The dental profession is undergoing a digital revolution, and nowhere is this more evident than in the process of taking dental impressions. Intraoral scanners are becoming increasingly sophisticated, offering compelling advantages in accuracy, patient comfort, and workflow efficiency. Yet traditional impression materials continue to evolve, and many experienced practitioners still achieve exceptional results with conventional techniques.
At RWD Dental Image, we work with both digital and traditional impressions daily, processing hundreds of crown and bridge cases each month using both methodologies. This unique perspective has provided us with invaluable insights into when each approach yields optimal results and when the choice of digital vs traditional impressions method can significantly impact a case.
The Current State of Impression Technology
Before exploring specific applications, it’s essential to recognise that both digital and traditional impression methods have undergone significant evolution in recent years. The gap between them continues to narrow, but distinct advantages remain for each approach.
Digital Evolution of Impressions
Traditional Impression Advancements:
Exceptional Results with Digital vs Traditional Impressions
“What many dentists don’t realise is that we can achieve exceptional results with either method when it’s used appropriately,” explains Rob Dulieu. “The key is understanding the clinical situation and choosing the impression technique that best serves that specific case.”
Digital Impressions: When They Excel
Single Crown Restorations
Digital impressions truly shine in single crown applications, particularly for posterior teeth, where access allows for optimal scanner positioning.
Advantages:
- Immediate feedback: Real-time visualisation allows for instant retakes if needed
- Patient comfort: No impression materials in the mouth
- Accuracy consistency: Eliminates variables like material mixing and setting times
- Instant transmission: Digital files reach the laboratory immediately
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Optimal Applications:
- Posterior single crowns with adequate access
- Premolar restorations where isolation is straightforward
- Cases requiring multiple try-ins where digital modifications are beneficial
- Patients with gag reflexes who struggle with traditional materials
At RWD, our digital workflow integration accepts files from all major intraoral scanner brands, and we’ve developed specific protocols to optimise crown design from digital data. Our CAD technicians can often achieve superior marginal adaptation from high-quality digital scans compared to traditional impressions.
Aesthetic Zone Considerations
Digital impressions offer unique advantages in aesthetic zones, particularly for treatment planning and patient communication.
Benefits:
- Immediate visualisation of preparation margins and anatomy
- Digital smile design integration for comprehensive treatment planning
- Real-time case consultation with laboratory technicians
- Predictable shade communication through standardised digital protocols
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Multi-Visit Efficiency
Digital impressions excel in situations requiring multiple appointments or complex treatment sequences.
Applications:
- Provisional crown fabrication using chairside milling
- Treatment planning validation before final preparation
- Progress monitoring throughout treatment
- Long-term case documentation for future reference
Traditional Impressions: When They Remain Superior
Deep Subgingival Margins
Despite advances in digital technology, traditional impressions often provide superior detail capture for deep subgingival margins, particularly in compromised clinical situations.
Advantages:
- Exceptional detail reproduction in areas with limited visibility
- Superior displacement of gingival tissues
- Better capture of bleeding or inflamed tissues where scanning may be problematic
- Proven reliability in challenging anatomical situations
Optimal Applications:
- Crown lengthening cases with deep subgingival margins
- Compromised periodontal situations where tissue management is challenging
- Broken-down teeth with margins extending below the gum line
- Cervical lesion restorations requiring precise margin capture
Full-Arch and Multiple Unit Cases
Traditional impressions maintain advantages in comprehensive cases involving multiple units or full-arch restoration work.
Benefits:
- Complete arch capture in a single, simultaneous impression
- Proven accuracy for large-span bridges
- Dimensional stability over time for complex cases
- Cost effectiveness for multiple-unit restorations
Challenging Clinical Environments
Certain clinical situations continue to favour traditional impression methods due to environmental factors or patient-specific considerations.
Situations:
- Limited mouth opening where scanner access is restricted
- Excessive saliva or bleeding that interferes with optical scanning
- Uncooperative patients who cannot maintain a position for scanning
- Emergency situations where speed and reliability are paramount
Digital vs Traditional Impressions: Technical Accuracy Comparison
Understanding the technical capabilities and limitations of each method helps inform clinical decision-making.
Digital Accuracy Metrics
Modern intraoral scanners achieve impressive accuracy levels:
- Trueness: ±15-50 microns depending on scanner and technique
- Precision: ±10-30 microns for repeated scans
- Dimensional stability: Excellent over time (digital files don’t degrade)
- Detailed reproduction: Exceptional for accessible areas
Traditional Accuracy Metrics
High-quality impression materials provide:
- Trueness: ±20-50 microns with proper technique
- Precision: ±15-40 microns with consistent methodology
- Dimensional stability: Excellent for 1-2 weeks with proper storage
- Detailed reproduction: Superior in challenging access areas
“From a laboratory perspective, both methods can deliver exceptional accuracy when used correctly,” notes Rob Dulieu. “The key factor isn’t the impression method itself, but the operator’s skill and understanding of the technique’s requirements.”
Patient Experience Considerations
The patient experience differs significantly between digital vs traditional impressions, and this factor often influences clinical decision-making.
Digital Patient Benefits
- Elimination of impression materials reduces gag reflex issues
- Immediate visualisation allowing patients to see their preparation
- Faster appointment times in many cases
- Reduced anxiety from unfamiliar materials and sensations
Traditional Patient Considerations
- Familiar process for patients accustomed to traditional dentistry
- Single procedure without multiple scanning attempts
- Predictable timing with known setting times
- Proven comfort when materials are properly managed
Economic Factors and ROI Analysis of Digital vs Traditional Impressions
The financial implications of the difference between digital vs traditional impressions extend beyond initial equipment costs.
