At The Dental Studio, Dr. David Peterson and our team use the Primescan intraoral scanner in Sandy, Utah, to create detailed digital dental impressions without trays filled with traditional impression material.
Primescan produces a three-dimensional model of the teeth, gums and bite that can support selected crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, implant restorations and dental appliances. The digital scan can be reviewed on a computer screen before it is submitted, allowing Dr. Peterson to confirm that the necessary areas have been recorded.
What Can Primescan Digital Impressions Be Used For?
Primescan digital impressions may be used during selected restorative and appliance-based treatments that require an accurate three-dimensional record of the mouth.
Depending on the procedure, a Primescan digital dental scan may support:
- Same-day crowns
- Traditional dental crowns
- Dental bridges
- Inlays and onlays
- Selected implant restorations
- Night guards and sports mouth guards
- Other selected dental appliances
- Temporary or final restorations within compatible digital workflows
Not every procedure uses the same scanning or laboratory workflow. Dr. Peterson will determine whether Primescan is appropriate for your treatment.
What Is a Primescan Intraoral Scanner?
Primescan is a handheld digital dental scanner used inside the mouth to capture the visible surfaces of the teeth and surrounding oral structures.
A member of our team moves the scanner carefully around your mouth while the device records a series of images. Those images are combined into a detailed three-dimensional model that can be reviewed from multiple angles.
Unlike a traditional impression, which uses a tray filled with impression material, an intraoral scan creates a digital record of the mouth.
A Primescan scan may document:
- The shape and position of the teeth
- The contours of the gums and visible oral structures
- The relationship between neighboring teeth
- The way the upper and lower teeth fit together
- The margins and contours needed for selected restorations
The scan records visible surface details rather than structures beneath the teeth or gums. For that reason, Primescan does not replace dental X-rays, CBCT imaging or a clinical examination.
A Comfortable Alternative to Traditional Dental Impressions
Traditional dental impressions involve placing soft material inside a tray and holding it over the teeth until the material sets. Although conventional impressions remain useful for some procedures, many patients prefer digital scanning.
Primescan eliminates the need for impression material during compatible treatments. This may be especially helpful for patients who have:
- A sensitive gag reflex
- Difficulty tolerating impression trays
- Dental anxiety related to traditional molds
- Limited comfort while keeping the mouth open
The digital scan can be paused if you need a break. If one area needs to be captured again, our team can generally rescan that section rather than repeating the entire impression.
How Primescan Digital Scanning Works
Before scanning begins, our team will position you comfortably and may dry the teeth to improve image quality. The Primescan wand is then moved around the upper or lower arch while the digital model develops on the screen.
During the scan, you may be asked to:
- Open or close your mouth as directed
- Turn your head slightly
- Move your tongue away from the scanning area
- Bite your teeth together so the system can record your bite
The process is noninvasive and does not use ionizing radiation. Once the scan is complete, Dr. Peterson can inspect the model from different angles and determine whether additional detail is needed.
Primescan Digital Impressions for Crowns and Restorative Care
Accurate records are important when creating a restoration that must fit closely against the prepared tooth and neighboring structures. Primescan may be used during selected restorative treatments to capture the information needed for design and fabrication.
Depending on your treatment, the digital impression may record:
- The prepared tooth
- Neighboring teeth
- The opposing dental arch
- Your bite relationship
- The margins and contours needed for the restoration
The resulting digital file can be transferred through a compatible workflow to an in-office system or dental laboratory. The exact process depends on the restoration being created.
For qualifying treatments, Primescan may also support the planning and design of same-day crowns.
Primescan for Dental Bridges and Implant Restorations
Primescan may be used to create digital records for certain dental bridges and implant-supported restorations. The intraoral scanner captures the visible oral anatomy needed to help design the final restoration.
When implant treatment is involved, additional imaging and records may also be necessary. For example, cone beam 3D imaging may be used to evaluate bone and anatomical structures that cannot be seen in an intraoral scan.
Dr. Peterson combines the appropriate records rather than relying on a single technology for the entire treatment plan.
A More Efficient Digital Dental Workflow
A traditional impression must be packaged and physically delivered to a dental laboratory. A digital file can be transferred electronically to a compatible system, which may simplify communication and reduce delays associated with shipping a physical model.
