iTero™ Digital Impressions – Speed, Accuracy & Comfort
At Advanced Orthodontics in Mercer Island, WA, we use iTero™ Digital Impressions to make orthodontic treatment planning faster, more accurate, and far more comfortable for patients. With iTero, messy putty impressions are no longer necessary. Instead, we capture a detailed 3D scan of your teeth in just minutes.
For patients considering Invisalign® or other clear aligners, accuracy matters. Digital scanning helps ensure your aligners are designed with precision so your treatment stays efficient, predictable, and comfortable from start to finish.
What Are iTero Digital Impressions?
iTero™ is an advanced digital scanning system that creates a highly detailed 3D model of your teeth and gums without using traditional impression trays. The scan captures the contours of both tooth and gingival structures, allowing for a more accurate orthodontic plan.
This non-invasive process is ideal for Invisalign treatment and clear aligners because it provides the level of detail needed to plan tooth movement correctly and reduce the chance of needing repeat scans.
Why Do Patients Prefer iTero Over Traditional Putty Impressions?
Traditional impressions can feel uncomfortable, messy, and unpleasant. iTero eliminates those issues while providing a more modern and precise experience.
Benefits of iTero digital impressions include:
- No messy impression material
- More comfort for patients with gag reflex sensitivity
- Faster scan time (typically just minutes)
- Highly accurate detail for treatment planning
- Less need to “redo” impressions
- Real-time visualization of your 3D scan during your appointment
How Does iTero Work?
The iTero scanner uses a small handheld wand to capture a digital 3D image of your teeth. The wand is non-invasive, and the scan can be paused at any time. You can breathe, swallow, and take breaks as needed.
If you need to move or adjust during the scan, it’s not a problem. iTero scanning is designed to be patient-friendly while still delivering excellent accuracy.
What Happens After the Scan?
Once the scan is complete, your digital impressions are sent electronically to the lab. This eliminates the need to physically ship impressions for scanning, which helps speed up the process.
For Invisalign patients, the scan can be used in Invisalign ClinCheck® and other Invisalign planning tools, including smile simulation technology that can help show what your smile may look like after treatment.
Interested in Invisalign or Clear Aligners?
If you’re exploring Invisalign or want a more comfortable orthodontic experience, iTero digital impressions are a great first step. Our team at Advanced Orthodontics is proud to offer this technology as part of our commitment to modern, patient-friendly care.
Contact our Mercer Island office today to schedule your consultation.
