Digital Impressions vs Traditional: What Your Lab Needs from You

Advantages of Digital Impressions for Lab Workflow

When we receive a digital scan file (STL or proprietary format), the workflow benefits are immediate:

• No shipping time — files arrive at our Hialeah lab instantly, which helps us meet tight turnaround windows
• No stone model distortion — digital files do not expand, shrink, or break in transit
• Immediate design start — our CAD team can begin designing the restoration within minutes of receiving the scan
• Easy communication — we can mark up the digital model and send screenshots back to you if we have questions about margins or contacts
• Archival — digital files are stored permanently, making re-fabrication straightforward if needed years later

Common Digital Scan Issues We See

Digital impressions are not foolproof. The most frequent issues we encounter from intraoral scans include:

• Incomplete margin capture — the scan did not fully capture the finish line, especially on the lingual or interproximal surfaces
• Tissue over the margin — the gingival tissue was not adequately retracted before scanning, obscuring the preparation boundary
• Stitching errors — the scanning software misaligned overlapping captures, creating artifacts in the mesh
• Missing opposing arch or bite registration — we need the opposing arch scan and a bite scan to set proper occlusion
• Saliva or blood contamination — moisture on the preparation creates voids or noisy data in the scan

What We Need from Your Digital Scans

To get the best results from your digital impressions, ensure every submission includes:

• Full-arch scan of the prepared arch with clear margin visibility
• Full-arch scan of the opposing arch
• Bite registration scan (or multiple if the bite is complex)
• Shade selection — either a VITA shade tab photo next to the adjacent teeth, or detailed shade notes
• Any special instructions regarding contacts, occlusion, or esthetics

When Traditional Impressions Still Make Sense

Traditional PVS or polyether impressions remain a reliable option, particularly in situations where subgingival margins are deep and difficult to capture with a scanner, full-arch implant cases with multiple scan bodies (where scan accuracy can degrade over long spans), or practices that have not yet invested in intraoral scanning technology.

When sending traditional impressions to our Florida dental lab, use a rigid tray with adequate adhesive, ensure complete material flow around the preparation, and ship the impression promptly — ideally same-day — to minimize any dimensional change. For Miami-Dade practices, our courier picks up impressions directly from your office.

Tips for Better Results with Either Method

Regardless of your impression method, these practices lead to better-fitting restorations and fewer remakes:

• Achieve hemostasis and tissue retraction before capturing the impression — this is the single most impactful step
• Verify your impression or scan before dismissing the patient — check for complete margin capture, voids, and pulls
• Include preparation photos — a quick photo of the prepared tooth helps us verify margin location and tissue health
• Communicate clearly — note the shade, any patient concerns about esthetics, and whether the restoration is on a natural tooth or implant abutment