Are Conventional Impressions Obsolete? A Narrative Review on the Applicability of Intraoral Scanners

Abstract

This narrative review examines the clinical indication, practical advantages and limitations of dental digital impressions as compared to conventional impression techniques. Digital impressions are scientifically approved for their high accuracy for single tooth restorations while enhancing workflow efficiency through seamless integration with computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems. They improve both patient and clinician experiences by reducing discomfort, shortening treatment times and facilitating more direct communication with dental laboratories. Furthermore, digital records offer long-term archiving benefits and enable direct comparisons with future scans, which can be valuable for monitoring treatment progress. Despite these advantages, digital impressions face challenges in specific clinical scenarios, including movable oral tissues, deep subgingival margins and long-span prostheses. These limitations currently restrict their universal application across all dental indications. Nonetheless, digital impressions are increasingly being adopted in clinical practice across all dental specialties. As technological advancements of intraoral scanners continue, particularly improvements in scanning accuracy and the integration of artificial intelligence, the clinical utility of digital impressions is expected to expand further.

Keywords: conventional impressions; digital impressions; digital workflow; intraoral scanner; scan.