Digital dentistry: the Invisalign® iTero scanner
We straighten a lot of smiles with the help of Invisalign aligners – over 600 in the last 12 months! – so we’re always looking for ways to make treatment more efficient and convenient for our patients. With this in mind, we’re delighted to offer Sensu patients the latest intraoral scanning technology.
The iTero scanner is used at the start of your Invisalign treatment to capture images of your teeth. Using a small wand, we’ll carefully scan your teeth and your bite to create a 3D digital model of your teeth. This digital model is then used to plan your treatment, allowing us to see your Invisalign journey played out on screen step-by-step.
Benefits of the iTero scanner
Limited need for traditional impressions
Traditional impressions involve using PVS (polyvinyl siloxane), which is pressed over your teeth to create an imprint that can then be used to create a plaster model. PVS impressions can be messy, and some patients find them uncomfortable – particularly those with a high gag reflex.
Visualise your new smile
One of the most exciting features of the iTero scanner is its ability to show you how your teeth could look following treatment using the Invisalign outcome simulator. It’s a great way to visualise your new smile.
Precise scanning
Digital scanning provides greater precision than traditional impressions, resulting in aligners that fit your teeth perfectly. And because we see the results of your iTero scan instantly we can make sure that all the necessary areas are scanned there and then.
Faster treatment planning
Traditional impressions for Invisalign treatments are physically sent to Invisalign’s technicians. This takes time, and occasionally the impressions can be compromised in transit. However, digital impressions can be sent electronically safely and instantly, speeding up the planning stage of Invisalign compared to traditional PVS impressions.
To find out more about the benefits of Invisalign, come and see our friendly team for a free no-obligation consultation.