See Your New Smile with 3-D Scanning

Modern braces are one of our most reliable tools for achieving straighter teeth and a healthier smile. For a long time, the process of preparing for braces needed to catch up as treatments advanced daily. Our materials were improving, but patients still had to deal with goopy impressions to get a good mold of their teeth. Here at Dudley Smiles, we’re always looking for ways to make the treatment process less invasive and more comfortable, so we provide a better experience with the iTero intraoral scanner! 

What is an iTero scanner?

Before you start the active phase of treatment, we need to fully understand each detail of your smile to create the best results. Previously, we could only capture these measurements by taking a physical impression, or mold, of the teeth. 

Molds involve filling a tray with alginate powder, which turns into a putty-like material when we add water. Next, you would bite down on the tray until the material sets, leaving an imprint of your gums and teeth that we would use to create a dental cast. 

The traditional mold method was unpleasant, and the results weren’t always precise. Now we can avoid any discomfort with our iTero digital scanner. 

Instead of messy materials, iTero uses state-of-the-art technology to capture digital impressions of the teeth and transfer all the necessary information wirelessly. This makes the entire process less stressful, especially if you have a sensitive gag reflex. 

Since digital scans are more precise, costly retakes are practically eliminated! We’ll even be able to show you a simulated outcome of what your beautiful new smile will look like once treatment is complete.  

How does an iTero scanner work? 

To get the information we need to start treatment, we use a wand that easily fits into the mouth to capture a digital image of each tooth and the layout of the gums and mouth. With iTero, this scanning process usually takes less than 15 minutes and provides a highly accurate 3D view of your mouth. 

iTero technology gives us a quick but comprehensive look at their smile, which you’ll see on the chairside monitor. Once the scan is complete, Dr. Dudley will go over the images with you, including a simulation of your treatment with braces or Invisalign aligners. The data is sent to the appropriate orthodontic lab wirelessly by clicking a button! 

In the past, we would need to send the dental casts through the mail for construction in a lab. This often added 2-3 more appointments for patients. Since iTero uses digital scanning throughout the orthodontic appliance process, there is a quicker turnaround time. This saves time and gives us appliances that are more accurate and effective than ever. 

The iTero scanner also allows Dr. Dudley to give you a 360° view of your smile while consulting about underlying problems identified by the scan. It can capture up to 6K images per second, giving our expert team a clear view as we map out your personalized treatment plan. 

What are the benefits of iTero scanners? 

We’ve already mentioned several advantages iTero has over traditional impressions, but it’s worth outlining these valuable benefits again! Because iTero captures more accurate measurements, it can significantly reduce your chances of being called back into our office for a redo, saving time and money. Sending digital impressions directly to the appropriate lab also results in a faster turnaround time between the scan and the start of your treatment. 

The cutting-edge technology of iTero scanners is so effective that many patients won’t require as many adjustments. This results in shorter check-up appointments in our office that are further apart throughout the treatment process. The process is more comfortable—the oral wand we use fits more easily into the patient’s mouth than the traditional trays, making for a more pleasant overall experience. 

Get the latest in smile technology with Dudley Smiles

The field has seen major improvements that benefit your smile by embracing the latest orthodontic technology. iTero scanners are part of this revolution, helping orthodontists create a more positive, rewarding, and effortless experience for every patient they see. 

If you’ve been contemplating orthodontic treatment, iTero makes achieving the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted easier! To learn more about your treatment options here at Dudley Smiles, get in touch today to schedule a FREE consultation with Dr. Dudley and the rest of our expert team. The confident smile you deserve is one click or call away!