For decades, having a dental impression taken was seen as a minor “necessity” when getting a crown, denture, or braces: a tray full of paste-like material that had to be held in the mouth for several minutes, often causing discomfort or a feeling of nausea.
Thanks to paste-free dental impressions, this scenario has changed today, and the experience in the dental chair has become much simpler and more comfortable.
What are paste-free dental impressions?
Paste-free dental impressions are digital images obtained using an intraoral scanner, without the use of traditional materials such as alginates or silicones.
Unlike traditional methods, there is no need to place impression trays or spoons in the mouth: the digital system captures images in real time, thereby ensuring amuch higher level of precision and control.
How do paste-free dental impressions work?
The procedure is quick and non-invasive. The dentist uses a small, pen-like scanner that is gently moved over the surfaces of the teeth and gums, causing no pain or discomfort.
- The device, equipped with a microcamera at one end, captures ultra-high-definition images of the dental arches
- In just a few moments, the software processes the data and creates a 3D model of the mouth in real time.
The dentist then immediately has an extremely accurate digital reproduction at their disposal.
Differences between traditional impressions and paste-free impressions
The shift from traditional techniques to paste-free dental impressions has significantly improvedthe patient experience andthe accuracy of the results.
With the traditional impression of the denture, the patient:
- must keep the material in their mouth for a few minutes until it hardens
- may experience unpleasant sensations such as nausea, difficulty breathing, or a feeling of tightness
- If there are any errors, you must repeat the entire procedure from the beginning.
With digital technology, on the other hand:
- The data is collected via scanning, without the need for bulky equipment
- The procedure is faster and easier to manage, even for the most sensitive patients
- Any imperfections can be corrected right away, without having to start over from scratch.
The benefits of paste-free dental impressions
The practical benefits of paste-free dental impressions are numerous, both from a clinical standpoint and in terms of comfort and the quality of the results.
More comfort and less stress
The absence of paste-like materials eliminates one of the main discomforts of a dental visit: the gag reflex, which is often associated with a feeling of choking. Furthermore, the scanner does not touch sensitive areas of the palate, and the scan can be paused at any time to allow the patient to swallow or rest.
Greater accuracy and more reliable results
Traditional impressions can be slightly affected by temperature or humidity. Digital files, on the other hand, remain unchanged. This means more accurate measurements and, as a result, perfectly fitted dentures, aligners, or implants.
Reduced processing times
The digital workflow also speeds up the entire process: data capture is immediate, and the digital model can be shared directly with the technical lab via the web. In addition to reducing wait times, it often cuts down on the number of appointments the patient needs to make.
A more immersive experience
The ability to see one’s own mouth in 3D on the screen makes the patient an active participant in the treatment process. As a result, explanations of any treatment plan—whether it involves guided surgery or orthodontics—become much clearer and more transparent.
When are digital dental impressions used?
Paste-free dental impressions are now used in almost dental procedures:
- dental prosthetics (crowns, caps, bridges, veneers, and removable dentures)
- occlusal devices, such as a mouthguard for bruxism
- implantology
- orthodontics, particularly clear aligners
- early diagnosis of periodontitis, tooth wear, or gum recession.
Dental impressions without impression material: who are they particularly suitable for?
This technology is particularly useful for:
- patients with a strong gag reflex
- people with dental anxiety, both adults and children
- children in general, for whom the procedure is simpler and better tolerated, making the pediatric dentistry experience more pleasant
- those looking for a more comfortable and modern experience
In general, they are a good option for those who want to minimize discomfort during their visit.
Dental impressions without impression material: Centri Dentali Zanardi’s commitment to your comfort
At Centri Dentali Zanardi, the use of impression-free dental impressions is part of an approach focused on patient comfort and the quality of care.
We know that fear of the dentist often stems from minor traumatic experiences linked to unpleasant sensations, such as those associated with traditional impressions. Thanks to the latest generation of intraoral scanners, this process can now be made quick, precise, and much more pleasant than in the past.
Do you want to find out if it is possible to place dental implants in your case as well?