The Future Is Here: Digital Impressions for Invisalign

We live in an age when technology affects every aspect of our existence, from the way we order our coffee to how we stay in touch with loved ones in distance places. Dentistry is no exception to the technological takeover; thanks to advances like digital impressions, treating a variety of oral health issues has become easier for dentists and patients alike. Let’s take a moment to talk about how one invention, the iTero scanner, is changing the Invisalign landscape.

What Is the iTero Scanner?

The iTero intraoral scanner provides dentists with a fast and easy way to capture detailed, three-dimensional images of their patients’ mouths. If your dental care professional has one of these remarkable devices at their disposal, they’ll simply move a wand around your mouth. The wand captures thousands of frames per second, and then the scanner’s software assembles those images into a 3D representation of your mouth.

Another remarkable feature of the iTero scanner is that its software is an open system. Basically, this means that it is very easy for your dentist to share the images of your mouth with all relevant parties, including the folks at the Invisalign lab who will create your custom tooth aligners.

How iTero Scanners Improve Invisalign

iTero scanners are not the only digital impression systems that dentists can use to collect data for Invisalign. However, they are among the best because:

• You won’t need to cover your teeth in titanium dioxide powder before the scan, making the process easier and more comfortable for you.
• Your dentist can view the results of the scan in real time. Right away, they can tell whether the images they’ve captured are detailed and clear enough for Invisalign to create your aligners.
• The wand of an iTero scanner is quite small, which greatly reduces the chance that you’ll gag when your dentist is moving it around your mouth.
• The small wand also makes it easier for your dentist to capture images of your molars, something that may be difficult to do with scanners that use larger wands.
• One study found that dental professionals who use iTero scans have 10 times fewer rejections from Invisalign and seven times fewer issues with the way the aligners fit.

Are You Ready to Step Into the Future?

Many dentists offer Invisalign, but not all of them use the same scanning technology. If you want your tooth-straightening journey to go well from the word go, it’s important to ask about the tools your dentist uses. Choosing an Invisalign provider who utilizes the best available devices for scanning their patients’ teeth will make your path to a healthier, more beautiful smile as fast and problem free as possible.

About the Author

Dr. CJ Stec is your certified Invisalign provider in Grand Island. He loves to use the latest technology to help his patients discover the benefits of a straight, beautiful smile. If you have questions about the Invisalign process or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Stec, contact our office at 308-382-4440.