ANSWERS

What is the difference between a PVS impression and a digital scan?

A PVS (polyvinyl siloxane) impression captures tooth anatomy in a physical putty tray that gets poured into a stone model at the lab. A digital scan uses an intraoral scanner to capture the same anatomy as a 3D STL file sent to the lab in minutes.

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Why it works this way

The physical workflow: PVS impressions

PVS, polyvinyl siloxane, has been the restorative gold standard since the 1980s. The dentist loads a tray with base and catalyst, seats it intraorally for 3 to 5 minutes, and ships the set impression to the lab in a courier box. At the lab, a technician pours stone into the impression, waits for it to set, trims the dies, and mounts the case on an articulator. Total elapsed time from chair to lab bench: 24 to 72 hours depending on courier route. Material distortion, tear at the margin, and pour bubbles are the three failure modes that drive remakes.

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Are digital scans more accurate than PVS impressions?

For single units and short-span bridges, accuracy is statistically comparable. The 2022 Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry meta-analysis put digital scan trueness at 20 to 50 microns and high-grade PVS in the same range. For full-arch implant cases over 4 units, PVS with a verification jig still has a slight accuracy edge in published studies, though digital workflows with scan bodies are closing that gap quickly. Margin clarity and tissue management matter more than capture method in either workflow.

Can I send a digital scan and a PVS impression for the same case?

Yes, and for complex cases this is often the right call. A common protocol: digital scan for the opposing arch and bite registration, PVS for the prep arch where subgingival margins need physical capture. Dani Dental's CAD team merges the STL file with the scanned PVS model into a single case file. Note the hybrid workflow in the Rx so the technician routes both inputs correctly. Turnaround is the same as a single-input case.

What intraoral scanners does Dani Dental accept files from?

We accept STL and PLY files from every major intraoral scanner including iTero, 3Shape TRIOS, Medit i700, Planmeca Emerald, Carestream, and Dentsply Sirona Primescan. Upload through our case portal or send via the scanner manufacturer's cloud (MyiTero, TRIOS Communicate, Medit Link). Cases uploaded before noon Arizona time enter the CAD queue the same day. If your scanner exports a proprietary format only, contact our digital workflow team and we will set up the conversion.

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This answer is one piece of a larger workflow. The pillar page covers materials, turnaround, and how we build the case to your specification.

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