Scanners Aren’t Just for Your Computer

iTero for Invisalign® Edison, NJYou’ve no doubt heard about Invisalign, the orthodontic treatment that uses clear acrylic aligner trays to move the teeth rather than the much-despised metal bands, wires, and elastics of traditional braces.

One of the features involved with the Invisalign system at Gentle Dental is the scanner we use to start the process. It’s called iTero and it’s pretty cool. In this month’s blog let’s talk a little bit about this great technology and how it makes things even easier for our patients from Edison and the surroundings.

What is iTero?

iTero is a state-of-the-art intraoral scanner that we use for our Invisalign patients. iTero is how we start the process. The system uses digital technology to create 3D images of the patient’s teeth and gums. We use this 3D imaging as our starting point for Drs. Strober, Messer, and Butkofski to then plot out the necessary tooth movement for every Invisalign patient.

How does iTero work?

Our iTero scanner uses red laser light and white LED light to capture thousands of pictures of the inside of the patient’s mouth. It then instantly assembles them into an incredibly detailed, accurate 3D model of the mouth, teeth, and gums.

Rather than the goop of impression trays, iTero uses an ergonomic-shaped scanner wand that is inserted into the patient’s mouth and which is lightly held between the teeth. The system uses low-radiation lasers to take up to 20 images a second as we work from tooth to tooth around the upper and lower jaw. The system software then stitches all of these images into 3D models of the upper and lower teeth. The patient can see them all, as the system sits right next to you on a chairside monitor.

Using these 3D models, your Gentle Dental dentist then plots out your tooth movement. This will guide the creation of the Invisalign aligner trays that will do the heavy lifting and move your teeth. We share the visual progression with you on the iTero screen. You’ll be able to see where you are today, and where your teeth will be in about a year.

Our patients love iTero

It’s not just our dentists that love this system. So do our patients. Why all the love?

  • No more impression trays and gagging.
  • Scans are immediately displayed, the entire process taking only 10 minutes.
  • iTero creates more accurate models than when using impressions.
  • More information is gathered and input to ensure the most precise Invisalign aligner tray fit.
  • Patients can see it all right next to them chairside.
  • The system synchs directly with Align Technology, the fabricator of your Invisalign aligner trays.

Now you know why we love our iTero scanner and how it makes our Invisalign system even better. Do you have a teenager who could use a little straightening of his or her teeth? Call us at Gentle Dental, (732) 549-5660, and let’s see if the system is right for their needs.

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