CLINICAL EFFECTIVENESS OF INTRAORAL DIGITAL SCANNING COMPARED WITH CONVENTIONAL IMPRESSION TECHNIQUES IN PROSTHODONTIC TREATMENT

Abstract

This article analyzes the clinical effectiveness of intraoral digital scanning compared with conventional impression techniques in prosthodontic treatment based on scientific literature, systematic reviews, and clinical studies. Intraoral scanners (IOS) have emerged as a prominent alternative to conventional elastomeric impressions, offering a fully digital workflow from impression to restoration fabrication. The article examines the accuracy and precision of intraoral scanning versus conventional impressions, clinical performance in various prosthodontic indications (single crowns, short-span bridges, implant-supported prostheses, complete dentures), time efficiency and workflow advantages, patientreported outcomes and comfort, as well as the limitations and challenges of digital impression techniques. Special attention is given to comparative clinical studies, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews evaluating marginal fit, prosthetic success rates, and overall clinical effectiveness of both approaches.