Spotlight on the iTero Technology

Modern technologies used in dentistry today aim to simplify treatment steps and enhance patient comfort throughout care. At the Centre Dentaire de Haute Technologie du Quebec, we take pride in using advanced technological tools to provide high-quality treatments. Among these tools is the iTero scanner, which allows digital impressions of the teeth without the need for traditional physical molds. In this article, our dentists on Plateau Mont Royal explain why this technology is so beneficial.

How Does the iTero Scanner Work?

The iTero scanner is a device that captures optical digital impressions of the teeth and jaws. Instead of taking physical impressions using paste and trays, the scanner produces three-dimensional images that are displayed in real-time on a computer program.

Getting digital impressions is simple. The scanner is gently passed over the teeth and gums. The process takes about ten minutes and produces extremely precise impressions. It is also very comfortable for the patient, as the scanner tip is about the size of a marker and fits easily in the mouth.

For Which Treatments Is It Used?

Just like traditional impressions, digital impressions are useful for many dental and orthodontic treatments. Here are the main ones:

Invisalign Orthodontics

The iTero scan is essential for creating an Invisalign treatment plan. The digital impressions are used to design the series of aligners needed throughout the treatment. These digital models are sent to the company to manufacture the aligners. The impressions also allow a simulation of the patient’s future smile, which is a major advantage.

Design of Protective Devices

Impressions taken with the iTero scanner can be used to design protective dental devices. This includes occlusal splints to protect against bruxism and sports mouthguards to protect teeth and jaws from trauma.

Various Dental Restorations

The optical impressions are used to create three-dimensional models for fabricating different types of restorations such as dental crowns and bridges.

Veneers

Impressions of the dentition can also be used to design models for dental veneers, an aesthetic dentistry treatment that corrects several imperfections.

What Are the Advantages of the iTero Scanner?

The benefits for the patient are numerous:

• No more paste and tray impressions: with iTero, the uncomfortable traditional impression method that can trigger gag reflex is completely eliminated.
• A fast process: impressions are taken in just a few minutes and appear instantly on the screen.
• Greater precision: the iTero scanner captures 6,000 images per second, allowing extremely precise impressions that improve the comfort and aesthetics of restorations and dental appliances.
• Reduced treatment delays: since impressions are instantly recorded on the computer, the dentist can perform all necessary steps during the same appointment, which significantly shortens the time required for fabrications.
• Smile simulation: patients can view their impressions and even see a simulation of their future smile before beginning Invisalign treatment.

By choosing our Plateau Mont Royal dental clinic for your care, you can be assured that you will receive treatments from a qualified team using state-of-the-art technologies. We always prioritize treatment efficiency and your comfort.