What Are Dental Impressions?

Getting an impression of your teeth is often one of the first steps dentists take in order to prepare a patient for a procedure. Imprints of the teeth and mouth cavity are called dental impressions. In dental operations, impressions are utilized to produce three-dimensional models of your dental structure. Prosthodontics, orthodontics, dental crowns and bridges, and oral and maxillofacial surgery all employ them. If you’re wondering if dental impressions hurt, you can rest assured that they cause minimal discomfort and only serve to ensure that your new retainers, for example, fit you perfectly. 

How Are Dental Impressions Made?

Traditional imprints are made on trays made of a jelly-like material. The impression must be left in the patient’s mouth for two to three minutes for it to set. When the material is finished, it solidifies and forms a mold of the teeth. Once it has hardened, this mold is sent to a lab to create a three-dimensional digital model of your oral cavity. 

What are dental impressions used for?

Dental impressions are used for a variety of procedures that require a device or implant to be used. Some of these processes include:

• Dental crowns
• Dental implants
• Bridges
• Mouth appliances
• Dentures
• Limited orthodontics

Things To Keep in Mind

The taste of the alginate material and the possibility of triggering your gag reflex are the only two things that might make you uncomfortable while getting a dental imprint. It is very common to be concerned about your gag reflex when receiving an impression; however, there are a few tips you can try out to help mitigate some of the discomforts. Sitting up during the procedure and carefully breathing through your nose can be very beneficial. 

Dental impressions are overall a smooth and painless process that can significantly help the process of creating accurate implants and devices to help improve your smile. At Smile Every Day, we are happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have about any procedure you might undergo. Book your next appointment today with our expert Plantation dentists, Tamarac dentists, and Davie dentists. 

February 25, 2022