Digital impressions are transforming the lab-dentist workflow, but both methods can deliver great restorations when done right. Here's what we need from you for each approach.
The Lab Perspective on Impression Quality
From a dental lab's standpoint, the impression — whether digital or traditional — is the foundation of every restoration we fabricate. An excellent preparation with a poor impression produces a poor restoration. Conversely, a good impression of a well-prepared tooth gives us everything we need to mill a precise, well-fitting zirconia crown, bridge, or implant restoration.
Both digital intraoral scans and traditional PVS/polyether impressions can deliver the accuracy needed for high-quality restorations. The key differences lie in workflow efficiency, common error patterns, and what information reaches the lab.
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 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
Digital scans eliminate shipping delays and model distortion — the two most common analog bottlenecks in the lab workflow.
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, 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.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Rivfor Dental Lab accept digital impressions?
Yes. We accept digital scan files from all major intraoral scanners including iTero, 3Shape TRIOS, CEREC, Carestream, Planmeca, Medit, and 3M True Definition. Files can be sent directly to our lab for immediate processing.
What files should I include with my digital impression?
Include a full-arch scan of the prepared arch, a full-arch scan of the opposing arch, a bite registration scan, shade notes or a shade photo, and any special instructions for contacts, occlusion, or esthetics.
Are digital impressions more accurate than traditional impressions?
Both methods can produce highly accurate restorations when done correctly. Digital scans eliminate issues like material distortion and shipping damage, while traditional impressions can better capture deep subgingival margins in some cases.
The Best Impression Is a Complete One
Whether you scan digitally or take a traditional impression, what matters most is that the lab receives a complete, accurate capture of the preparation and surrounding anatomy. Both methods work. The key is technique and communication.
Rivfor Dental Lab accepts both digital scans (all major scanner formats) and traditional impressions. If you are transitioning to digital workflows and have questions about compatibility or best practices, reach out — we are happy to help you get set up.
About the Author
Rivfor Dental Lab
Rivfor Dental Lab specializes in premium zirconia dental restorations with CAD/CAM custom milling. Based in Hialeah, FL, we serve dental practices across Miami-Dade County and South Florida with 48-hour turnaround and free local delivery.
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