Comparing Comfort and Precision: 3D Intraoral Scanning vs. Traditional Impressions

In the pursuit of effective and accurate modern oral healthcare, the battle between 3D dental mould scanning technology and traditional mould taking methods has become a hot topic of discussion both inside and outside the industry. With the rapid advancement of technology, 3D scanning technology is gradually emerging with its unique advantages, so what are the differences between it and traditional mould taking?

3D Dental Mould Scanning

Also known as intraoral scanning, this uses high precision optical sensors to capture 3D images of the teeth and hard and soft tissues of the mouth. This technology digitally records the entire mouth in less than 2 minutes through a non-contact method, generating a 3D model as fine as a micron. The data is then transferred to a computer and used to design various types of oral treatments such as braces, implants and dentures. 

Advantages and Highlights

Precision and Efficiency: 3D scanning provides a high degree of precision, reduces human error, and significantly reduces consultation time to enhance the patient experience.

Comfortable experience: Compared with traditional silicone rubber impressions, 3D scanning does not require patients to open their mouths for long periods of time, avoiding nausea and discomfort, especially for children and sensitive patients.

Environmentally friendly: The whole process is digitalized, reducing the use of traditional materials such as silicone rubber, in line with the trend of green healthcare.

Instant visualization: The doctor and the patient can immediately view the dental condition, which facilitates communication about the treatment plan and enhances the patient's anticipation and confidence in the efficacy of the treatment.

Traditional Mould Taking

Traditional mould taking is done by placing a silicone impression material inside the patient's mouth and removing it after it has cured to form a physical model. This process requires meticulous handwork and extensive clinical experience to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the model. 

Advantages and limitations

Wide range of application: In complex cases or specific treatment needs (such as the detailed recording of special anatomical structures), traditional modelling still has an advantage that cannot be ignored.

Mature technology: After years of validation, doctors are familiar with its operation process. For some patients and doctors who are not accustomed to the new technology, the traditional method is more intimate and trustworthy.

Limitations: Compared with 3D scanning, traditional mould taking is time-consuming and less comfortable for patients, and there are accuracy problems due to material shrinkage and deformation. In addition, the subsequent mailing and storage of the model increases the cost and time.

The difference between 3D dental mould scanning and traditional mould taking

Data Acquisition: 3D scanning using scientific and technological high optical equipment, instantaneous completion of the digital information collection; while the traditional take the mould rely on physical materials, need to wait for the material to be cured before obtaining the model

Fineness and Efficiency: 3D scanning in the fineness and processing speed is significantly better than the traditional method, reducing the error in the subsequent model production

Patient Experience: 3D scanning contactless, fast characteristics significantly improve patient comfort and satisfaction

Environment and Cost: digital process reduces material consumption and storage costs, more environmentally friendly and economical, while traditional methods in resource consumption and logistics costs are higher.

In summary, 3D dental mould scanning shows obvious advantages in multiple dimensions and represents the development direction of oral healthcare technology. However, this does not mean that traditional methods of mould taking should be completely eliminated. Under certain circumstances, such as extremely complex cases or specific patient preferences, traditional techniques still have their value.

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