I started dental school back in 1999, and while a lot has changed since then, one memory sticks with me like it was yesterday—the first time we practiced taking dental impressions. If you’ve ever had an impression done, you know it’s not exactly spa-like, but imagine eighty brand-new dental students, huge trays, thick goop, and zero experience.

It was every bit as chaotic as it sounds. There was gagging, there were tears, and there were countless failed attempts to capture every detail of 28 teeth in two mouthfuls of unpleasant material. Over the next 20 years, I got really good at it—fewer retakes, fewer tears—but here’s the truth: even when done perfectly, traditional impressions were uncomfortable and far from ideal for patients.

Enter Digital Scanning

Everything changed for my dental practice and, more importantly, for our patients when we introduced digital dental scanners about five years ago. It was a complete game-changer.

Using advanced technology like Primescan, we can now create a highly accurate 3D image of your teeth in just minutes—without the trays, without the putty, and without the discomfort. The precision is incredible. In fact, the accuracy is so refined that it captures every tiny groove and curve of your teeth better than traditional methods ever could.

Benefits for Patients and Care

What makes this technology even better is the improved patient experience. You can sit comfortably while we move a small handheld camera around your mouth. No more gagging or struggling to breathe through a tray full of impression material.

But it’s not just about comfort:

• Faster Turnaround – Because the scans are digital, we can send them instantly to the lab, speeding up the process for crowns, bridges, and other restorations.
• Better Accuracy – The detailed 3D images help us create restorations that fit more precisely, leading to better long-term results.
• Less Waste – Digital impressions mean fewer disposable materials, making it a more environmentally friendly option.

A New Standard in Dentistry

For me, introducing scanners wasn’t just about keeping up with technology—it was about transforming how we deliver dental care. What used to be an unpleasant part of dentistry is now quick, easy, and incredibly precise. Patients are happier, treatments are more predictable, and the final results look and feel better than ever.

Digital scanning is just one of the many ways technology has advanced dentistry in the past two decades, and it’s only the beginning. In future posts, I’ll share more about the tools that have changed how we practice and how they make your visits more comfortable and effective.



At Ayrsley Family Dentistry, we believe dentistry should evolve with technology to give you the best possible care. And thanks to modern scanners, we’re doing just that—making impressions a thing of the past and creating beautiful smiles with unmatched precision.