Medically Reviewed by Esteem Dental And Orthodontic Team on August 31, 2025
Gone are the days when getting orthodontic treatment meant enduring uncomfortable, messy putty impressions that left patients gagging and anxious. Today’s patients visiting our orthodontist can experience a completely different journey thanks to advanced digital impression technology that’s revolutionizing how we approach teeth straightening.
At Esteem Dental, we’ve embraced this cutting-edge technology to provide our patients with more accurate, comfortable, and efficient orthodontic care. Our experienced team, led by Dr. Jordan Jones, understands the foundation of any successful orthodontic treatment lies in the precision of the initial impressions, which is why we’ve invested in state-of-the-art digital scanning equipment for both our Lake Nona and Winter Garden locations.
What Are Digital Impressions and How Do They Work?
Digital impressions represent a remarkable leap forward from traditional molding techniques. Instead of using impression putty that hardens in your mouth, digital impressions utilize advanced 3D scanning technology to create highly detailed virtual models of your teeth and bite. This process involves a small, handheld scanner that captures thousands of images per second, building an incredibly precise digital model of your oral structures.
The scanner works by projecting light onto your teeth and recording how that light reflects back, creating a point-by-point map of every surface. This technology is so sophisticated that it can detect variations as small as 20 microns–far more precise than the human eye can see. The result is a digital model that captures every ridge, groove, and contour of your teeth with remarkable accuracy.
Enhanced Accuracy Leads to Better Treatment Outcomes
The precision of digital impressions directly translates to improved orthodontic results. Traditional impressions can suffer from distortions caused by material shrinkage, air bubbles, or patient movement during the setting process. These imperfections, however minor, can affect the fit and effectiveness of orthodontic appliances.
Digital impressions eliminate these variables entirely. When your Invisalign aligners or other orthodontic appliances are fabricated from highly accurate digital models, they fit better, work more effectively, and produce more predictable results.
This enhanced precision means fewer adjustments during treatment, reduced appointment time, and ultimately, better final positioning of your teeth. Digital impressions also allow orthodontists to identify potential issues earlier in the treatment planning process, leading to more comprehensive and successful outcomes.
Patient Comfort and Experience
Beyond accuracy, digital impressions dramatically improve the patient experience. Traditional impressions often triggered gag reflexes, caused anxiety, and required multiple attempts to achieve acceptable results. Patients frequently describe the experience as uncomfortable and unpleasant.
Digital scanning eliminates these concerns entirely. The process is quick, typically taking just 3-5 minutes per arch, and requires no uncomfortable materials in your mouth. Patients can breathe normally throughout the procedure, and if you need to take a break, the scanner can easily pause and resume. This is particularly beneficial for patients with strong gag reflexes, anxiety about dental procedures, or those seeking braces treatment.
Children and teenagers, in particular, appreciate this technology, as it makes their orthodontic journey more comfortable from the outset. When young patients have positive early experiences, they’re more likely to comply with treatment recommendations and maintain good oral hygiene throughout their orthodontic care.
Efficiency and Treatment Planning Advantages
Digital impressions offer significant advantages in treatment planning and efficiency. The digital models can be instantly viewed, analyzed, and shared with laboratory technicians or other dental professionals. This immediate access eliminates the time needed for traditional impressions to set, package, and ship to laboratories.
Orthodontists can also use digital models to show patients their current situation and project treatment outcomes using advanced software. This visual approach helps patients better understand their treatment plan and see potential results before beginning care. For patients considering clear aligners or other orthodontic options, this technology provides valuable insight into what their smile transformation might look like.
The digital workflow also allows for more efficient modifications if needed. If adjustments are required during treatment, new scans can be taken quickly, and revised appliances can be fabricated faster than with traditional methods.
Long-term Benefits for Orthodontic Success
The precision and comfort of digital impressions contribute to better long-term orthodontic outcomes. When treatment begins with highly accurate models, every subsequent step in the process benefits from this foundation of precision. Orthodontic appliances fit better, patients experience more comfort, and treatment progresses more predictably.
Additionally, digital impressions create permanent records that can be referenced years later if needed. These detailed digital models provide valuable information for future dental work or if orthodontic retreatment becomes necessary.
Experience Advanced Orthodontic Care at Esteem Dental
At Esteem Dental, we’re committed to providing the most advanced, comfortable orthodontic care available. Our digital impression technology represents just one way we ensure our patients receive exceptional treatment outcomes in a comfortable and modern environment.
Led by Dr. Jordan Jones and our experienced team, we combine cutting-edge technology with compassionate care to deliver orthodontic results that exceed expectations. Whether you’re considering traditional braces, Invisalign, or other orthodontic options, our digital impression technology ensures your treatment begins with the most accurate foundation possible. Contact us at (407) 476-5650 or complete our contact form to experience the difference advanced orthodontic technology can make for your smile.
Dr. Jordan Jones, DDS
Dr. Jordan Jones leads the experienced team at Esteem Dental, providing comprehensive family dental care to the Winter Garden and Lake Nona communities. With a focus on general dentistry, pediatric care, and orthodontics, Dr. Jones combines advanced techniques with a compassionate approach to ensure every patient receives personalized, quality treatment in a comfortable environment.
✓ Medically Reviewed
