Digital Impressions vs. Traditional: Which Is Better for Your Smile?
Say goodbye to messy trays — and hello to faster, more comfortable care.
If you've ever had a traditional dental impression taken, you probably remember the feeling: bulky trays filled with goopy material, the uncomfortable pressure, and the countdown until it was finally over.
While this method worked for decades, there’s now a faster, cleaner, and more comfortable alternative — digital impressions. At Bloom & Smile Dental in Bloomington, MN, we use iTero® digital scanning to modernize this essential part of dental care.
Here’s what you need to know about how digital impressions compare to traditional ones — and why patients prefer them.
What Are Dental Impressions — and Why Do You Need Them?
Dental impressions are used to capture an accurate model of your teeth and bite. These models are essential for creating custom dental work, such as:
- Crowns and bridges
- Dentures and partials
- Night guards and sports mouthguards
- Orthodontic appliances
- Veneers and aligners
Without precise impressions, restorations may not fit correctly, leading to discomfort, reduced durability, or the need for adjustments.
Traditional Impressions: The Old-School Way
Traditional impressions involve:
- Filling a plastic tray with thick putty-like material
- Pressing the tray over your teeth
- Holding it in place for 1–2 minutes while the material sets
- Removing the tray carefully and hoping for a clean capture
While this technique can be accurate in skilled hands, it often leads to:
- Gagging or discomfort
- Messy cleanup
- Remakes due to bubbles or distortions
- Longer appointments
For patients with a sensitive gag reflex or anxiety, this process can be especially unpleasant.
Digital Impressions: A Cleaner, Quicker Solution
With iTero digital impressions, there’s no goop, no trays, and no discomfort.
Instead, we use a small, handheld wand to scan your teeth digitally. The scanner captures thousands of detailed images per second, which are instantly stitched together to form a precise 3D model of your smile.
Benefits of Digital Scanning:
- No goop or trays
- Comfortable and fast (usually under 2 minutes)
- Real-time 3D view of your teeth
- Fewer remakes or re-dos
- Environmentally friendly (no disposable trays or materials)
- Easy to share with dental labs or specialists
The iTero scanner is especially useful for treatments like crowns, bridges, night guards, and even veneers.
What to Expect During Your Digital Scan
- You sit comfortably in the chair.
- We use a small wand to scan each section of your mouth.
- You’ll see your 3D model appear on the screen in real time.
- The scan is reviewed and saved — and your appointment continues.
There’s no gagging, no waiting for materials to harden, and no awkward cleanup.
Is It Just as Accurate as Traditional Impressions?
Yes — and in many cases, digital scans are even more precise. iTero technology helps eliminate small errors that can occur during traditional impressions, like shifting trays or air bubbles.
The result?
Custom dental work that fits better, lasts longer, and looks more natural.
Is a Digital Impression Right for Me?
Almost every patient can benefit from digital scanning — especially if you need:
- A crown or bridge
- A mouthguard or night guard
- A denture reline or remake
- Smile design work like veneers
Digital impressions are also ideal for patients with:
- A sensitive gag reflex
- Dental anxiety
- Limited mobility or TMJ issues
Experience Modern Dentistry in Bloomington, MN
At Bloom & Smile Dental, we believe technology should make your life easier — not more complicated. That’s why we use tools like the iTero digital scanner to improve both your experience and your outcomes.
If you need a crown, mouthguard, or any kind of custom dental work, let’s talk about how digital impressions can make the process faster and more comfortable.