The Ultimate Guide to Understanding the iTero Intraoral Scanner

The iTero® Element 5D Imaging System improves the process of diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient communication. If you are curious about how this advanced, specialized scanner improves dental practices and the Invisalign® treatment process, continue reading for six benefits of the iTero scanner.

1. Increased Comfort

Many people have negative first impressions of rudimentary dental impressions. Suppose you have experienced the outdated process that involves casting. In that case, you may remember:

• Feeling disturbed by how disgusting the molding material can taste
• The uncomfortable experience and possibly trying your hardest not to gag
• Even remember the vulnerable feeling as the dental assistant plucks the hardened mold from around your teeth

Thankfully, many dentists have stopped using traditional dental impression methods and have adapted to intraoral scanners (such as the iTero scanner), which is more comfortable than conventional techniques.

2. No Potentially Harmful Radiation

According to the American Cancer Society, long-term, overexposure to radiation via x-rays can lead to several adverse side effects, including:

• Radiation sickness
• Severe burns
• Weakened, brittle bones
• Dry mouth
• Anemia
• Infertility in men and women

One of the main advantages of the iTero Element 5D Imaging system is the use of NIRI (Near-Infrared Imaging) to see beyond the naked eye. Like an x-ray, the iTero utilizes a specialized camera that takes pictures inside the tooth and visualizes internal structure to see damage and decay. Unlike an x-ray, NIRI does not require radiation, and therefore, dentists can scan the mouth regularly for optimal results.

3. Advanced, Accurate Technology

Researchers boasted that intraoral scanners obtain acceptable accuracy in a study published by The Journal of the American Dental Association. In a single, comprehensive scan, dentists can combine and improve the power of:

• Visualization
• Diagnostics
• Restorative dentistry
• Invisalign workflows
• Patient education

4. Simulate Treatment Outcomes

The iTero Element 5D Outcome Simulator can use the patient’s scans to create a one-minute alignment demonstration. This type of demonstration allows dentists to:

• Educate their patients about how their teeth could move with Invisalign treatment for their unique case
• Visually compare their patients’ current dentition with a simulated outcome

5. Predict Possible Problems

With the TimeLapse feature, dentists can forecast and diagnose issues by comparing different scans. Comparing multiple scans can help dentists understand:

• Educate their patients about how their teeth could move with Invisalign treatment for their unique case
• Tooth movement
• Gum recession
• Abrasion
• Erosion

By analyzing iTero scans from previous appointments, dentists can easily view changes and treat them appropriately.

6. Assess Patient Progress

Before starting Invisalign treatment commences, Invisalign maps multiple and exact steps that take your teeth from imperfect alignment to their desired position. At each Invisalign appointment amidst treatment, the iTero allows dentists to compare the current alignment of the teeth with exactly where the patient should be on their progression chart (using ClinCheck software). Again, there is no radiation involved, so dentists can frequently check alignment without fears associated with radiation overexposure.

Learn More About the iTero and Other Advancements in Dentistry

All in all, when dentists use advanced dental technology (such as intraoral scanners), they have an opportunity to optimize their practice in a new era of patient engagement. At Advanced Family Dentistry, Dr. Payam K. Asadi is passionate about using state-of-the-art technology to give his patients access to efficient, effective, and gentle care solutions. Learn more about the latest and greatest technology in dentistry by calling (520) 353-3002 or booking an appointment online at our Tucson, AZ office.