Sciota, Pennsylvania
Digital scanning with iTero
The iTero oral scanner is a small handheld wand that is comfortable for patients, even for children who need oral scans taken.
For decades, goopy, messy dental impressions have been used to make models for crafting restorations like crowns, bridges, and dentures, as well as for orthodontic purposes. The impression material is known as alginate and many people have received an alginate impression before. However, newer technology that has emerged in dentistry now allows us to take digital scans instead of goopy impressions of your teeth and bite. Gone are the days of fighting a gag reflex as you get an impression or feel a zing in your teeth from the cold temperature of the alginate. Instead, a small handheld digital scanner captures the imaging needed for crafting restorations and dentures and can be used to help create treatment plans and for diagnostic purposes.
What is the iTero oral scanner?
The iTero oral scanner is a small handheld wand that is comfortable for patients, even for children who need oral scans taken. It takes only a few minutes to capture the necessary digital imaging that is transmitted to computer software. The device is radiation-free, and safe for all ages. The iTero scanner uses an optical laser to capture precise images and scans of the teeth and gums. It also has a confocal laser that emits a red beam which is split to reflect the beam through a focal filter for ultimate precision. The image is then projected onto a sensor that sends a 3D impression to computer software used to design restorations and treatment plans.
When does the dentist use iTero?
Quiet Valley Dental uses the iTero oral scanner for treatments involving crowns, bridges, inlays and onlays, and for complex cases like smile makeovers. Digital oral scanners like iTero can also be used to make aligners in Invisalign cases. The iTero scanner is helpful when diagnosing oral issues because it captures images to show patients what’s going on in their mouth so that they can better understand why they need treatment and help them decide which treatment is best for their case.
The iTero scanner may be used for the following scenarios:
- Smile makeovers
- Orthodontics
- Gum disease treatment
- Diagnostic purposes
- Restorative dentistry
- Oral surgery treatment planning
- Dentures
- Dental implants
What are the benefits of iTero?
Because the iTero scanner is used for nearly all treatment purposes, many patients can benefit from its advantages. The iTero scanner is quick to use, which shortens your appointment so that you can get on with your schedule. Receiving an intraoral scan with the iTero scanner is also painless and doesn’t invoke a gag reflex like traditional impressions sometimes do. Another benefit of the iTero scanner is that it provides better results because of its incredible accuracy compared to traditional impressions.
General Dentists in Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, and Lincolnshire
At Quiet Valley Dental, we strive to offer the best and most up-to-date technology available to improve your experience and results. If you would like to learn more about our newest technology or are ready to schedule an appointment, please call Quiet Valley Dental at (570) 992-7040.
Book Appointment
To learn more about partials and dentures or to schedule your initial consultation at our Sciota area dental office, please call Quiet Valley Dental at (570) 992-7040 or contact us online to request an appointment.
