---
title: "What Is Digital impression? Dental Practice Glossary"
description: "A digital impression is a three-dimensional scan of the teeth and soft tissue, taken with an intraoral scanner, that is used in place of a physical putty..."
url: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/digital-impression
publisher: Copeland Consulting Services
email: drcopeland@joncopelanddds.com
contact: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact
---

Technology and implants

# Digital impression

A digital impression is a three-dimensional scan of the teeth and soft tissue, taken with an intraoral scanner, that is used in place of a physical putty impression.

A digital impression is made with an [intraoral scanner](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/intraoral-scanner). It records the teeth as a 3D file. A 2025 trial paper notes that, with the advent of digital dentistry, intraoral scanning has emerged as an alternative to conventional impression techniques.

The file can go to a lab or to an in-office design system. It also lets the team check the scan on screen and rescan a missed area at once.

Research compares digital and conventional impressions for fit and accuracy. Results depend on the scanner, the case and the skill of the user. Digital impressions are the first step in many a [digital workflow](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/digital-workflow).

[Next stepIndustry work with Dr. Copeland](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact?topic=industry)

## Related terms

-   [Intraoral scanner](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/intraoral-scanner)
-   [Digital workflow](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/digital-workflow)
-   [CAD/CAM](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/cad-cam)
-   [Same-day crown](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/same-day-crown)

## Sources

1.  [PubMed Central: Vertical marginal fit of crowns, digital and conventional impressions](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12788472/)

## Talk with Dr. Copeland

[Contact Dr. Copeland](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact)[Email](mailto:drcopeland@joncopelanddds.com)