To make dental crowns, retainers, and even prosthetics like dentures, dentists used to have to take alginate impressions of your smile. By placing a special, self-hardening putty in dental trays, dentists would have you bite down into the material, which could be uncomfortable. However, modern dental scanners have eliminated the need for this antiquated method. Here are a few questions you should ask your dentist about digital oral scanners. 

How Long Will the Process Take?

Although you might wonder how long it will take for your dentist to meticulously scan your entire smile, the process is actually much faster than waiting for putty impressions to harden, taking as little as a minute and a half to gather crucial information about your upper and lower arches. Because the process is faster, your dentist can start working on your dental repairs sooner, improving your dental care. 

How Accurate Are Scanners? 

Since the process is so quick, many people have concerns about the accuracy of the scanners. However, these modern scanners use computer-aided design and manufacturing technology to take a range of different measurements of your teeth, gums, and occlusal surfaces, creating a reliable source of information for dentists to use to create restorations. 

How Are the Scans Used?  

After your smile is carefully scanned, the images will be moved into your personal file, where they will be protected under doctor-patient confidentiality. However, because these scans are electronic, they can be instantly transmitted to dental laboratories or used in 3D milling machines, saving time when it comes to making prosthetics. 

If you are ready to enjoy the benefits of state-of-the-art dental care, turn to the team at Kimberling City Dental Center. With more than 32 years of experience, this talented dentist and his staff work hard to make dental visits as comfortable and convenient for their patients as possible. Visit them online to learn more about their services, or call (417) 739-4965 to schedule a dental appointment today.