For many patients, the most stressful part of getting a crown or a bridge isn’t the procedure itself—it’s the messy, uncomfortable “putty” impressions. If you have a sensitive gag reflex or high dental anxiety, we have good news: At Sapphire Dental Studio, traditional impressions are a thing of the past. We use advanced Intraoral Scanners (like our Shining 3D systems) to create a perfect 3D map of your mouth using light and photos—no “goop” required.
1. How does an intraoral scanner work?
Think of it as a tiny, high-speed camera on a wand. We gently move the wand around your teeth, and it takes thousands of tiny photos per second. These photos are instantly stitched together by a computer to create a high-definition 3D model of your smile on a screen you can watch in real-time.
2. Is it better for patients with a gag reflex?
Absolutely. Traditional trays are bulky and sit at the back of the throat for minutes at a time. The intraoral scanner is small, never touches your throat, and can be paused at any second if you need a break. It’s the fastest, most comfortable way to “take an impression” ever invented.
3. Is a “photo” as accurate as the old putty?
Actually, it’s more accurate. Traditional putty can shrink, warp, or have tiny air bubbles that lead to a crown not fitting perfectly. Digital scans are precise down to the micron. This means your veneers, crowns, or All-on-X bridges fit better and last longer.
4. Can I see my results immediately?
Yes! One of the coolest parts of digital scanning is that we can show you your 3D smile on the monitor instantly. We can even use AI software to “simulate” your treatment results, showing you what your new smile will look like before we even start.
5. What treatments use this technology?
We use our scanners for almost everything we do at Sapphire, including:
Custom Crowns and Bridges
Clear Aligners (i.e. OrthoBrain)
Veneers and Smile Makeovers
Dental Implant Planning
Dentures