iTero Intraoral Scanner
Intraoral Scanner for Invisalign Impressions
At Burke & Redford Orthodontics, we provide our patients with the highest quality treatment using the least invasive procedures with the most advanced technology. The iTero® Element—a 3D digital scanner produces accurate and precise digital impressions for creating patients’ Invisalign® aligners, retainers, and other orthodontic appliances.
How iTero® Scanners Work
The iTero digital impression scanner combines powerful software with advanced scanning technology to create highly detailed 3D digital impressions of a patient’s teeth, gums and bite.
The 3D model is formed by moving a small wand inside the patient’s mouth. The wand captures images of tooth surfaces and gum tissue, which are then pieced together to create a color model of the inside of their mouth.
The scanning process can be seen in real-time on the iTero’s screen. This allows Dr. Redford and Dr. Burke to explain and discuss the treatment with patients while they are in their comfortable chair. The iTero is fully compatible with Invisalign’s system—including the Invisalign Outcome Simulator, which shows patients the outcome of their Invisalign treatment before it starts.
Once the model is complete, it is sent via Invisalign Certified Connectivity to build a patient’s aligners (trays). The aligners created using iTero scans have a more accurate and precise fit than trays made with other scanners 
or 2D technology.
Patient Benefits
The iTero offers a better patient experience throughout the treatment process. The benefits to patients include:
- Increased comfort. The iTero Element replaces outdated impression systems that involved biting into sticky goop. By eliminating the mess and unpleasant taste associated with traditional impressions, patients have a gag-free experience while breathing and swallowing normally. Also, iTero scanners don’t require patients to cover their teeth in titanium dioxide powder like other intraoral scanners.
- Faster treatment. Patients spend less time in the chair because the 3D scans appear on the screen immediately. This provides more time for patients to discuss their treatment plan with the doctors and less time taking impressions. Patients also experience up to three times faster delivery of their aligners—allowing them to begin treatment quicker.
- Better and more accurate fit. The model created using the iTero 3D digital scanner is accurate and highly detailed, which results in a precise and comfortable fit. The high level of accuracy eliminates the need for retakes. The old 2D method often resulted in ill-fitting aligners that needed to be remade—delaying treatment and requiring more frequent office visits.
- Better understanding of treatment and results. The digital scans allow patients to see how their teeth are moving over time using time-lapse technology. This helps patients track and understand their progress. With the Invisalign Outcome Simulator, patients will know what their smile will look like at the end of their treatment—a powerful motivator for following treatment protocols, such as wearing aligners for the recommended time each day.
Start your Invisalign treatment today by contacting Burke & Redford Orthodontists in Temecula or Lake Elsinore. Call (951) 699-8011 or fill out the consultation form on our website anytime.