Digital Impressions Using iTero 3D Scanner

The iTero 3D Optical Scanner is used to take digital impressions of your teeth. If you have had previous orthodontic dental work, it is likely you would have had traditional impressions taken of your teeth using a putty type of material. These impressions are used by your dentist so they can see your teeth in more detail. The putty type of material used with these impressions, for some people, may have proved to be an uncomfortable and messy experience.

With regular impressions, a tray filled with putty is placed in your mouth for 1-2 minutes to set around the teeth. This can be uncomfortable and may cause fears of gagging on or swallowing the impression material. This has previously been a barrier in seeking orthodontic treatment, however, accurate impressions of the teeth and jaws are still needed as they are an essential part of the treatment planning process.

We at Specialist Orthodontist Harley Street have waved goodbye to the traditional method of taking impressions, and embraced modern digital dentistry using 3D images. This method of taking impressions of your teeth means you’ll have a much more pleasant and comfortable trip to the dentist. Digital impressions are made using 3D images taken using the iTero Element Scanner.

We at Specialist Orthodontist Harley Street have waved goodbye to the traditional method of taking impressions, and embraced modern digital dentistry using 3D images. This method of taking impressions of your teeth means you’ll have a much more pleasant and comfortable trip to the dentist. Digital impressions are made using 3D images taken using the iTero Element Scanner.

This state-of-the-art technology does intraoral 3D optical scanning. It’s a small wand shaped device which is passed over your teeth to take 3D digital scans. The process is completely mess free, which means improved comfort for the patient. It is worth explaining that these ‘scans’ do not involve any radiation. They are simply thousands of special photographs which are then cleverly stitched together by the software to produce usable 3D images. The scans taken by the iTero intraoral scanner can then be sent to the different laboratories to produce your Invisalign clear aligners.

From the moment you walk into the treatment room, you will receive a warm welcome from your specialist orthodontist. You will be given a pair of protective darkened glasses, a bit like sunglasses, and asked to sit in the chair. Your orthodontist will show you a monitor which will be used to show you the 3D scanned images of your teeth.

After this, your orthodontist will introduce the iTero Element Scanner wand and will explain exactly what it will do. Your dentist will decline your chair and begin the scanning process. The 3D Element Scanner makes taking impressions a much more comfortable and painless process. The wand is connected to the screen and instantly produces clear and accurate images of both your upper and lower sets of your teeth.

The images will give your dentist great detail of your teeth from all different angles which is important for getting the right and unique fit for your Invisalign braces. It will show how your teeth fit together, how the bite is and where teeth might be worn down. Invisalign works by gradually moving your teeth using a series of aligners, which your orthodontist can demonstrate using the images taken.

The 3D representation on the touch screen monitor allows you to see your teeth from all directions and gain a better appreciation of where the problems are. We can use the 3D image file to plan how your smile will improve over the course of the treatment by using virtual treatment simulation software. These simulations can be used to illustrate differences possible with various treatment options, such as Invisalign treatment.

Your dentist will look at the 3D images from all angles and will be able to see how the teeth are now and what your teeth will look like once the treatment ends. The images are used by both your dentist and Invisalign to make the aligners that will move your teeth into the preferred position. The images that have been captured will be sent to Invisalign who will then create a full detail break down of how your teeth will eventually look.

The images can also be used for future work to see how teeth are changing over time and can assist with other treatments such as crowns, bridges and other dental work.

1. Invisalign Outcome Simulator - you get to see exactly what your smile will look like before you begin treatment.
   
   
2. Accuracy - Fewer re-dos and a better aligner fit than with traditional physical impressions.
   
   
3. Comfort – Reduced fear of gagging or swallowing the impression putty.
   
   
4. Involvement - Get a high resolution, interactive image of your teeth.
   
   
5. Precision – The scanner takes 6,000 images per second.
   
   
6. Invisalign Process Assessment - So you can track your progress at every appointment.

Specialist orthodontists are dentists who have more training and experience providing orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign. Patients that receive orthodontics from a specialist find that their treatment is of higher quality, they finish treatment much sooner, and the level of care they receive is much higher.

Due to advances in aligner technology, we no longer offer fixed braces as a treatment option. Our specialists have found that removable aligners such as Invisalign are more likely to result in successful treatment, and are safer for the patient compared to traditional braces. Even if you have been told that fixed are your only option by other practitioners; our specialists are confident we will be able to treat your orthodontic problems using this modern treatment.

Do you wish you had straighter teeth? If so, send a WhatsApp message by clicking here or complete the contact form below to arrange a free online consultation with our orthodontist and learn more about what we can do for you.