Magok-dong Dental Clinic_ “Taking Dental Impressions with Light!” [5. Digital Impression Taking with a 3D Intraoral Scanner]

Hello.

Magok Station Seoul Dia Dental Clinic is here to provide reliable treatment and warm explanations.

Today is the final story in the impression-taking series, “Taking dental impressions using a digital intraoral scanner.”

“Digital impression taking” means exactly what it sounds like: using an intraoral camera (scanner) to capture the shape of the teeth and gums in three dimensions (3D). When the tooth surface is scanned in an instant, the computer screen shows the shape of your teeth in 3D in real time.

Simply put, it is a technology that copies the inside of your mouth and transfers it into a computer.

So today, Magok-dong Seoul Dia Dental Clinic will explain the principles of digital impression taking using an intraoral scanner, how it differs from the traditional method, and who it is needed for.

How does an intraoral scanner work?

Magok-dong Dental Clinic_ Intraoral Scanner

An intraoral scanner uses light (optical sensors).

It shines light onto the tooth surface, and an AI program calculates the reflected data and reconstructs it into a 3D model. In other words, you can think of it as “taking an impression with light.”

The digital data obtained this way is immediately transmitted to a computer and used to make prosthetics such as crowns, inlays, and implants.

Magok-dong Seoul Dia Dental Clinic directly connects digital impression data with the dental lab, improving the accuracy and speed of the entire prosthesis fabrication process.

Digital impression taking vs. the traditional method: what’s the difference?

Magok-dong Dental Clinic_ Traditional tooth impression taking

In the past, taking a dental impression meant filling the mouth with a soft material. Because of the unique smell and texture, many people probably thought, “Ah, this is a little hard to endure...” That is the traditional impression-taking method.

In the traditional method, materials such as alginate or silicone are placed in a tray and inserted into the mouth, and you have to wait about 5 minutes for it to harden. During that time, breathing was uncomfortable, and many people felt nervous because of their gag reflex.

Magok-dong Dental Clinic_ Digital impression using a scanner

By contrast, digital impression taking is completely different. It is literally a method of taking an impression with light. A small camera called an intraoral scanner shines light on the tooth surface, captures thousands of images in real time, and AI reconstructs the data into a 3D model.

So even without placing materials in the mouth, your tooth structure is reproduced exactly on the computer screen. It only takes a few minutes, and only the necessary areas can be scanned again, making it much more efficient.

Accuracy is also much higher. Unlike the traditional method, where errors could occur depending on material thickness or operator skill, the scanner calculates light reflection and captures data down to 0.1 mm.

Magok-dong Dental Clinic_ Digital impression

Most importantly, once the scan is complete, the data is sent immediately to the dental lab. Now there is the advantage of being connected all at once: “scanning → transmission → fabrication.”

This is exactly the method used for same-day inlays with JustScan at Magok Station Seoul Dia Dental Clinic. Both methods have their own value, but in terms of accuracy, speed, and comfort, the digital method is clearly ahead.

Highly recommended for these people!

Magok-dong Dental Clinic_ Taking dental impressions with a digital method during orthodontic treatment

1. People who feel uncomfortable with the smell or texture of impression materials

2. People with a strong gag reflex

3. People who want fast and accurate crown or inlay fabrication

4. People undergoing precise treatment such as implants or orthodontics

Seoul Dia Dental Clinic uses both the traditional impression-taking method and the digital scanner impression-taking method for the patient’s comfort.

The reason is simple. Because not every patient has the same oral condition or treatment purpose.

Magok-dong Dental Clinic_ Gypsum model obtained through traditional impression taking

For example, for temporary tray fabrication or basic diagnostic models, the traditional impression material is still faster and more economical.

On the other hand, for treatments where precision matters, such as implants, inlays, and crowns, it is advantageous to use a digital scanner to capture errors down to 0.1 mm. In the end, both methods are necessary.

The traditional method has the advantage of being a “technique strong in the basics,” while the digital method has the advantages of “precision and speed.”

Seoul Dia Dental Clinic combines these two methods and applies them in a customized way for each patient. In other words, rather than asking “which method is it?” we first think about “who is it most suitable for?”

Key summary of today’s post

1. The digital method is a 3D scanning technology that takes impressions with light

2. The traditional method has strengths in temporary trays and diagnostic models

3. The digital method is superior in accuracy, speed, and comfort

Accurate dental impression taking is the first step in treatment and a key factor that determines the final quality.

Seoul Dia Dental Clinic, Magok Station

Magok Station Seoul Dia Dental Clinic combines the precision of digital technology and the delicacy of human hands to preserve the foundation of “accurate impressions.”

From that honest beginning to the end, Magok Station Seoul Dia Dental Clinic will be with you.

[ This post was written in accordance with the Medical Service Act for the purpose of providing accurate information about dental surgeries and procedures. Infection and side effects may occur after surgery, so the procedure should be decided only after sufficient consultation with a skilled medical professional. ]

[Magok-dong Seoul Dia Dental Clinic Impression Taking Series]

1. Definition and importance of impression taking

2. When impression taking is needed

3. The impression-taking process

4. Precautions during impression taking

5. Impression materials and trays

6. Digital impression taking