---
title: "What Is Digital impression? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "A digital impression is a 3D computer model of your teeth and gums made with a scanner. It does the job of a traditional impression made with putty or paste."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/digital-impression
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Technology and Imaging

# Digital impression

A digital impression is a 3D computer model of your teeth and gums made with a scanner. It does the job of a traditional impression made with putty or paste.

A traditional impression uses a tray of soft material that sets in your mouth. A digital impression is made by an [intraoral scanner](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/intraoral-scanner) instead. The scan becomes a three-dimensional file that a dentist or lab can use to design a crown, bridge, or other piece.

A review of studies found that digital impressions show accuracy comparable to conventional impressions. Another study found patients accepted them more readily and that the scan took less working time. Digital impressions fit with [CAD/CAM](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/cad-cam-dentistry) design and can cut down on material waste.

Results still depend on the case and the skill of the operator. Ask your dentist which method suits your treatment.

## Related terms

-   [Intraoral scanner](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/intraoral-scanner)
-   [CAD/CAM dentistry](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/cad-cam-dentistry)
-   [3D printing in dentistry](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/3d-printing-in-dentistry)
-   [Dental crown](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-crown)

## Sources

1.  [NIH PMC: Digital Impressions Versus Conventional Impressions](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10834103/)
2.  [NIH PMC: Evaluation of Intraoral Full-Arch Scan versus Conventional Preliminary Impression](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10487891/)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)