iTero Element Digital Scanner Versus Impressions For Invisalign

     Invisalign is a huge hit with patients at Legler Orthodontics. Patients of all ages are requesting Invisalign at record numbers. Whether you’re an adult seeking a smile transformation, a teen concerned about wearing brackets and wires, or a parent researching treatment options for your child, Invisalign clear aligners use the most advanced technology to uniquely design a treatment plan for each patient to reveal their best smile. If you are considering Invisalign, and want to know more about the treatment process, you are in the right place! Just when you think Invisalign’s benefits couldn’t sound any more convenient and comfortable, the iTero Element Digital Scanner was introduced and has taken Invisalign treatment to the next level.

     Before a patient receives their clear aligners, Dr. Legler must make a replica of your mouth to create the digital model. Dr. Legler can then move your teeth to the correct smile and bite relationship. Here at Legler Orthodontics, we use the iTero Element Digital Scanner. However, other Invisalign provider offices remain stuck in the stone age and take goopy impressions. Wondering what the process for both is like? Dr. Legler has provided an example of each to show you the significant difference between the two.

     The impression technique is bulky, awkward, messy, time consuming (about 30 minutes), inaccurate and retakes are often necessary. After the impression is taken, it is mailed to Invisalign and takes about a week or two to receive the digital model. Here is an example of the process:

Look at the goop! Ew!

     With the iTero Scanner, an orthodontic assistant uses a wand that is moved around your mouth recording the teeth and bite. This feels like a video camera and does not use x-rays. No bad taste, offensive goops, glues, powder, or any other foreign materials invading your mouth. Just 6 short minutes and you are done!

     To analyze the two options, we made a video showing you a side by side comparison with an Invisalign patient’s thoughts on both.

     The iTero Element Digital Scanner enables Dr. Legler to take a 3D digital scan of your teeth and bite and transmit the file wirelessly for processing within 15 minutes, not 2 weeks. Invisalign cases that start with an iTero scan have 7 times fewer aligner fit issues and 10 times fewer rejections than those started with traditional impressions.

     The iTero Element Digital scanner is extremely accurate so your aligners fit more comfortably and move your teeth and bite to the precise location as determined by Dr. Legler. He feels that his ability to successfully treat so many patients with Invisalign who previously were told by other providers that they were not candidates, is due in part to this exciting technology. Thank you iTero!

For more information, check out these sites below:

https://www.invisalign.com/how-invisalign-works/treatment-process

http://www.itero.com/en-us