Making the Jump to Digital Imaging
Making decisions surrounding the purchase of new equipment is a part of dentistry seldom talked about. It’s not until you own your own practice that the business side of the profession truly becomes relevant.
Knowing which new technologies to adopt and when are vital components to running a successful practice.
It’s not always easy to walk the line between staying up-to-date and investing in upgrades that don’t provide ample return. But if you’re still using traditional impression trays and molds it’s probably time to consider making the move to digital imagery.
A matter of speed
The increase in efficiency and productivity becomes clear the first time you email a virtual impression to the laboratory instead of boxing up a model to be sent by regular mail.
Digital impressions are so much faster that it’s now possible to provide same-day dental restorations, which is good for you and great for your patients. By completing treatment in a single visit, the patient is happy not having to take more time off work while you free up additional time for a new patient and more revenue.
Eliminate errors
Traditional impression techniques require multiple materials and a number of steps. Due to simple human error or issues with the material, even the most skilled professional may have a difficult time matching the pinpoint accuracy of a digital impression.
Given that traditional impressions are taken in the negative and in life size, it is more difficult to recognize if there has been a mistake. Digital scans create a full positive image in just 3-5 minutes and the image can be magnified on the screen to quickly and easily check for errors before the file is sent to the lab.
Better fit
More accurate scans lead to better fitting prosthesis. Patients are happy and more comfortable – and more likely to refer friends and family to your office.
Free up time
Digital technology allows scans to be performed by qualified dental assistants, freeing up your time to see another patient.
Once a scan is complete you can quickly check for errors and some systems will even allow for a partial scan to touch up any areas missing in the virtual impression.
Patients appreciate state-of-the-art dental care and how this new technology allows them to be more engaged and better informed about the treatment process. They can be presented with treatment options on screen with a better understanding of their choices.
Digital dentistry allows you to work smarter, not harder – all while providing faster, more accurate, less cumbersome treatments for your patients.