Digital Investment Considerations
Initial Costs:
- Scanner acquisition: $30,000-$80,000
- Software licensing: $5,000-$15,000 annually
- Training and integration: $5,000-$10,000
Ongoing Benefits:
- Eliminated impression material costs
- Reduced remake rates
- Improved case efficiency
- Enhanced patient satisfaction and referrals
Traditional Method Economics
Ongoing Costs:
- Impression materials: $5-$15 per case
- Shipping and handling: $10-$25 per case
- Remake costs from impression failures: Variable
Reliability Factors:
- Proven workflows and predictable outcomes
- Lower initial investment requirements
- Immediate implementation without learning curves
Workflow Integration Strategies
Successful practices often implement hybrid approaches, leveraging the strengths of both impression methods.
Transitional Strategies
Phase 1: Selective Digital Implementation
- Begin with simple posterior crown cases
- Maintain traditional methods for complex cases
- Build staff confidence and competency gradually
Phase 2: Expanded Digital Use
- Incorporate anterior crown cases
- Develop digital treatment planning workflows
- Integrate with laboratory digital services
Phase 3: Strategic Method Selection
- Use digital for optimal cases
- Maintain traditional for challenging situations
- Develop case-specific protocols
“The most successful practices we work with don’t see this as an either-or decision,” observes Rob Dulieu. “They’ve developed protocols that specify when to use each method based on clinical factors, not arbitrary preferences.”
RWD’s Dual-Method Expertise
At RWD Dental Image, we’ve invested heavily in supporting both digital and traditional workflows, recognising that optimal patient care sometimes requires flexibility in approach.
Digital Capabilities
- Universal scanner compatibility with all major intraoral scanner brands
- Advanced CAD/CAM integration for seamless digital workflows
- Real-time case consultation through digital platforms
- Same-day design review capabilities for complex cases
Traditional Excellence
- Precision model fabrication using advanced scanning and printing
- Expert impression evaluation with feedback protocols
- Proven traditional workflows refined over decades
- Quality assurance systems ensure consistent accuracy
Hybrid Services
Our comprehensive crown and bridge services seamlessly integrate both impression methods, allowing dentists to choose the optimal approach for each clinical situation while maintaining consistent laboratory quality and service.
Clinical Decision Framework
To help guide digital vs traditional impressions method selection, consider these key factors:
Choose Digital When:
- Single crown posterior restorations with good access
- Patient comfort is a primary concern
- Immediate feedback would be clinically beneficial
- Digital workflow integration provides practice efficiency benefits
- Case complexity requires multiple iterations or modifications
Choose Traditional When:
- Deep subgingival margins require superior detail capture
- Multiple units or full-arch cases need simultaneous impression
- Challenging access limits scanner positioning
- Proven reliability is paramount for complex cases
- Cost considerations favour traditional approaches
Consider Hybrid Approaches When:
- Practice transition requires gradual implementation
- Case complexity varies significantly
- Patient populations have diverse needs and preferences
- Clinical situations demand flexible methodologies
Future Trends and Recommendations
The landscape of impression technology continues to evolve rapidly, with several trends shaping future clinical decision-making.
Emerging Technologies
- Artificial intelligence integration is improving scan quality and speed
- Enhanced material libraries expanding digital treatment options
- Improved scanner ergonomics, reducing operator fatigue
- Advanced workflow integration connecting all aspects of digital dentistry
Market Evolution
- Decreased scanner costs are making digital more accessible
- Improved traditional materials maintain competitive advantages
- Enhanced training resources reduce digital learning curves
- Laboratory adaptation optimising workflows for both methods
“Looking ahead, I believe we’ll see continued coexistence of both technologies,” predicts Rob Dulieu. “Digital will continue expanding its applications, but traditional impressions will remain valuable for specific clinical situations. The key is staying current with both technologies and choosing appropriately.”
Making the Right Choice for Your Practice
The decision between digital vs traditional impressions shouldn’t be based on technology trends alone—it should be driven by clinical needs, practice goals, and patient outcomes.
Assessment Questions
Clinical Considerations:
- What types of cases dominate your practice?
- Do you have adequate access and visibility for digital scanning?
- How important is immediate feedback in your workflow?
- What are your current remake rates and primary causes?
Practice Considerations:
- What’s your timeline for return on investment?
- How does your team adapt to new technologies?
- What are your patients’ comfort and preference priorities?
- How does impression choice integrate with your overall digital strategy?
Partnership Considerations:
- Does your laboratory provide excellent support for both methods?
- Are you receiving optimal results from your current approach?
- Would changing methods improve your clinical outcomes?
- How can your laboratory partner support your transition or optimisation?
Your Next Steps
Whether you’re fully committed to digital impressions, satisfied with traditional methods, or considering a transition, the key to success lies in understanding your options and choosing the right approach for each clinical situation.
At RWD Dental Image, we’re committed to supporting Australian dentists regardless of their impression methodology – whether its digital vs traditional impressions method. Our precision crown and bridge services are designed to deliver exceptional results from both digital and traditional impressions, ensuring your clinical success regardless of technique.
Ready to optimise your impression workflow? Contact RWD Dental Image to discuss your specific needs and how we can support your practice’s success. Whether you’re exploring digital transition, refining traditional techniques, or seeking expert guidance on case-specific decisions, our team brings three decades of experience to help you achieve optimal outcomes.
Call us on (02) 9389 2000 or visit rwddental.com.au/crowns-bridges to learn more about our comprehensive impression support services.
Because the best impression method is the one that delivers perfect crowns, every time.
