iTero Scanner for 3D Modeling

The parallel introduction of the Invisalign Treatment

For years, if you wanted your teeth corrected for improper alignment, gaps, to straighten teeth, or bite patterns, you had to move your teeth with the pressure and force of metal wires. In the late 1990s, four grad students at Stanford devised the process of using the CAD/CAM system to create plastic trays that would apply the force necessary to move the teeth. The system was approved by the FDA in 1999, and it very slowly started to gain traction in the world of orthodontics. By 2004, 175,000 patients had used Invisalign. Initially, an impression was made of the teeth, a stone model was made, and then the CAD/CAM created the models projecting the changes to reach the final goal. The trays move the teeth .25 of a millimeter at a time and are designed to be changed every two weeks. The process has gained traction to the point where today over five million patients, of which over one million are teenagers, have successfully used the Invisalign process. The introduction of the iTero Scanner eliminated the messy impressions and stone models. With the ever-improving and upgrading of technology, both Dr. Pan and the patient can witness the entire process via the CAD/CAM images immediately while you, the patient, are still in the chair.

The Benefits of the iTero Scanner for both You and the Dentist

The first generation of the scanner, as we know it today, was introduced into the process in 2009. With the introduction of this simple little wand, it has now revolutionized the offices of Dr. Pan. You don’t need a mirror to see your teeth. In fact, sitting in that chair and looking at the monitor positioned next to you, your entire set of teeth, upper and lower, front and back, can be readily visible to you and the staff working with Dr. Pan. Think about the virtual walkthroughs that an architect can create from a set of blueprints. The general practice dentist, or in this case the orthodontist Dr. Pan, can see your teeth and address any one of a number of issues. The system continues to improve on a regular basis. The wand is smaller and lighter, making it easier for both the staff and you. An antifogging patent will further improve imaging. The wand and system capture 6,000 frames per second. Everything has become easier, quicker, and more precise for the dentist, and you, the patient, reap the benefits of those improvements.

Another huge benefit for the patient is that when treatment is finished, and you love your new smile, the scanned digital models of your new smile can be stored for long-term retainer production. Only in the past decades did the orthodontic community determine with scientific and statistical evidence that teeth are made to move. The only way to guarantee teeth in the same position as when treatment is just finished is to commit to a lifetime routine of retainer wear. Now, with the digital scanned model of your beautiful teeth at the end of the treatment, even if you are traveling thousands of miles away from home and need a new pair of retainers, we can 3D print them and send them your way! That is a revolution.