Your Questions Answered: Invisalign and iTero™ Intraoral Scanners FAQ

Understanding Invisalign and iTero™ Technology

Invisalign and iTero™ intraoral scanners represent the forefront of dental technology, providing advanced solutions for orthodontic treatment and precise dental imaging. The iTero Scanner is a cutting-edge digital scanning device that captures highly accurate 3D images of your teeth and gums. The scanner uses advanced technology to create a virtual mouth model, allowing us to plan and customize your treatment with unprecedented precision. Whether you’re considering orthodontic treatment, restorative dentistry, or cosmetic enhancements, the iTero Scanner is here to make your journey to a healthier, happier smile smoother than ever before. If you’re considering Invisalign or are curious about the iTero scanner, this FAQ guide will answer your most pressing questions.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that uses a series of custom-made, clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth. These invisible aligners offer a more comfortable and aesthetic alternative to traditional metal braces.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign aligners gradually move your teeth into the desired position. Each set of aligners is worn for about one to two weeks, applying gentle pressure to shift your teeth incrementally. You must wear the aligners for at least 20-22 hours daily, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.

What are the Benefits of Invisalign?

Invisalign offers numerous benefits, including:

• Aesthetics: The clear aligners are nearly invisible, making them a discreet option.
• Comfort: Made from smooth plastic, they are more comfortable than traditional braces.
• Removability: Aligners can be removed for eating and oral hygiene, making it easier to maintain dental health.
• Predictable Results: Invisalign’s advanced technology ensures precise and predictable tooth movement.

Who is a Candidate for Invisalign?

Invisalign suits many orthodontic issues, including overcrowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. However, severe cases may require alternative treatments. A consultation with an orthodontist will determine if Invisalign is right for you.

What is the iTero™ Intraoral Scanner?

The iTero™ intraoral scanner is a state-of-the-art digital device that captures detailed 3D images of your teeth and gums. This scanner replaces the need for traditional dental impressions, providing a faster, more accurate, and comfortable experience.

How Does the iTero™ Scanner Work?

The iTero™ scanner uses a small handheld wand to take thousands of pictures per second, creating a highly accurate 3D digital model of your mouth in real time. This model is used to plan Invisalign treatment and other dental procedures with precision.

What are the Benefits of the iTero™ Scanner?

The iTero™ scanner offers several benefits, including:

• Precision: Provides highly accurate 3D images for better treatment planning.
• Comfort: Eliminates the need for messy, uncomfortable traditional impressions.
• Speed: Faster scanning process with immediate digital results.
• Visualization: Allows patients to see a simulation of their treatment outcomes.
• Efficiency: Speeds up the process of creating custom aligners and dental restorations.

Is the iTero™ Scanner Used Only for Invisalign?

While the iTero™ scanner is widely used for Invisalign treatment planning, it is also used for other dental procedures. iTero scans have been used in more than 16 million restorations, from crowns and bridges to implants and dentures.

How Do Invisalign and the iTero™ Scanner Work Together?

The iTero™ scanner captures detailed images of your teeth, which are used to create a precise digital model. This model helps design custom Invisalign aligners, ensuring they fit perfectly and move your teeth according to the treatment plan.

What Should I Expect During an iTero™ Scan?

During an iTero™ scan, the dentist will move a small handheld wand around your mouth. The scanner takes thousands of images per second, compiling them into a comprehensive 3D model. The process is quick, comfortable, and typically takes only a few minutes.

How Often Will I Need to Visit the Orthodontist During Invisalign Treatment?

Invisalign treatment generally requires fewer office visits than traditional braces. Patients typically visit the orthodontist every 6-8 weeks to check progress and receive new aligners.

Is Invisalign Treatment Painful?

When a new set of Invisalign aligners is worn, slight discomfort or pressure may occur, indicating they are working to move teeth. However, this discomfort is generally mild and temporary, much less than traditional braces.

Can I Eat and Drink with Invisalign Aligners?

Aligners should be removed when eating or drinking anything other than water. This helps prevent staining and damage to the aligners. Brush your teeth before returning the aligners to maintain oral hygiene.

How Do I Clean My Invisalign Aligners?

Clean your aligners by brushing them gently with a toothbrush and rinsing them with lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water as it can warp the plastic. Invisalign also offers a cleaning system designed explicitly for their aligners.

Will Invisalign Affect My Speech?

When you first start wearing aligners, there may be a slight adjustment period during which you might notice a minor impact on your speech. Most patients adapt quickly and speak normally within a few days.

Invisalign and the iTero™ intraoral scanner provide a highly effective, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing solution for orthodontic treatment. By leveraging advanced digital technology, these tools enhance the precision of treatment planning and improve the overall patient experience. If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, consult us to explore how Invisalign and the iTero™ scanner can help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile.

For more information about iTero technology and Invisalign, please call Alpha Plus Dental at (617) 274-8494 or contact us online. Schedule your consultation with the best dentists in Brookline, MA!