Here at the office, Dr. Jay Durham and the team at Durham Orthodontics are proud to say that around one in three of every new patient we see tends to be over the age of 18. Why is that, do you think? Well, there are a lot of reasons, and orthodontics has come a long way. One of the big ones for us, though, is just how much more convenient treatment is in this day and age, and nothing demonstrates that more than how digital impressions make braces so much more comfortable. Intrigued? Read on to learn more!
Goodbye to the Goop
If you ever had braces years ago, you probably remember the impression trays. Those large, uncomfortable molds filled with sticky material that made you gag and left a chalky taste behind are certainly memorable!
For decades, that was the only way orthodontists could create an accurate model of your teeth. It worked, but it wasn’t exactly pleasant.
Today, that part of the process has been completely reimagined. Digital impressions have replaced the messy trays and transformed how orthodontic care feels from the very first appointment. Dr. Durham uses advanced digital scanning technology to create detailed, 3D images of each patient’s teeth and bite. The result is faster, cleaner, and dramatically more comfortable.
The shift from traditional molds to digital scanning represents a major improvement in accuracy and patient experience. For both kids and adults, the process feels less clinical and more like a quick photo session. The scanner is quiet, gentle, and incredibly precise, producing a complete model of your mouth without the mess or discomfort.
This change also reflects something deeper about modern orthodontics: it’s not only about straightening teeth but also about creating a smoother, more human experience. Parents appreciate that their child’s first impression (literally and figuratively) is calm and easy. Adult patients appreciate not having to relive that old, unpleasant process from their own teenage years.
What Are Digital Impressions?
Before understanding why digital impressions make treatment more comfortable, it helps to know what they actually are. A digital impression is a high-resolution, three-dimensional scan of your mouth, created with a handheld wand that captures thousands of images in seconds. As the scanner moves along the teeth, a complete 3D model forms in real time on a screen.
From Molds to Models
In the past, orthodontists used trays filled with alginate, which is a thick putty that sets around the teeth to create a physical mold. The process was messy, often caused gagging, and could take several minutes before the material hardened. If the mold shifted, you had to start over.
Now, with digital scanning, that step is gone entirely. The scanner never actually touches the teeth, and there’s no waiting or clean-up afterward. The 3D model it generates is even more detailed than a traditional mold, allowing Dr. Jay to see subtle nuances in alignment that older methods sometimes missed. This precision matters because it influences how braces are placed, how aligners are designed, and how efficiently treatment progresses.
How the Process Works
Here’s what happens during a scan at Durham Orthodontics: your orthodontic assistant will guide a small, wand-shaped device around your mouth. It’s about the size of an electric toothbrush. As it moves, the scanner captures high-speed images of every tooth surface from multiple angles. The software then stitches those images together to create a full 3D digital model of your smile.
The process takes just a few minutes and requires no molds, trays, or impression material. Children who might have struggled with traditional impressions tend to sit through scans easily, often fascinated by watching their own teeth appear on the screen in real time. For adults, it’s just as impressive. And the results speak for themselves!
Why This Matters for Patients
Accuracy translates directly to comfort. The clearer and more precise the model, the better the orthodontist can plan bracket placement, wire adjustments, or aligner design. It means fewer refinements, fewer remakes, and fewer surprise appointments. The 3D model can also be stored and referenced digitally, so future visits are streamlined.
Digital impressions also allow Dr. Durham to communicate treatment options more clearly. Because the scans can be rotated, zoomed, and animated, you can literally see what’s happening with your teeth and understand the reasoning behind each recommendation.
That visibility builds confidence and helps patients feel part of their treatment, rather than passive participants.
Technology that Improves Treatment
The benefits of digital impressions shape the entire course of treatment. Digital imaging provides a foundation for smarter planning, clearer communication, and better collaboration from start to finish.
Smarter Planning & Visualization
Once the scan is complete, Dr. Durham uses the 3D model to design a personalized treatment plan. Advanced software allows him to map each tooth movement before braces are placed or aligners are fabricated. In some cases, he can even show you a digital simulation of your smile’s progress, and that visual roadmap can go a long way towards making treatment feel concrete and boosting your confidence in the fantastic outcome that you deserve for your smile.
This digital workflow also reduces the risk of errors. Because every scan is stored electronically, future adjustments can be planned against exact data from day one. That consistency means every step of treatment builds seamlessly on the last.
Streamlined Communication with Labs
In traditional orthodontics, physical molds were shipped to labs for appliance creation, sometimes leading to delays or errors in transit. Now, digital files can be shared instantly and securely. Labs receive precise data within minutes, and any needed modifications happen in real time. The result is faster turnaround times, fewer mistakes, and appliances that arrive ready to fit.
This is particularly helpful for patients using Invisalign or other aligner systems. Those clear trays rely on exact measurements to move teeth predictably.
Better for Busy Families
Digital technology makes orthodontic care more manageable for parents balancing school, sports, and work. Faster appointments mean fewer schedule disruptions, and reduced adjustments mean fewer unscheduled visits. A process that used to take days now happens in minutes, freeing up time and reducing stress for the whole family.
Let’s Get Started!
Now that you know all about how digital impressions boost treatment, let’s get your new smile story going! Consultations are always free at our Madison office. Discover what your smile can do with the guidance of our expert team at Durham Orthodontics!