Children's perceptions on the digital and conventional impression techniques

• Published in: International dental journal Vol. 74; pp. S155 - S156
• Main Authors: Kuru, Elif Hasibe, Oğuz, Elif Ezgi, Acar, Sibel, Akar, Merve
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.10.2024
• ISSN: 0020-6539
• DOI: 10.1016/j.identj.2024.07.1050

This pilot, crossover study aimed to compare children's perceptions and preferences regarding digital and conventional impression techniques in the 5 to 11-year-old age range. Twenty systemically healthy patients aged 5 to 11 years requiring impressions for an orthodontic appliance or space maintainer were included. Informed consent and ethical approval were obtained. Dental impressions were obtained using both the conventional alginate impression (CAI) (Cavex ColorChange; Cavex Holland BV, Haarlem, the Netherlands) and digital intraoral scanning procedure (DIS) (3Shape TRIOS Color, 3Shape, Copenhagen, Denmark). After each procedure, patients scored their perceptions using a Modified Impression Perception Test, a 5-point Likert scale, for gag reflex, queasiness, difficulty breathing, uncomfortable feeling, pain perception, chairside time, and stress levels. Dental anxiety was assessed using the Visual Anxiety Scale (1-10). Children were also asked about their preferences and reasons in one or two sentences. Content analysis was performed on answers to open-ended questions. Statistical analysis was done using Fisher's Exact test, Kappa statistic, and Spearman correlation, and p < 0.05 was considered significant. Dental anxiety in CAI is significantly higher than the DIS (p<0,05). There were no significant differences in perceptions between the CAI and DIS, however, 19 out of 20 children preferred the DIS, mainly due to the comfortable feeling and less pain during the procedure. Although the general perception was similar, pediatric patients found digital intraoral scanning more comfortable and preferred it over alginate.