Digital impressions with CAD/CAM are, in other words, computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing. These techniques are becoming more popular in the dental area due to their newer technology that allows creating a virtual model impression of the hard and soft tissues of the mouth by using laser and optical scanning devices. Patients find this procedure more comfortable and convenient than traditional impression material because treatment is done faster.

There are two types of digital impression that captures the images as digital photographs in a series of images, and the other one captures them as a video.

Laser or digital scanning: Digital scanning captures the images by using a precise and concentrated light to capture all the details of the teeth and gums without the necessity of holding the material in your mouth. This digital impression can be made the same day in one office visit, reducing errors and inaccuracies for restoration. The data obtained can be saved electronically for an indefinite period, saving space and contributing to better recordkeeping.

Digital optical scanning: Optical scanning is perfectly accurate, but in contrast with the laser one, this requires the teeth to be spray-coated with a powder before the procedure begins to ensure the recorded impression is correct. This impression has its own advantages as dentist providers can send via e-mail the virtual impression to the laboratory, increasing efficiency, productivity, and accuracy rather than sending the traditional impression the regular way.