig. 1). The growing number shows that dentists are beginning to place trust in the digital process, with some dentists preferring digital impressions for nearly every case — myself being one of them.

I utilize an intraoral scanner in almost every case and have witnessed firsthand the improved accuracy afforded by digital impressions. I find that it saves me time; some systems are able to pick up the preparation, opposing dentition and bite registration in less than a minute, whereas using a triple-tray to gather the same information would take 3–5 minutes. Many of my patients take note not only of my keeping up with modern technology, but also that they no longer have to deal with the often unpleasant experience of traditional impression taking. The less-invasive and relatively delicate nature of digital impressions compared to traditional impressions is better suited for some patients, including those with severe gag reflexes and patients with periodontally compromised teeth.

When I ask my dental colleagues if they have added this new technology to their practice, many of them say they have considered it, but found the cost of these systems to be a deterrent. While the price of many of these systems can cause a bit of sticker shock, it’s important to understand that the benefits of owning a digital impression system extend beyond increased accuracy and reduced chair time. In addition to the savings in impression material and trays, the cleanup time is only a fraction of what it is with vinyl polysiloxane. Additionally, you will greatly save on shipping costs once you send cases to your lab via the internet, and some laboratories will even provide discounts on digital cases. Intraoral scanners are indeed an investment, but when you combine the immediate benefits with the option to take advantage of additional technological advancements, like chairside milling units, it’s sure to be a wise investment.