The importance of an excellent impression
Featured Products Promotional FeaturesPosted by: Dental Design 7th October 2022
When it comes to providing an outstanding standard of restorative treatment, dental impressions are paramount. However, taking the perfect impression is easier said than done.
So, what are some of the main issues affecting the accuracy of impressions and how can clinicians overcome them?
Choosing the right method for the case
Both traditional and digital impression methods have their uses in modern dentistry. Indeed, digital impressions afford a number of benefits, most notably eliminating the need to mix an impression material – but they are also generally considered to be a more comfortable option for patients in some indications too.
On the other hand, traditional impression materials are still useful at capturing detail where digital counterparts are less effective. For instance, subgingival detail can be tricky to capture using an intraoral scanner, so in these cases a traditional impression material may be a better choice. Taking impressions of edentulous patients can also provide challenges for intraoral scanners, so it can often be useful to have a traditional impression material on hand for these cases too. This article will focus on some of the common mistakes faced by professionals when using traditional impression materials.
Patient comfort
Patient comfort during the impression taking process can have a significant impact on the final result. Any excess movement can cause distortions, and these inevitably mean that the impressioning process will have to be repeated.
One way to avoid these is to ensure that your patient is as comfortable as possible. For traditional materials, a fast setting time is often very helpful, as this means that the patient only has to have the material in their mouth for a short time, reducing the window for discomfort. You can also consider finding flavoured impression materials. These are likely to make the impressioning process more pleasant for patients, helping to reduce the gag reflex which can accidentally morph the material while it is still setting.
Tray selection and mixing
Traditional impressions require correct tray selection to produce a high quality outcome. One common mistake that clinicians make is to choose a tray that is the wrong size for the patient’s oral cavity. Generally speaking, the tray selected should be large enough to cover all of the teeth without contacting the soft tissue. This way, you can avoid any impressions that don’t fully capture the detail of the whole arch. Trays can be modified, but it’s a good idea to have a selection of trays available so that you can find one that suits the patient in question.
Another common error with impression materials is failure to mix the material properly. This may result in the formation of bubbles or cause the material to set improperly, impacting the accuracy of the impression and resulting in the need for a retake. Bubbles can also form if the material isn’t loaded in the tray properly, so it’s important to read the manufacturer’s guidance on whatever impression material you’re using and follow the directions to ensure that these issues don’t occur.
Internal bubbles could also form in the presence of excess saliva or blood. While most impression materials these days are hydrophilic, it’s still necessary to ensure hemostasis is achieved for the best results.
Material choice makes all the difference
Selecting the right material is crucial. With hundreds of impression materials on the market, you need to ensure that you are using one that complements your working style, giving you the working time you need as well as providing features to help increase patient comfort.
Imprint 4 VPS Impression material from 3M is the perfect choice for professionals looking for a reliable impression material. Its unique chemistry means that it doesn’t start to set until working time is over, so there’s no need to rush when seating the material, helping to prevent any technical mistakes.* Plus, using self-warming technology, the material sets in just 1 minute and 15 seconds*, making treatment faster and more comfortable for patients. The material is also hydrophilic, helping to boost accuracy from the word go.*
Give a great impression every time
As such an important part of the treatment journey, taking a good quality impression is vital if you want to provide patients with the best standard of treatment possible. By investing in a good quality material as well as taking the time to avoid common errors, you can ensure that you can take an accurate impression in a fast and convenient manner.
For more information, call 08705 360036 or visit www.3m.co.uk/Dental
* https://www.3m.co.uk/3M/en_GB/dental-uk/indirect-restorations/impression-materials/imprint4/
3M and Imprint are trademarks of the 3M Company. – NB to editors: this line must be included at end of editorial when published
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