Digital dental impressions also allow our team to:
- Inspect the scan before submission
- Rescan an incomplete area immediately
- Share detailed records with a dental laboratory
- Store the scan as part of your dental records
- Use the 3D model to explain the planned treatment
Digital scanning does not guarantee that a restoration will never need an adjustment. Bite forces, tooth preparation, laboratory design and other clinical factors still affect the final fit.
Understanding Your Treatment in Three Dimensions
The Primescan model can be displayed on a screen during your appointment. This allows Dr. Peterson to show you the area being treated and explain how the digital impression will be used.
You may be able to view:
- The shape of the prepared tooth
- The relationship between neighboring teeth
- Visible areas of wear or damage
- The way the upper and lower teeth come together
- The region that will receive the restoration
Viewing the model can make the treatment process easier to understand, but the scan is only one part of the complete evaluation.
Primescan and iTero Digital Scanning
Both Primescan and iTero® digital scanning create three-dimensional models without traditional impression material, but they may be used for different workflows within our practice.
Primescan is especially useful for selected restorative procedures and compatible crown-design systems. iTero may be used more frequently for clear aligner planning, retainers and other appliance-based treatments.
Dr. Peterson will choose the scanner and workflow that best match the procedure being completed. Patients do not need to decide which system should be used.
Advanced Digital Technology With a Specific Purpose
Primescan is one of the tools available through our advanced dental technology. We use it when a digital impression can improve comfort, communication or the restorative workflow.
Within our holistic and biological dentistry approach, technology supports individualized care rather than replacing professional judgment. Dr. Peterson will explain why a scan is recommended and how the information will contribute to your treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Primescan
Where can I get Primescan digital impressions in Sandy, Utah?
The Dental Studio provides Primescan digital impressions in Sandy, Utah, for selected restorative treatments and dental appliances. Dr. Peterson will determine whether the Primescan digital workflow is appropriate for your care.
Do you use a Primescan intraoral scanner?
Yes. Our team uses the Primescan intraoral scanner to create detailed three-dimensional digital impressions when the technology is appropriate for the treatment being completed.
What is a Primescan digital impression?
A Primescan digital impression is a three-dimensional model created by scanning the visible surfaces of your teeth, gums and bite. It may be used to help design selected restorations and dental appliances.
What is an intraoral scanner?
An intraoral scanner is a handheld digital device used inside the mouth to capture images of the teeth and surrounding visible structures. The images are combined into a three-dimensional digital model that may be used for treatment planning and compatible dental restorations.
Does Primescan replace traditional impressions?
Primescan can replace traditional impressions for many compatible treatments. However, some procedures or laboratory workflows may still require a conventional impression.
Is a Primescan impression comfortable?
Many patients find digital scanning more comfortable than trays filled with impression material. The wand still moves around the teeth, but the scan can be paused if you need a break.
Does Primescan use radiation?
No. Primescan records the visible surfaces of the teeth using optical scanning technology and does not use ionizing radiation.
Can Primescan be used for dental crowns?
Yes. Primescan may be used to create digital records for selected crowns, including compatible same-day restoration workflows.
Can Primescan be used for bridges, inlays and onlays?
Yes, Primescan may be used for selected bridges, inlays and onlays when the treatment and laboratory workflow support digital impressions. Dr. Peterson will determine which impression method is appropriate.
Can Primescan be used for dental implants?
It may be used to capture records for certain implant restorations. Additional imaging, such as CBCT, may still be needed to evaluate bone and plan implant placement.
How is Primescan different from iTero?
Both systems create digital impressions, but they may support different treatments and software workflows. Primescan is often used for restorative care, while iTero is commonly associated with clear aligner and appliance planning.
How long does a Primescan appointment take?
The scanning time depends on the size of the area and the treatment being planned. Our team will explain the process and capture the necessary records as efficiently as possible.
Schedule a Primescan Digital Impression in Sandy, Utah
Primescan digital impressions offer a clean and comfortable way to create detailed three-dimensional records for many restorative treatments. Our team will explain how the scan supports your care and answer your questions before treatment begins.
Please contact our office or call 801-278-4787 to learn more about Primescan digital impressions in Sandy, Utah, and schedule an appointment with Dr. Peterson.