Digital Scanner
Comfortable, high-accuracy 3D impressions — no putty trays required
A Better Impression Experience
Traditional dental impressions rely on a tray filled with putty material held against your teeth while it sets — a process many patients find uncomfortable. At Prosthodontics Associates, P.A., we use a digital intraoral scanner that replaces putty with a small handheld wand and a screen full of real-time 3D imagery.
The scanner passes over your teeth and gums, capturing thousands of data points per second. Within minutes, the result is a detailed digital model that the prosthodontist and lab technician can rotate, zoom, and measure on screen. Because the scan is digital, it feeds directly into our digital treatment planning and 3D printing workflow — no physical model shipping, no material distortion.
- No putty trays — just a small handheld wand
- Detailed 3D model available in minutes
- Data transfers directly into our digital workflow
- Ideal for patients with a sensitive gag reflex
How Digital Scanning Supports Your Treatment
Higher Accuracy
Digital scans can capture finer detail than traditional putty, which may contribute to restorations that fit well from the first try.
Faster Workflow
Scan data is available immediately — no waiting for putty to set, no shipping time, and no risk of the impression warping in transit.
Patient-Friendly
The scanning process is quick, quiet, and comfortable. If any area needs rescanning, it takes only seconds to recapture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is a digital scan more comfortable than a traditional putty impression?
- Most patients find digital scanning significantly more comfortable. The scanner uses a small wand that passes over your teeth, capturing thousands of images per second. There is no tray of impression material to hold in your mouth, which can be especially welcome for patients with a strong gag reflex.
- How accurate are digital dental scans?
- Digital intraoral scanners capture detailed 3D data that is often more precise than traditional putty impressions, which can distort as the material sets. This accuracy helps produce restorations that fit well with less chairside adjustment.
- How long does a digital scan take?
- A full-arch scan typically takes only a few minutes. Results are available immediately on screen, so the prosthodontist can review the scan with you and reshoot any area that needs more detail before you leave.
- What treatments use digital scanning at your practice?
- We use digital scanning for crowns, bridges, veneers, implant planning, denture design, night guards, and other restorations. The scan data feeds directly into our digital treatment planning and 3D printing workflow for a fully digital treatment chain.
Ready for a More Comfortable Dental Experience?
Contact Prosthodontics Associates, P.A. in Portland, ME to learn how digital scanning fits into your treatment plan.