Dental Impressions: A Simple Guide to Impression Materials and Dental Molds
In dentistry, delicacy matters at every step. Before a crown, bridge, denture, aligner, or night guard is made, dentists need a clear and accurate copy of a patient's teeth and gums. This copy is called a dental impression. While patients may only see a tray placed in the mouth for a short time, dental impressions play a major part in treatment success. Modern dental impression materials make this process faster, more comfortable, and more accurate than ever before. These materials help dentists create detailed dental molds that labs use to design restorations that fit well and feel natural. Understanding how impression materials work helps explain why they're an important part of dental care. What Is a Dental Impression? A dental impression is a negative imprint of the teeth and surrounding oral tissues. Dentists take impressions to record the exact shape, size, and position of the teeth. Once the impressions sets, it's used to produce a positive model, frequently called a...