CAD/CAM technologies have been around since the 1950s. CAD/CAM’s introduction into dentistry came in 1987, when CEREC was first launched. Years later and many improvements to the foundational CAD/CAM technology, we are still seeing a debate between conventional impressions and digital impressions. To settle this debate many studies have been done to compare the accuracy, reproducibility, marginal, mechanical strength, and interfacial adhesion of the final dental prosthesis produced with each impression technique (the old vs. the new).
Digital vs. conventional impressions – when making crowns
In all studies considered, the marginal fit of crowns and implant crowns made with digital and conventional impressions were both acceptable. In one study, the iTero impression system produced crowns that had internal surfaces that were more accurate than conventional impressions.
Full arch impressions
When impressing full arch cases, the digital impression system showed more local deviations than traditional impression systems. The digital impression systems could not produce consistent accuracy along the full arch. This results in the operator having to closely inspect each area and make revisions as necessary.
Efficiency
It was seen that digital impressions were seen to be more efficient than conventional impressions, especially with inexperience practitioners and students. Furthermore, local areas that the initial impression did not capture clearly were recaptured easily with the digital impression system, without having to re-do the entire impression from beginning (as is the case with conventional impressions).
Patient comfort
As reported by patients, the digital impressions were less invasive, more comfortable as they triggered less gag reflex and salivation during impression taking.
Storage
Storage of digital impressions are significantly more efficient, as we are comparing storing files in a computer versus storing case boxes in the storage area of an office.
Digital impressions are mostly likely the future of all dental impressions. Its decreased cost (after you pay off the machine of course) and efficiency (in terms of time and storage) make it the logical next in line for being the corner stone in your office.