Digital Vs Conventional Impression: Comfort, Perception and Preference Among Prosthodontic Patients – An in Vivo Study

Abstract

Objective: To compare patient comfort, perception, and overall preference between traditional impressions and digital intraoral scanning in prosthodontic patients.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional in vivo study was carried out in 27 dentulous and partially edentulous patients needing prosthodontic rehabilitation. All participants were subjected to both traditional alginate impressions as well as digital intraoral scanning. Parameters such as gag reflex, ease of breathing, dryness in the mouth, stress, uneasiness, time, and overall preference were evaluated using a structured 16-item questionnaire containing a 5-point Likert scale. Statistical analysis was carried out using Mann–Whitney U test with significance at p < 0.05.

Results: Patients noted much less gagging reflex with digital impressions (3.37 ± 0.97) than with conventional (2.81 ± 0.92; p = 0.042). Dry mouth was greater with digital (2.04 ± 0.90; p = 0.003) than conventional impressions (2.70 ± 0.91). Stress (p = 0.250), tooth sensitivity (p = 0.921), and appointment time (p = 0.841) did not show significant differences. Patient preference was largely digital impressions (4.22 ± 0.42) over traditional (3.07 ± 0.87; p < 0.001), with 100% of patients demonstrating favourable leaning towards digital processes.

Conclusion: Digital impressions yielded better patient comfort, lower gag response, and were thus a strong preference over traditional impressions. These findings highlight the need for the integration of intraoral scanners into everyday prosthodontic practice to improve patient experience and treatment acceptance.