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Digital Impressions

Orthodontist & Orthodontics located in Easton and Stroudsburg, PA

Digital Impressions

Digital Impressions services offered in Easton and Stroudsburg, PA

Digital impressions represent some of the best advancements in dental technology. This innovative treatment planning tool is available from Jean Seibold McGill, DDS, MS, PC, and the team at McGill Orthodontics in Easton and Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Schedule a one-on-one consultation online or by phone today to learn more.

What are digital impressions?

Not long ago, part of the process of planning for orthodontic treatment was having a set of impressions made. This required biting down into metal or plastic trays filled with a special material with a putty-like consistency.

After a few moments, the trays were pulled away from your teeth, creating an odd suction. Most patients did not enjoy the experience.

Digital impressions use an optical scanning device to gather information about the precise size, shape, and placement of your teeth, bones, and soft tissues. That information is fed into software that converts it into an image of your dental structures.

How are digital impressions better than traditional molds?

One benefit of digital impressions is the ability to quickly create an accurate representation of your bite. The impressions can then be used to guide your treatment planning and estimate your treatment timeline.

If you choose clear aligners, your digital impressions guide the fabrication of your aligner trays. That’s how the trays fit perfectly over the surface of your teeth, and how minute changes are made from one set to the next to keep your treatment progress moving forward. McGill Orthodontics also uses digital impressions to fabricate our custom braces.

Digital impressions become part of your permanent dental records. Once your orthodontic treatment is complete, the McGill Orthodontics team uses this imaging to show you how far you’ve come.

How long does it take to have digital impressions made?

It only takes a few moments to have digital impressions made. As you relax in the treatment chair your practitioner moves the handheld wand around your teeth, capturing images of both the front and back sides of each tooth.

The imaging software displays real-time scans on an external screen. Your practitioner is able to see the imaging being gathered and revisit areas where additional scanning is needed to create the clearest possible final result.

The entire process takes just a few moments. While the wand might feel odd moving around your mouth, there’s no discomfort associated with digital impressions.

If you’d like more information about this or any other advanced technology available at McGill Orthodontics, call the office to book a visit, or try the easy online scheduling tool.