Ok, you've made the transition to digital impressioning. You're reaping the many clinical benefits, including dramatically better fitting restorations. But have you considered its marketing benefits?
Using a digital impressioning system like Cadent's iTero probably differentiates you from most practices in your community (although that may soon be changing). So why not promote this patient-pleasing service?
Following is an article I wrote specifically for patients-existing and potential. You may want to use something similar in your patient newsletter or local newspaper.
Gooey Dental Impressions Gone Digital!!!
We all know that no one actually wants to go to the dentist, and some people downright dread it. Patients assume that all dental procedures are going to be uncomfortable or even painful. In an effort to make going to see the dentist a more pleasant experience, many dental offices look more like health spas. Gone are the horrible sounds and smells, replaced by the sound of rock fountains, massage chairs, paraffin wax treatments, iPods and most importantly virtually painless dentistry. Dentists are embracing new technology that greatly enhances the patient experience and eases anxiety about dental treatments. Laser scanners allow your dentist to find decay that normally can't be seen or felt until they are much bigger. Computerized anesthesia machines allow only the tooth being treated to be numb instead of your entire face. And now a common dental procedure known as a dental impression has an amazing new technology behind it.
Fig 1 - Conventional Putty Dental Impression |
Every year millions of people need crowns and bridges to replace broken, decayed, heavily filled or missing teeth. More and more people are now requesting cosmetic porcelain veneers to improve their smile. In order to fabricate the crown (cap), bridge or veneer, a physical impression must be taken of the tooth being restored. Most patients cringe at the thought of having a mold of their mouth taken. The putty is messy, tastes extremely unpleasant, and in many patients can cause gagging. (Fig. 1) This is far from a perfect science and if the impression has an air bubble or other imperfection, it may not be suitable and unfortunately the dentist may have to repeat the process again. The crown, bridge or veneer created from the physical impression often requires additional time to seat, may require numerous adjustments and may eventually need replacing. Sometimes the crown does not even fit and the impression needs to be retaken and the lengthy process started all over. Dentists now have another option when it comes to taking a dental impression.
Fig 2 - Dr. Tau Taking an iTero Digital Impression |
Cadent's iTero is a new groundbreaking digital technology that eliminates the need for a gooey physical impression. This device enables the dentist to create an exact replica of what is in the mouth using only a laser scanner. (Fig. 2) The only thing that touches the mouth is the tip of the handheld wand. Guided by voice prompts, the dentist takes several scans of the teeth and the patient's bite until a complete digital image is captured. With each scan, Itero software captures 100,000 data points in the patient's mouth. Once the dentist begins the scanning process it can be stopped and started as many times as necessary, unlike the physical impression that must set for 5 or more minutes before it is removed from your mouth. Never again will patients be stuck with a mouth full of goop. Each scan takes only a few seconds.
Fig 3 - iTero 3-D Impression |
After the scanning process is completed a 3-D digital model of the mouth is magnified and displayed on the computer screen right in front of the patient. (Fig. 3) This allows the dentist to review the scan and make any necessary changes or take additional scans if some information was missed. Seeing this information allows for better communication between the dentist , the dental assistant, the laboratory, and most importantly the patient. It also allows the dentist to head off potential issues that may have gone unnoticed until the seating appointment. iTero technology all but guarantees a perfect fit for the new crown or bridge, so patients spend less time at the dentist’s office and more time enjoying their new smile!
Going to the dentist still may not be at the top of a patient's priority list but if and when a patient needs a crown or wants a veneer, the Cadent iTero digital impression will allow for a much more comfortable visit, and more importantly, a better fitting restoration.
Use digital impressioning to its maximum potential. Shorten your seating appointments, eliminate remakes, and make sure everyone knows that your practice is on the cutting edge of patient care.