In dentistry, a dental impression is a negative mold of a patient’s teeth and gums that is used to create dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants. Proper tray selection is crucial in obtaining an accurate impression, which is the foundation for a successful restoration. In this article, we will read about the importance of dental tray selection and important factors to consider in dental practice in Brookhaven, GA
What is the Importance of Tray Selection?
Using the wrong impression tray can lead to several problems, including:
- An ill-fitting tray can cause the impression material to distort, resulting in an inaccurate impression of the teeth and gums. This can lead to poorly fitting restorations that may cause discomfort, require adjustments, or even fail altogether.
- A tray that is too large or too small can be uncomfortable for the patient to wear. This can make it difficult to obtain a good impression and may cause the patient to gag or move around excessively.
- It can be a waste of time and resources for the patient and the dentist if an imprint needs to be redone due to a poorly chosen tray.
What factors to consider when selecting a dental impression tray?
While picking a dental impression tray, there are several things to take into account, such as:
- The type of impression substance: Requirements vary for various imprint materials. For instance, silicone impressions may be taken with a more flexible tray, whereas alginate impressions need a firm tray to avoid deformation.
- The type of restoration being made: The tray’s dimensions and form must match the kind of restoration being made. A tray intended for a single crown, for instance, will be smaller than one intended for a complete denture.
- The anatomy of the patient`s mouth: The tray should suit the patient’s mouth well and adequately cover the teeth and gums.
Types of dental impression trays
There are two main types of dental impression trays:
- Stock trays: These are pre-fabricated trays that come in a variety of sizes and shapes. They are a good option for routine procedures, but they may not always provide a perfect fit for every patient.
- Custom trays: These trays are specially designed for a particular patient. For intricate treatments, they offer the finest fit and are the recommended choice.
Dental professionals can choose the ideal imprint tray for any treatment by carefully weighing each of these aspects. This will make it more likely that they will get precise imprints, which are necessary to successfully complete dental restorations.
