Digital impressions can make dental treatment more comfortable, efficient and precise. At TLC Escondido Dental, we use the iTero® digital scanner to capture detailed three-dimensional images of your teeth and bite without traditional impression material.
Dr. Jorge Reyes and Dr. Catalina Madrigal use iTero digital scanning in Escondido, California, to support treatment planning for Invisalign® clear aligners, dental restorations and other custom appliances.
What Is iTero Digital Scanning?
iTero digital scanning is an advanced imaging technology that creates a detailed 3D model of your teeth and surrounding oral structures. A small handheld wand captures a series of images as it moves through your mouth, and specialized software combines them into a digital representation of your smile.
These scans may help our dentists:
- Create detailed digital impressions
- Evaluate tooth position and bite alignment
- Plan Invisalign treatment
- Design custom dental restorations and appliances
- Monitor changes in your smile over time
- Explain treatment recommendations more clearly
- Reduce the need for traditional impression trays
How Does the iTero Scanner Work?
During your scan, a member of our team will guide a small wand over the surfaces of your teeth. The scanner captures images in real time and displays a detailed 3D model on a nearby screen.
The process is generally quick and comfortable. The scanner can be paused and restarted as needed, allowing our team to adjust the process for your comfort.
Once the scan is complete, our dentists can review the images with you and use the digital model for diagnosis, treatment planning or appliance fabrication.
Benefits of iTero Digital Impressions
iTero digital scanning may provide several advantages over traditional dental impressions, including:
- No trays filled with impression material
- A more comfortable experience for patients with a sensitive gag reflex
- Detailed 3D images of the teeth and bite
- Immediate viewing of the completed scan
- Efficient communication with dental laboratories
- Accurate planning for custom restorations and appliances
- Easy storage and comparison of digital records
- The ability to rescan specific areas when needed
iTero Scanning for Invisalign Treatment
iTero digital scanning is an important part of Invisalign clear aligner treatment. The scan creates a precise digital model that may be used to evaluate tooth movement, develop your treatment plan and produce customized aligners.
The software may also provide a visual simulation of how your smile could change during treatment. This preview is a planning tool rather than a guarantee of final results, since outcomes depend on your individual needs and response to care.
Other Uses for iTero Digital Scanning
In addition to Invisalign treatment, digital scans may support:
- Dental crowns and bridges
- Implant restorations
- Night guards and retainers
- Other custom oral appliances
- Bite evaluations
- Long-term monitoring of tooth wear or movement
The type of scan and how it is used will depend on your treatment needs.
What to Expect During Your Scan
Your appointment may include the following steps:
Preparing Your Teeth
Our team will make sure the teeth are ready to be scanned and may gently dry the surfaces as needed.
Capturing the Images
The scanning wand is moved around your teeth while images appear on the screen in real time.
Reviewing the Digital Model
Our dentists will review the scan for completeness and may rescan a small area if additional detail is needed.
Planning Your Treatment
The completed digital impression may be used to discuss your treatment options, communicate with a laboratory or create a customized appliance or restoration.
Is iTero Digital Scanning Comfortable?
Most patients find digital scanning more comfortable than conventional impressions because it does not require a tray filled with impression material. The wand is compact, and the scan can be paused whenever necessary.
No radiation is used during an iTero scan. The device captures images of the visible surfaces of your teeth using optical scanning technology.
iTero Digital Scanning FAQs
What is an iTero digital scanner used for?
It creates a detailed 3D model of your teeth and bite for Invisalign treatment, dental restorations, retainers, night guards and other custom appliances.
Does iTero scanning hurt?
No. The scan is noninvasive and generally comfortable. The wand moves over the teeth without drilling, injections or impression material.
How long does an iTero scan take?
The scan is usually completed within several minutes, although the exact time depends on the area being captured and the purpose of the scan.
Does the iTero scanner use radiation?
No. iTero uses optical imaging rather than X-ray radiation to capture the visible surfaces of your teeth.
Is iTero better than traditional impressions?
Digital scanning may be more comfortable and efficient for many patients. The best impression method depends on the treatment being planned.
Can I see my Invisalign results before treatment?
The software may create a simulation showing possible tooth movement and a projected outcome. This is a planning preview and does not guarantee a specific result.
Can iTero scans be used for crowns and bridges?
Yes. Digital impressions may be used to help design certain crowns, bridges and other restorations when appropriate.
Schedule an iTero Digital Scan in Escondido, California
Whether you are considering Invisalign treatment, a custom appliance or a dental restoration, iTero digital scanning can provide a comfortable and detailed starting point for your care.
Contact TLC Escondido Dental or call 760-741-5775 today to schedule an appointment and learn more about iTero digital scanning in Escondido, California.