A More Comfortable Way to Take Dental Impressions
If impression trays make you gag or feel uncomfortable, digital scanning may make that part of your appointment easier. A handheld scanner captures the shape of your teeth without a tray of impression material when a digital record is suitable for your treatment.
At The Dentist, Dr. Jeffrey Kirian uses a 3Shape TRIOS intraoral scanner in Newark, Ohio. He uses digital records for most restorative work, helping plan custom dental care and communicate with the laboratory.
Call 740-366-1236 to schedule a consultation with our dentist and ask how digital impressions may fit into your treatment.
What Digital Impressions Can Make Easier
- Comfort during records: Reduce the need for impression trays in suitable cases.
- A clearer view: See a three-dimensional model of your teeth on screen.
- Communication with the laboratory: Share digital records used to plan and fabricate custom restorations.
- Careful treatment planning: Record tooth shapes and how the upper and lower teeth meet.
What Is an Intraoral Scanner?
An intraoral scanner is a handheld device used inside the mouth to capture the visible surfaces of teeth and nearby tissues. The information is combined into a digital three-dimensional model.
Dr. Kirian can use that model to review tooth shape, position and the relationship between the arches. The scan supports planning, but it remains one part of your examination and treatment records.
How Dr. Kirian Uses 3Shape TRIOS
Dr. Kirian uses the 3Shape TRIOS scanner for most restorative records. Depending on the treatment, digital impressions may support care such as:
- Dental crowns and bridges
- Veneers and other suitable cosmetic restorations
- Restorations supported by dental implants
- Suitable custom appliances and clear aligner records
For implant restorations, scan bodies help record implant position digitally. Dr. Kirian selects the records needed for the particular restoration and clinical situation.
He reports that scanning has substantially reduced gagging associated with impressions in his practice and has made records and laboratory communication more consistent.
What Happens During a Digital Scan?
- Prepare the area: Our team explains the scan and makes sure the tooth surfaces can be recorded clearly.
- Capture the surfaces: A small scanning tip is moved around the teeth to collect the required views.
- Record the bite: Additional views may show how your upper and lower teeth meet.
- Review the model: We check the record and capture additional areas if needed.
Tell us if you need a break or have a strong gag reflex. Scanning may be easier to tolerate than a tray, but your comfort still guides the appointment.
The Right Records for Your Treatment
Digital scanning does not replace every type of impression. Dr. Kirian chooses the method that captures the information needed for your care.
For example, many denture cases in this practice still use traditional impressions to record the supporting anatomy, followed by try-in appointments to assess appearance, speech and comfort.
Digital records can improve communication and help the fabrication process, but the treatment timeline also depends on preparation, laboratory work and any fitting appointments needed.
How Scanning Fits With Other Dental Technology
An intraoral scan records surface shape. It serves a different purpose from dental X-rays, which help evaluate structures that cannot be seen directly during an examination.
Your plan may also involve cone beam imaging, an intraoral camera or other records when appropriate. Digital models may support selected 3D printing applications as part of the practice’s broader dental technology.
We explain why each record is recommended and how it contributes to your care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Digital Dental Scanning
Which digital scanner does Dr. Kirian use?
Dr. Kirian uses a 3Shape TRIOS intraoral scanner for most restorative records and selected other treatment needs.
Can scanning help if impression trays make me gag?
It may. Scanning avoids a tray full of impression material in suitable cases. Dr. Kirian reports substantially less impression-related gagging since using intraoral scanning. Tell us about your concerns so we can plan your visit.
Is an intraoral scan an X-ray?
No. The scanner uses optical technology to record visible surfaces. It does not replace X-rays that may be needed to assess the inside of teeth or supporting structures.
Will I still need a traditional impression?
Possibly. The method depends on the treatment and anatomy being recorded. Traditional impressions remain useful in some cases, including many denture cases at this practice.
Does digital scanning mean I can get a crown the same day?
No. Dr. Kirian uses lab-made crowns. Scanning supplies digital records for the restoration; it does not mean the final crown is made during that appointment.
Can I see the model of my teeth?
The digital model can be reviewed on screen. This can help you understand the area being treated and ask questions about the proposed care.
Make Your Next Treatment Easier to Understand
Call 740-366-1236 or contact The Dentist to meet with Dr. Kirian in Newark, OH. We will explain your treatment options and the records needed to plan your care.