• 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite C, Bethesda, MD 20814
Kary Dental logo
Request Appointment
Kary Dental logo
Book Now

Digital Impressions

Return to Our Services

Goodbye messy trays, hello precise digital scans

Digital impressions have changed how dentists capture the shape and position of teeth and gums. Instead of bulky trays filled with impression putty, a small handheld scanner records a precise three-dimensional model of your mouth in minutes, quickly, comfortably, and without triggering the gag reflex that traditional impressions can cause. That digital model becomes the starting point for crowns, bridges, night guards, orthodontic appliances, and implant planning.

The technology behind the scan

At the core of our workflow is the Medit i900C intraoral scanner. It uses high-resolution cameras and structured light to capture fine surface detail and soft-tissue contours, and dental-grade software stitches thousands of optical measurements into a single accurate 3D model. Most scans take only a few minutes for a full arch.

Because the scan appears on screen in real time, we can confirm complete coverage immediately and rescan any gaps before you leave the chair, instead of discovering a problem later at the lab. The scanner also captures full color, which helps us evaluate margins and contact points and communicate shade for a better aesthetic match on crowns and veneers.

What it means for you

The benefits patients notice most:

  • Comfort, no trays, no putty, and a compact wand that’s easy to tolerate
  • Speed, files go electronically to the lab or in-house milling the moment scanning is done, often reducing visits
  • Predictability, scans are checked and refined on the spot, so ill-fitting restorations and remakes are far less likely

You can usually watch the live scan on a monitor during your visit, which makes it easier to see what we see and understand your treatment plan.

Precision for restorative and implant care

For crown and bridge work, accurate digital margins and bite relationships help technicians design restorations that fit precisely, preserving tooth structure and improving longevity. For implant planning, a digital scan can be combined with cone-beam CT data to create a complete picture of your anatomy, supporting accurate implant positioning and the design of surgical guides.

The same scan can also be used for removable appliances, occlusal guards, and diagnostics, which streamlines care and reduces error between phases of treatment.

What to expect at your visit

Your appointment begins with a brief evaluation of the planned treatment area, followed by a gentle scan of the teeth and surrounding tissues. The clinician reviews the model for completeness, makes any touch-ups immediately, and then sends the file into the restorative or surgical workflow, whether that’s a trusted lab, in-office fabrication, or implant planning. Your scan is stored digitally, making it easy to reference later and compare changes over time. If you’d like to learn more about how we use digital impressions in your care, please contact us.

Digital impressions, Kary Dental

Our Office

Visit Us Online

Facebook-f Instagram Google Rss

Frequently Asked Questions

What are digital impressions?

Digital impressions are three-dimensional computer models of a patient’s teeth and surrounding oral tissues created with an intraoral scanner. The scanner captures a series of high-resolution images that specialized software stitches together into an accurate virtual model. These digital records replace traditional putty impressions and serve as the foundation for restorations, appliances, and treatment planning.

Because the result is a precise digital file, it can be reviewed immediately, adjusted if needed, and shared electronically with dental laboratories or in-office manufacturing systems. The digital workflow reduces physical steps in the process and supports modern systems such as CAD/CAM and same-day restorations. Patients and clinicians benefit from clearer visualization and easier communication about treatment goals.
Digital impression scanners use a small wand that emits light and records reflected data as it moves over teeth and soft tissues. The device captures many sequential images or point-cloud data, and onboard software rapidly aligns those captures to build a continuous 3D model. The software allows the clinician to inspect, crop, and refine the model in real time to ensure full coverage of the treatment area.

Once the scan is complete, the system can export industry-standard file formats, such as STL, which are compatible with dental laboratories and milling machines. Those files can be used to design crowns, bridges, aligners, and other appliances with digital design tools. This streamlined digital chain minimizes handling and preserves fidelity from scan to final restoration.
Yes. Digital impressions eliminate the need for impression trays and alginate or silicone materials that many patients find unpleasant or evoke a gag reflex. The scan wand is lightweight and requires only gentle sweeps across the teeth, which most patients find far less invasive than conventional techniques.

Because scans provide instant feedback, clinicians can capture any missing detail immediately rather than asking the patient to repeat an uncomfortable procedure later. This efficiency reduces chair time and typically improves the overall patient experience, especially for those with sensitive gag reflexes or anxiety about dental procedures.
Digital impressions offer accuracy that meets or exceeds conventional impressions for many restorative and orthodontic applications. High-resolution scanners capture fine detail and, when used correctly, produce virtual models with excellent marginal fit and occlusal detail suitable for crowns, bridges, inlays, and aligners. The precision of a scan depends on proper technique, scanner calibration, and the clinician’s experience.

For long-span restorations or complex implant cases, clinicians evaluate case requirements and may combine digital scans with other diagnostic tools such as CBCT imaging to optimize outcomes. Modern digital workflows have matured to provide predictable, reproducible results when integrated into an evidence-based treatment plan.
Yes. Digital impressions are a core component of same-day restorative systems that let a dentist design, mill, and place a ceramic crown or onlay during a single appointment. The digital scan feeds directly into CAD software to design the restoration, which a compatible in-office milling unit can fabricate while the patient waits. This approach reduces the number of visits and avoids temporary restorations in appropriate cases.

Same-day workflows depend on case selection, material choice, and clinical judgment to ensure strength and esthetics. When performed in-office, the process allows the clinician to refine margin fit and occlusion immediately, improving convenience and overall treatment efficiency for patients.
Digital impressions are exported as standardized files that can be transmitted electronically to dental laboratories or used directly in-office when milling restorations. Communication is typically handled through secure file transfer protocols or approved lab portals so technicians receive the scan along with prescription details and shade information. This electronic exchange eliminates shipping delays and reduces the risk of damage or distortion associated with physical impressions.

Before transmission, clinicians review the scan to confirm completeness and may annotate the file with margin lines or special instructions. Clear communication between the practice and the lab helps ensure that the final restoration meets the clinical requirements and fits as intended when placed.
Digital impressions are noninvasive and use visible light or safe optical technologies rather than ionizing radiation, making them safe for virtually all patients. The scanning wand is designed for intraoral use and presents minimal risk of discomfort or tissue irritation when used properly. Because scans are quick and do not involve chemical materials, they reduce exposure to impression materials that some patients may find unpleasant.

As with any dental procedure, clinicians screen patients for specific health concerns and adapt techniques when necessary. Patients should always inform the dental team of any conditions or sensitivities so the clinician can select the most appropriate imaging and treatment approach.
During the appointment, the clinician or assistant will position the patient and use the handheld scanner to capture the surfaces of your teeth and gums. The process typically takes only a few minutes for a single quadrant and longer for full-arch captures, and patients may be asked to change bite position briefly to record occlusion. The clinician monitors the live 3D model on screen and requests brief adjustments if any areas need rescanning.

After the scan is complete, the clinician reviews the model with you, explains the next steps for restoration or appliance fabrication, and answers any questions. If the practice offers in-office milling, you may receive a same-day restoration; otherwise the digital file is sent to the lab and you’ll be scheduled for placement when the final restoration is ready.