3M helps dentists make great first impressions

December 15, 2015

Making a great first impression matters, especially for dentists and dental lab professionals involved with creating the highest possible quality dental restorations for patients.

Making a great first impression matters, especially for dentists and dental lab professionals involved with creating the highest possible quality dental restorations for patients.

If a dental impression is taken improperly, it means repeat visits for the patient and dentist because dental labs may not be able to create a quality final restoration. Bad impressions get sent back by the dental lab to the dental office to be remade or adjusted. This amounts to a significant source of productivity and revenue loss for the dental practice.

Capturing the ideal impression can be a challenge for even the most seasoned dental professionals, but there are a number of simple tips and best practices that can greatly improve outcomes. To help improve impression-taking skills, 3M Oral Care has updated its 3M Impression Troubleshooting Guide. With the newly optimized online guide, dentists reportedly can feel confident throughout the impression-taking process, helping to ensure accurate outcomes each and every time.

The Impression Troubleshooting Guide is an interactive digital tool said to allow dentists to quickly find answers to 12 of the most common issues in the impression-taking procedure with instant access to the corresponding solution. The guide also contains links to educational resources, including instructional videos and technical data to further support proper technique.

"Taking impressions can be tricky because there are many variables in the process," said Dr. James Braun, DDS, MS. "The visual guide offers me practical advice on how I can prevent typical problems that can occur during the impression-taking process. It also provides solutions that allow me to create highly detailed and accurate impressions on the first try. Besides offering some of the most advanced and highest quality impression materials available, 3M supports my practice by providing me highly relevant clinical education tools like the Impression Troubleshooting Guide."

Making a great impression the first time leads to happier patients and a better procedure for all those involved. View the Impression Troubleshooting Guide here.