Impressions are changing Deciding on conventional, digital or digital plus in-office milling

Some dentists face the dilemma of wanting to keep up with the technological advances in the profession while feeling unsure about embracing the digital impression technique and the related in-office milling of restorations. This column provides, on the basis of scientific evidence and clinical observation, a candid appraisal of the several impression options available to dentists: conventional impressions, digital impressions and digital impressions accompanied by the ability to mill restorations in-office. After considering all options, dentists must make the decision themselves concerning whether or not these concepts fit well into their practices at this time. All of the devices and techniques I have described here, including conventional impressions, are producing clinically acceptable restorations, but the digital option also can provide significant advantages for both dentists and patients.