Digital Dentistry
At Michael Barnard DDS PA, we use advanced 3D digital dentistry and Carestream Digital Scanner impressioning to provide downtown Fort Lauderdale patients with faster and more accurate care. Dr. Michael Barnard’s commitment to modern technology, guided by his MAGD credential, makes this possible.
Some of our long-time patients still ask if we use the old, messy impression trays. At our office at 1209 West Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, the answer is that for almost every procedure, the old trays are now obsolete. Dr. Michael Barnard, MAGD, has set up our workflow to use Carestream Digital Scanners, digital X-rays, and CAD/CAM technology, all meeting the high standards required for his Mastership credential.
Why Downtown Patients Expect Faster, More Precise Care
Busy professionals in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, Las Olas Isles, Victoria Park, and Colee Hammock don’t have time for old dental techniques. Traditional methods used thick putty trays that were uncomfortable and sometimes caused gagging, and the results were not always consistent. Digital scanning removes this discomfort and quickly captures detailed 3D images of your teeth. This efficiency is important for people with busy lives. Digital scans are also more accurate because they avoid the shrinkage, distortion, and air bubbles that can happen with traditional impressions.
Patients are used to getting immediate feedback in many parts of their lives, including seeing their digital scans on the screen during visits. We always discuss the financial details and check your coverage, no matter what technology we use. Digital records help us track changes to your bite and teeth over time, making each visit more reliable. When you can see the same detailed images as your clinician, it’s easier to understand your diagnosis. Patients often feel more confident about their treatment when they can see the specific area of concern on the screen. Most importantly, digital technology makes your experience more transparent.
Comparing Digital and Traditional Dental Technology
How Digital Scanning and CAD/CAM Actually Work
The Carestream Digital Scanner takes thousands of precise images every second as it moves over your teeth, creating a detailed 3D model that appears on the monitor right away. This lets you see your bite, alignment, and tooth shape in real time. Our digital X-rays use less radiation than traditional film and provide clearer images. With CAD/CAM technology, we design crowns, veneers, and other restorations very accurately using your digital scan. Sometimes, we can complete these restorations in our office on the same day, so you don’t need a temporary crown or a second visit.
Digital scanning also lets us make orthodontic and whitening trays that fit better and feel more comfortable than those made with older methods. Digital scans and images can be stored forever without taking up space, making them very convenient. By connecting our scanning, imaging, and design software, our team can plan complex cases more accurately than with manual methods. Crowns fit your tooth better when designed from digital scans. Matching the color is also easier because digital shade capture helps us choose materials that blend naturally with your other teeth.
When you understand these practical differences, it’s easier to see how digital technology changes your dental care.
Technology Comparison: Digital vs. Traditional
| Technology | Primary Use | Patient Experience | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carestream Digital Scanner | Crowns, aligners, whitening trays | No gagging, quick capture | Immediate digital model |
| Traditional PVS Impressions | Rarely used, select specialty cases | Can trigger gagging discomfort | Requires lab processing time |
| CAD/CAM Same-Day Restorations | Single tooth crowns, select cases | One visit, no temporary needed | Completed same appointment |
| Digital Radiography | Diagnostic imaging, treatment planning | Fast capture, low radiation | Instant chairside review |
What Happens During a Digitally Guided Visit
Your visit starts with a clinical exam and a conversation about your needs, just like any other appointment. If impressions are needed, the clinician uses the Carestream Digital Scanner wand to take a digital scan instead of a traditional tray. The scan shows up on the screen in seconds, so the clinician can review it with you and explain what they see. Digital X-rays work the same way, giving clear images almost right away. If you need a restoration made with CAD/CAM technology, the clinician will show you the digital design before starting. Sometimes, treatment can be finished in one visit using chairside milling. Your digital records are stored securely and can be compared at future visits to track any changes. If you need a referral, sending your data to a specialist is quick and avoids the delays of physical models. This way, all your clinicians have access to the same detailed digital information.
Real Value in a Technology-Driven Practice
Digital dentistry means fewer visits, greater accuracy, and a more comfortable experience. With same-day CAD/CAM restorations, you avoid the cost and hassle of a temporary crown and a second appointment. Digital scanning also means fewer retakes because it avoids the problems that can happen with traditional impressions. Fewer visits save you time, which is especially helpful for busy professionals downtown. Insurance usually covers digital and traditional treatments the same way, and our team will review your benefits before you start.
A Las Olas patient recently shared that seeing her scan on the screen made her complex treatment plan much easier to understand and less intimidating. She felt fully informed before deciding. Combining precise technology with clear communication helps build trust, which is why so many patients come back. Thanks to this clarity, people in the downtown business community often refer others to our practice. In the end, strong relationships with our patients matter more than any piece of equipment, even when we consider the value of our technology.
Your Digital Dentistry Questions Answered
Is digital scanning actually more comfortable than traditional impressions?
Yes, many of our patients find the digital experience a significant relief. Traditional impressions often involve large, uncomfortable trays filled with putty that can trigger a gag reflex or claustrophobia. Digital scanning, however, uses a small, handheld wand that glides gently over your teeth. There is no mess, no bad taste, and you can breathe and swallow comfortably throughout the process. It’s usually very quick, turning a once-dreaded step into a smooth, easy part of your visit.
How close are digital scans to traditional molds?
Digital scans provide a level of precision that is difficult to achieve with traditional materials. Traditional molds rely on materials that can shrink, distort, or trap air bubbles, which can sometimes lead to an imperfect fit for your final crown or tray. With digital impressions, we capture highly detailed 3D images of your teeth in real time. Because there’s no physical material to shift or change shape, we get a true-to-life replica, resulting in restorations that fit more accurately and feel more natural from the moment they are placed.
Can all procedures make use of digital technology?
In our practice, digital technology is central to most restorative and cosmetic treatments, including crowns, veneers, and alignment planning. It has become our standard for most patient needs. That said, rare cases with unique anatomical factors or specific specialty procedures may still benefit from traditional techniques. Your dentist will carefully evaluate your needs during your consultation and recommend the approach that provides the most comfortable, predictable, high-quality results.
Will digital dentistry cost more than traditional treatment?
Our goal is to provide exceptional, modern care that is accessible. Generally, digital dentistry costs are comparable to traditional methods. While the technology is more advanced, the efficiency it brings often reduces the need for repeat visits, temporary crowns, or lab-related adjustments, which can actually save you valuable time and often prevent the costs associated with extra appointments. We always aim for transparency, so we will walk you through your treatment plan and any financial details before we begin, ensuring you feel comfortable and informed.
Schedule Your Digital Dentistry Consultation in Fort Lauderdale
If you want faster and more accurate care, give us a call today. Our team is ready to show you the difference. You can reach Dr. Michael Barnard, DDS PA, at 1209 West Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, just minutes from Las Olas and downtown.
Schedule your digital dentistry consultation now and see how Dr. Barnard’s MAGD-guided technology can improve your next visit.
