A digital impression instead of impression material: the Primescan scanner
An intraoral scanner captures tooth shape optically, removing the impression tray and material that many patients find hard to tolerate.
Key points
- The scanner captures the shape of teeth and gums optically, with no tray and no impression material.
- Scanning one jaw takes about three minutes.
- The digital impression goes straight to the laboratory — the step of shipping a physical impression disappears.
- The patient sees a three-dimensional model of their own teeth on screen at the same appointment.
- It is used in prosthodontics, orthodontics and implant dentistry.
How to use this guide
- First clarify which restoration needs the impression: a crown, veneer, aligner or implant-borne restoration.
- Compare a digital and conventional impression for your clinical task; a scanner is not automatically the right choice in every situation.
- Ask to see the model on screen and to have the laboratory workflow and included stages explained.
How it works
A small camera moves through the mouth reading the surface of teeth and gums, sending a three-dimensional colour image to the screen. No tray and no impression material are involved.
For some patients this is decisive: a conventional impression triggers the gag reflex and is hard to tolerate.
What it gives
Scanning involves no taste of impression material and takes about three minutes per jaw.
The accuracy of an optical impression allows crowns, veneers, aligners and implant-borne restorations to be made with a close fit.
The digital file is sent to the laboratory immediately after the appointment, with no physical impression to ship, which shortens the time needed to make the restoration.
The model appears on screen with the clinician during the first appointment, so the treatment plan can be discussed while looking at your own teeth rather than at a description.
Where it is used
In prosthodontics — for crowns, veneers, inlays and bridges.
In orthodontics — for planning treatment with aligners and brace systems.
In implant dentistry — for scanning scan bodies and positioning the future restoration precisely.
Questions to ask at your consultation
- Why is a digital rather than conventional impression proposed for my restoration?
- Will another scan be needed after tooth preparation or implant placement?
- Is scanning included in the restoration price or charged separately?
Frequently asked questions
Does this replace a conventional impression entirely?
For most prosthodontic and orthodontic work, yes. In particular clinical situations the clinician may still choose a conventional impression.
Is scanning unpleasant?
The camera does not press on the tissues and nothing has to be held in the mouth. The procedure is usually easier to tolerate than a conventional impression, particularly with a pronounced gag reflex.
How long does it take?
Scanning one jaw takes about three minutes.
Can I see the result straight away?
Yes, the three-dimensional model is displayed during the appointment and can be reviewed together with the clinician.
Sources used to prepare this guide
Content updated: 2026-07-31