Impressions are used in all fields of dentistry. They can be used for diagnostics, planning, treatment. The find regular use in the prosthodontic branch. A dentist simply can’t make a restoration without getting an impression. All types of restorations including crowns, bridges, veneers, implants are based on the mold gotten from the impression. They are a huge help in the field of orthodontics. Dentists and technicians use them to set up a diagnosis, create a treatment plan and mobile appliances. Impressions are also used in maxillofacial surgery when the patient needs special prosthetics.
Types:
There are several classifications of impressions that divide them based on different factors. There are also numerous dental materials used for impressions and can be elastic or rigid.
One of those is the one that classifies them in partial and complete. The complete impressions can be taken from the maxilla, mandible or an occlusion impression that registers the bite. These are all detailed, and provide a look of the teeth, dental arches and several other features including the soft tissues. Very commonly used, especially for restorations and diagnostics. The partial type only provides a look from one single segment in the jaw. It can also be done from the maxilla, mandible or a bite registration. Mostly used for crowns, bridges.