Technology

Dental Scanning

Our experts at Distinctive Dental Solutions believe that crown creation doesn’t have to be an unpleasant, inconvenient process. You deserve a comfortable experience that delivers perfectly fitting crowns. It’s unlikely that you have time for extra appointments to adjust a misfitting crown. Even if you did, you shouldn’t have to spend more time in the dentist’s chair than necessary. We value your needs, which is why we employ professional tooth scanning technology to make sure your same day crown fits right from the start. 

Who We Help

Patients come to us for 3D scanning for different reasons. Some want to save time, while others simply want a crown that feels right from the start. Our digital scanning and same-day crown process may be a good fit for you if:

• You want to skip the outside lab and extra appointments. Traditional crowns often mean waiting on a laboratory to return your restoration, followed by a second visit to place it. Because we design and mill crowns in our office, same-day crown technology may allow us to finish your treatment in a single visit, so you spend less time rearranging work and family plans.
• You want a crown that fits your tooth and your bite. A detailed 3D scan records the shape of your prepared tooth along with the way your upper and lower teeth come together. We use that information to design a crown that sits comfortably and lines up with your bite, which may reduce the need for repeated adjustments.
• You struggle with bulky trays and goopy impression material. If impression trays make you gag or leave you uncomfortable, digital scanning offers a gentler option. There is no putty to hold in your mouth, and we can pause at any point so you can rest and breathe normally.

If your situation looks a little different, we are still glad to talk with you. Patients who need a crown after a cracked tooth or a root canal often benefit from the same digital approach.

The 3D Teeth Scanning Process in Indiana

Knowing what happens at each stage can make your visit feel more relaxed. Here is what a typical same-day crown appointment with 3D scanning looks like at our Crown Point office:

1. Exam and planning. Our dentist examines the tooth and talks with you about whether a crown is the right restoration. If a same-day crown suits your needs, we walk you through the visit before we begin.
2. Tooth preparation. After numbing the area, we remove decay or damaged structure and shape the tooth so the crown can fit over it.
3. Digital scanning. We use PlanScan, an intraoral scanner, to capture your prepared tooth and the teeth around it. An intraoral scanner is a small wand that moves over your teeth and takes a series of quick digital images. The software joins those images into a detailed 3D model, and in many cases the scan takes only seconds. PlanScan does not require contrast powder on your teeth, so nothing extra goes into your mouth.
4. Crown design. Using our Digital E4D CadCam system, we design your crown on screen. CAD/CAM stands for computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing. We shape the crown so it meets the neighboring teeth properly and lines up with your bite. We also choose a shade that blends with your natural teeth, which is a common question we answer in our post on whether a dental crown will match the color of your teeth.
5. In-office milling. The finished design goes to our milling unit, which carves your crown from a solid block of bioceramic material. There is no shipping to an outside lab and no temporary crown to wear while you wait.
6. Fitting and bonding. We try the crown in, check your bite, and make any small refinements. Once it feels right, we bond it into place.

Most same-day crown visits take about one to two hours from start to finish. Because your scan is digital, we can view it right away and share it through a secure connection if your case calls for input from a partner. We also design and fabricate many veneers and bridges in our office, although some of those treatments take more than one appointment.

Why Choose Distinctive Dental Solutions

At Distinctive Dental Solutions, our team offers personal attention and modern dental technology from the very beginning of your care. When you choose us for your crown, you can count on:

• In-house design and milling. Our Digital E4D CadCam system lets us manage the crown process from start to finish instead of depending on an outside laboratory.
• Digital impressions with PlanScan. You get an accurate 3D model of your tooth without impression trays or putty.
• Bioceramic restorations. Our crowns are made from durable bioceramic material and shaped to look like your natural teeth.
• A long-standing local team. Several members of our staff have cared for Crown Point patients for many years, and they know how to keep appointments calm and efficient.
• Clear explanations. We show you what we see on the screen and explain what we plan to do, so you always know what comes next.
• Help with costs. Our financial coordinator can sit down with you to review your options, and patients without insurance can ask about the Distinctive Dental Plan.

Put together, these strengths mean fewer trips to the dentist and a crown designed with care. You also get a team that takes the time to get the small details right.

Schedule a Consultation About 3D Teeth Scanning Technology

A damaged tooth does not have to mean weeks with a temporary crown and repeat visits. With 3D teeth scanning and same-day crown technology, many of our patients leave with a permanent restoration after one appointment. If you have been putting off a crown because of a busy schedule or a sensitive gag reflex, digital scanning may make the process much easier than you expect.

You don’t have to wait any longer. It’s time to get a brand new, same-day crown with PlanScan technology. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

FAQs About 3D Teeth Scanning Technology in Indiana