Digital Impression Scanning

A digital impression replaces the old tray of putty with a small handheld wand. It glides along each arch, capturing thousands of images that a computer stitches into an accurate three-dimensional model on screen — usually in a few minutes. There is nothing to bite down on, nothing to gag on, and no waiting for a mold to set. If one area needs a closer look, we simply rescan that spot.

Where scans fit into treatment

Invisalign — the scan becomes the blueprint used to shape a sequence of clear aligners.
Retainers — a precise digital model helps a retainer seat comfortably and hold alignment after active treatment.
Appliances — custom palatal expanders and removable functional appliances are built to a scanned fit.
Progress records — scans taken at intervals can be compared to see how alignment is changing.

Part of a fuller picture

Surface scans show shape and position, so we combine them with digital panoramic x-ray and cephalometric imaging for root and jaw structure, intraoral camera photos for close-up detail, and 3D treatment planning to preview movement before treatment starts.

Dr. Kristine M. Hyon, DMD, MS reviews these records with patients in English, Spanish, or Korean.