*How Digital Scanning Is Changing Dentistry*
As your neighborhood dentist in West Caldwell, one of the biggest advancements in dentistry we have made has been the shift from traditional impressions to digital scanning. I’ve seen firsthand how this technology has transformed the patient experience and improved the accuracy of our work. In our office, we use both iTero and CEREC digital scanners, which allow us to take extremely precise 3D images of your teeth and gums. With these tools, we can even design and create our own crowns right here in the office—no lab wait, no messy impressions, and no surprises.
Comfort: No More Messy Impression Material
Many patients still remember the old way of taking impressions: that large tray filled with gooey material that you had to bite into and hold in place for several minutes. It often triggered gagging, tasted unpleasant, and wasn’t always accurate. Digital scanning eliminates all of that. With our iTero and CEREC scanners, we use a small, wand-like device to capture thousands of images per second, creating a detailed digital model of your mouth. The process is fast, clean, and completely comfortable.
Precision You Can Trust
Accuracy is everything when it comes to dental treatment. Whether we’re making a crown, planning Invisalign, or fabricating a nightguard, the quality of the impression directly impacts how well the final product fits. Digital scanners offer exceptional precision—far beyond what traditional materials could provide. The 3D models produced by iTero and CEREC allow us to see details that are simply not visible in a standard impression. This means better-fitting crowns, more predictable orthodontic results, and fewer adjustments later on.
Same-Day Crowns with CEREC
One of the biggest advantages of having digital scanning in our office is the ability to make same-day crowns. With our CEREC system, we can scan your tooth, design your crown digitally, and mill it right in our office—all in a single appointment. There’s no temporary crown to worry about, no second visit, and no risk of the temporary breaking or coming off. Patients love the convenience, and I love being able to control the quality from start to finish.
Faster Treatment and Fewer Appointments
Digital scanning cuts out several steps that used to slow down dental treatment. There’s no waiting for impressions to set, no mailing models to a lab, and no delays caused by distorted impressions. Scans are sent instantly and can be reviewed on-screen in real time. This efficiency leads to shorter appointments, faster turnaround times, and fewer follow-up visits.
A Better Experience for Patients
What I appreciate most about digital scanning is how engaged and informed it makes patients. When you can see a high-resolution 3D image of your own teeth, it’s much easier to understand the condition of your mouth and why certain treatments are recommended. Many patients tell me they love the “technology experience” and feel more confident knowing we use the most advanced tools available.
Experience the Difference
Digital scanning has elevated the way we deliver care at Josephsen Family Dentistry. With our iTero and CEREC systems, we’re able to provide greater comfort, accuracy, and convenience than ever before—whether you need a crown, Invisalign, or a custom dental appliance. Give us a call today so see how simple and effective digital impressions will transform your experience!