Comfort
No goopy impression trays, no gagging. The slim wand captures your teeth digitally in minutes — most patients say it's surprisingly easy. We pause anytime, so even patients with strong gag reflexes tolerate it well.
Overview
iTero® is a handheld digital scanner that captures a precise 3D model of your teeth and gums—no trays or impression goop. The scan takes only a few minutes and creates color, high‑resolution images we can rotate and zoom on screen, right at the chairside for immediate visual feedback.
These digital models are the foundation for accurate crowns, inlays/onlays, veneers, retainers, and Invisalign® aligners. We also use scans to track wear, recession, and bite changes over time using iTero TimeLapse, so decisions are data‑driven, easy to visualize, and backed by measurable evidence from visit to visit.
How the iTero scanner works: The wand uses confocal laser technology to capture over 6,000 images per second as we guide it across your teeth. Advanced stitching software assembles these images into a full-color, highly accurate 3D model in real time. This digital model then integrates seamlessly with CAD/CAM crown milling, Invisalign ClinCheck software for treatment simulation, and our practice management system for easy archival and comparison.
What iTero scanning is used for: Invisalign treatment planning and virtual tooth movement preview, crown/bridge/veneer design for same-day and lab-fabricated restorations, implant abutment design and surgical guide creation, retainer fabrication for post-orthodontic stability, orthodontic monitoring with iTero TimeLapse to compare tooth position across appointments, and comprehensive oral health assessments to identify wear patterns, cracks, and decay with color-coded overlays.
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Why Patients Choose This
Accuracy
iTero captures thousands of data points per second, producing a highly accurate 3D model. This precision means better-fitting crowns, aligners, and appliances with fewer adjustments and faster chairside workflows.
Visualization
See a realistic 3D model of your mouth on-screen during your visit. We can highlight wear, track changes over time with iTero TimeLapse, and even simulate Invisalign outcomes before you commit to treatment.
What to Expect
Step 1
We guide a compact wand over your upper and lower teeth, capturing thousands of images per second. No powder, no impression material — just a comfortable scan that takes about 2–5 minutes per arch.
Step 2
The software stitches images into a full-color 3D model in real time. We review the model together on the monitor and point out areas of interest, including any wear, cracks, or color variations.
Step 3
Your digital model is used for treatment planning — whether that's designing a crown, starting Invisalign, fabricating a retainer, or creating a surgical guide for implant placement.
Step 4
Scans are securely stored in your record. At future visits, we can overlay new scans to track wear, recession, or orthodontic progress over time with detailed comparison graphics.
FAQs
How long does an iTero scan take?
Most scans take 2–5 minutes per arch. Full-mouth scans with bite registration typically finish in under 10 minutes — far faster and more comfortable than traditional impression trays.
Does the scanner replace X‑rays?
No. The iTero captures surface detail and bite relationships in vivid color, while X‑rays reveal internal structures like roots, bone, and hidden decay. We use both technologies together for comprehensive diagnosis and treatment planning.
Is the scanning safe if I gag easily?
Yes — the slim wand doesn't trigger gag reflexes the way bulky impression trays can. We can pause any time and let you rest. Most patients with strong gag reflexes prefer digital scanning over traditional impressions.
How often will I need a new scan?
We rescan whenever starting a new treatment (crown, aligner, appliance) or to monitor changes. For orthodontic patients, periodic scans let us track tooth movement with iTero TimeLapse to ensure alignment stays on track.
Is the scan radiation-free?
Yes — the iTero uses a safe optical light source, not X‑rays. There is zero ionizing radiation, making it safe for all patients, including pregnant women and children undergoing orthodontic assessment.
Can children be scanned?
Absolutely. The wand is small and the scan is quick, making it comfortable for kids. We often use it for orthodontic assessment, growth monitoring, and early treatment planning.
What happens to my scan data?
Your digital models are stored securely in our practice management system with encrypted backup. We can share them electronically with specialists or labs — no physical models to lose, damage, or misplace.
Does insurance cover iTero scanning?
The scan itself is typically included as part of your overall treatment (crown, Invisalign, etc.) and isn't billed separately. We'll provide a complete estimate before any treatment begins.