Advanced Dental Technology

Optical impressions

While conventional dental impression materials have certainly improved for the patient, the process of making the impression for crowns and bridges has changed little through the years. Today optical scanning can create restorations that fit and feel like natural teeth while eliminating the unpleasantness of conventional impressions.

By using a hand-held wand to optically scan the area to be restored; the entire impression is created 100% digitally. The scanning wand projects 100,000 beams of parallel light and converts the reflected light into digital data through the use of analog-to-digital connecters, all of which happens in one third of a second. Several scans of the restored teeth and the opposing arch are made taking less time than a conventional impression.

3D-CAT Scanner

Computer technology uses three-dimensional CAT scans for the selection and placement of dental implants. This technology can determine bone density and the best location for implants. Patients who previously were not candidates for manual placement may now be candidates for computer guided dental implant placement.

The accuracy of the CAD/CAM guided surgery allows the implants to be placed directly into the bone with no incision or stitches needed. In many patients a fixed preformed bridge can also be placed at the time of implant surgery.