It can be a messy endeavor if your dentist or orthodontist needs to make orthodontic impressions. These impressions are imprints of your teeth, mouth’s structure, and gums that can become a goopy mess when they’re done the traditional way.
Thankfully, you can now say goodbye to goopy impressions thanks to the technology from iTero impressions.
If you’re curious about how this can enhance your next orthodontist visit, read on to learn more.
What are iTero Impressions?
Unlike traditional orthodontic impressions that can be messy and goopy, iTero impressions use a special high-tech digital scanner. Our office uses two dental scanning devices, the iTero® Element and the iTero® iOC.
These scanners are made by Cadent iTero, a pioneer in digital dentistry with approximately 13 years in the orthodontic field and five years in restorative dentistry. The company has seen over 2 million successful cases and counting.
Doctor Boschken and his team uses the iTero Scanner to take orthodontic impressions in just six to eight minutes. Once the process is complete, you’ll get instant 3D images so your dentist can perform a consultation without the messy goop.
Special single-use disposable imaging shields are used to ensure the best possible infection control. The state-of-the-art scanner integrates seamlessly into the Invisalign aligner process, too.
How Does the Process Work?
If you need orthodontic impressions, the assistant will scan your dentition and palatal areas, if required. If you’re getting Invisalign, iTero technology works perfectly with this service.
You won’t go to a third party for your scanning, because Dr. Boschken does it all in-house. This also saves you time and money since you can get everything you need all in one visit.
During the scanning process, the model is built in real-time. This allows for instant feedback, patient education, and patient consultation without a long wait or a new appointment.
Dr. David R. Boschken will review the highly detailed dental model to help determine the best course of treatment planning moving forward.
If you (or your child) are receiving braces, Dr. Boschken will also use the scan to order your custom brackets through Lightforce . These trays ensure that you get the best possible bracket placement.
For those receiving Invisalign, a set of clear, removable aligners will be ordered. The iTero scanning 3D model is an amazing complement to this treatment and ensures a snug yet comfortable fit.
What are the Benefits of Using iTero Impressions?
There are many excellent benefits to choosing iTero technology over traditional goopy impressions. First, you won’t ever need to get “regular” impressions again, which many people consider the most invasive procedure in orthodontic care.
This highly accurate, fast technology also produces absolutely no distortions, even if the patient moves during the process. A high accuracy rate ensures that your braces or other orthodontic products will be a custom fit made just for your mouth. The entire process ensures maximum comfort and a pleasant experience so you’re able to improve your smile pain-free.
The onscreen visualization of iTero impressions allows your orthodontist to make any necessary adjustments immediately. This helps to make sure you receive the proper orthodontic scan the first time. And since we do our scans on-site, you won’t need to visit a third party or make a separate appointment for a later date.
Using iTero impressions increases your comfort level. It completely eliminates the goopy mess and gagging that’s typical with traditional impressions. The scanner is a small, handheld wand that allows patients to breathe and swallow normally during the scanning process.
There’s also a much lower risk that you’ll need to make a second appointment since the impressions will be accurate the first time. You also won’t need as many adjustments, which also eliminates the need for excessive check-ups throughout the treatment process.
Digital Scans vs. Traditional Impressions
The messy trays and putty impressions of old are now considered outdated. In many cases, you would need to have multiple rounds of impressions taken just to get an accurate fit. The new iTero technology is so accurate that it gets up to 6,000 scans per second!
Sometimes, those old impressions got broken, would need to be thrown away, or they might even accidentally become displaced. With the iTero scanner, there’s no need to use trays and goopy putty any longer.
Your orthodontist will get the most accurate digital impression of your teeth and jaw possible. This provides every patient with a better treatment plan and a much more pleasant experience overall. Since you can see everything in real-time 3D, you’re able to visualize exactly what your treatment will look like.
All of the edges and surfaces of the teeth are scanned in a precise manner with the iTero scanner. With traditional impressions, the dental putty doesn’t always get the most accurate mapping of your teeth, which may lead to more follow-ups until it’s done right.
You’ll also get a chance to preview your new smile before treatment begins. The special digital software predicts the movement of your teeth so you get an exclusive look at how your smile will look once it’s complete.
Eco-Friendly Treatment
Not only are iTero impressions technologically advanced, but they’re also eco-friendly. There’s no longer a need for the disposable impression trays and materials of the past that end up in a landfill.
All of the digital impressions we take are stored electronically. This greatly reduces the need for excess paperwork, and everything can be accessed quickly.
If an error is made, your dentist’s office can access your records in no time to make corrections. Piles of printed records are no longer needed. Since everything is completely digital, there’s a lot less waste going out into the world.
Say Hello to a New Smile
iTero impressions let you say goodbye to messy, goopy impressions once and for all. This breakthrough technology improves the patient experience, is eco-friendly, and ensures that you’ll get the most accurate treatment possible the first time.
If you’re ready to improve your smile and experience the amazing technology of iTero impressions, be sure to visit Boschken Orthodontics or contact us online to schedule an appointment today.
