Reviewed by Dr. Adel Elbaz, DDS, general dentist · Last reviewed
Digital Impressions in London, Ontario
For decades, a dental impression meant biting into a tray full of thick, cold paste and holding still while it set. Many people found it the worst part of getting a crown or a mouthguard, especially with a strong gag reflex.
At Lunar Smile Dentistry we take most impressions digitally instead. A small handheld scanner (our Primescan) captures your teeth and gums as a detailed 3D model in a few minutes. There’s no paste, no tray and nothing to bite down on.
What we use digital impressions for
- Crowns: including same-day CEREC crowns designed and milled in our office from the scan
- Bridges and implant crowns
- Invisalign: the scan becomes the starting point of your treatment plan, and you can preview the expected result
- Night guards and sports guards
- Veneers and other cosmetic work
- Snoring and sleep apnea appliances
- Records: a scan we can compare against later, to track wear, gum recession or teeth that shift
How a digital scan works
- We dry the teeth with a little air so the scanner gets a clear view.
- We move the scanner over your teeth, a few teeth at a time. It’s about the size of a thick electric toothbrush handle and doesn’t touch the back of your throat.
- The 3D model builds on screen as we go. You can watch it appear.
- We check the scan. If a spot isn’t clear, we simply rescan that area, rather than starting a whole new impression.
- We scan your bite so the model shows how your upper and lower teeth meet.
A full-arch scan usually takes a few minutes. You can breathe, swallow and pause at any time.
Why digital is better for most patients
- Comfort: no paste, no gagging, no aftertaste
- Accuracy: detailed 3D data helps crowns, aligners and guards fit with fewer adjustments
- Speed: a scan can be sent to a lab instantly, or used right away for a same-day crown, instead of waiting for a physical impression to be shipped
- Fewer retakes: problem spots are rescanned in seconds
- Easier to understand: we can rotate the model on screen to show you exactly what we see
- Less waste: no single-use trays and impression materials
Are traditional impressions ever still used?
Occasionally. Some dentures, certain appliances and a few complex cases still work best with a conventional impression, or a combination of both. We’ll tell you which method we’re using and why.
Good for nervous patients and strong gag reflexes
If impressions have been a struggle for you in the past, tell us. A digital scan is usually much easier, and we can take breaks whenever you need. For broader dental anxiety, ask about nitrous oxide or virtual reality headsets.
Cost
The impression is part of the treatment it’s used for, such as a crown or a night guard. Our fees follow the Ontario Dental Association fee guide, and we give you the cost before treatment.
Book a visit
Considering a crown, Invisalign or a custom guard? Book online or call 226-884-2573. We’re open six days a week, with evening appointments until 9 pm on weekdays.