Comparison of conventional and digital impression techniques in children up to 9 years: a multicentric crossover study on time, preference, and comfort in relation to gag reflex and dental fear

Authors

  • R Aiuto Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy - Istituto Stomatologico Italiano, Milan
  • M Adobes Martin Department of Dentistry, Universidad Europea de Valencia, Valencia
  • L Marquez Martinez Department of Dentistry, Universidad Catolica San Vicente Martir, Valencia
  • E Garcia Miralles Department of Dentistry, Universidad Catolica San Vicente Martir, Valencia
  • I Pelissero Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy - Istituto Stomatologico Italiano, Milan
  • A Alvarado Lorenzo Department of Dentistry, University of Salamanca, Salamanca
  • M Dioguardi Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia
  • D Re Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy - Istituto Stomatologico Italiano, Milan
  • D Garcovich Department of Dentistry, Universidad Europea de Valencia, Valencia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23804/ejpd.2025.2438

Keywords:

children, cross-over studies, clinical efficiency, dental impression technique, patient comfort

Abstract

AIM: Digital applications are transforming dental practice, from diagnosis to treatment planning. In this context, digital impression-taking is becoming an increasingly prevalent method. This study aimed to evaluate the comfort and efficiency of digital impression-taking compared to classic alginate impressions. Additionally, the study explored the correlation between comfort, dental fear, and the gag reflex. METHODS: Means and standard deviations were used to describe the data, and paired t-tests compared time and comfort between impression methods. Pearson's and Spearman's correlation coefficients analysed relationships between comfort, dental fear, and the gag reflex. A nonparametric Spearman model further examined the association between discomfort levels in both techniques. CONCLUSION: Digital impressions in young paediatric patients are more time-efficient and preferred over classic alginate impressions. Both observed and self-reported comfort are greater with digital impressions, and patient discomfort is strongly correlated with dental fear.