iTero Intra-Oral Scanner
The manufacturer claims that the technology behind iTero allows the dentist to take a digital scan of the teeth and bite, make adjustments in real-time, and transmit the file to a Align-partnering laboratory for processing. The digital file is sent to Align for milling and the model is sent to the lab for creation of the final restoration. In addition, Align now has an exclusive interoperability with Invisalign treatment.
Perfect Fit
iTero received a perfect score from the dentist evaluators with regard to fit of the prosthesis.All evaluators rated fit as excellent. One evaluator commented that the fit was “consistent and excellent.” Another described the fit as “Perfect! Remarkable fit with little or no adjustment.”
Training
According to the Align web site, the learning curve on iTero is modest because a certified clinical trainer works with all new owners to ensure the practice is competent in its use. When the evaluators were asked to rate the instructions and training for iTero, 5 said they were excellent and 1 rated them as very good. One evaluator noted that the “staff have been available to answer our questions in a very short period of time if not immediately when we call in.” Another evaluator said that Align provides “excellent customer support.”
Accuracy
When asked to rate iTero with regard to accuracy, 5 evaluators rated it as excellent and 1 rated it as very good. One evaluator said that they found iTero to be “more accurate than conventional impression methods. My margins are much smoother in the transition from crown to natural tooth structure than with impressions. I have had fewer remakes and the models don’t chip [because they are] polyurethane, which is beneficial to the lab guys.” Commented another evaluator, “There is little to no occlusal adjustment at delivery time. Deliveries are 5 minutes instead of 15 to 30 minutes.”
Reduction in Consumable Costs
When the evaluators were asked about the importance of reducing consumable costs when choosing a digital impression system, 2 said it was very important and the remaining 4 were neutral. The evaluators were then asked to rate iTero on reduction of consumable costs. Two rated it as excellent, 1 said it was very good, 2 gave it a good rating, and 1 said it was fair. One dentist noted that any reduction is “a wash.”
Overall Satisfaction
Five of the evaluators said they would definitely recommend iTero to colleagues and that they would purchase it in the future; 1 said that they probably would recommend it and purchase it. On overall satisfaction, 5 dentists rated iTero as excellent and 1 rated it as very good. When asked about staff satisfaction, one dentist said, “We fight over who gets to scan. [The] staff loves it [because] it is so much easier than impressions.” With regard to patient satisfaction, one evaluator said, “We get more positive comments from this one piece of equipment than anything else we have done. They just think it’s cool.”
Additional Manufacturer Information
The proven technology behind the iTero digital scanner takes it far beyond the latest gadget. iTero is a tool designed for everyday use, and one that will change the way you practice. Its efficiency saves time and money by eliminating the cost and hassle of traditional impression materials. Its flexibility offers full-function dentistry–even fixture level implants and orthodontics. And its ease of use means no powder and happier patients. There’s never been a better time to incorporate iTero digital scanning into your practice.
Invisalign
Invisalign ® takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of aligners created for you and only you. These aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic that you simply wear over your teeth.