How Does the iTero Element Scanner Work?

The iTero element scanner is revolutionizing the world of dental imaging. This cutting-edge device uses advanced optical technology to create precise 3D models of patients’ teeth and gums. Dentists and orthodontists rely on the iTero element scanner to plan treatments, design custom appliances, and monitor oral health over time.

With its ability to capture detailed digital impressions in minutes, the iTero element scanner is changing the game for both practitioners and patients alike. The iTero Portal, a cloud-based platform, further enhances the scanner’s capabilities by allowing seamless data management and collaboration among dental professionals.

iTero Element Scanner

Get acquainted with the basic features of this revolutionary dental technology and the one essential aspect of it.

Where is the iTero element scanner used?

iTero element scanner is a high end intraoral scanning instrument used in dentistry. It is utilized for the accurate 3D digital impressions of teeth, gums and oral structures of the patients. This equipment does away with the conventional impression fabrication methods and more importantly offers comfort to the patient while providing more accurate impression information for the dentist.

Key features of the iTero element scanner

• 3D imaging having fine details
• 3D visualization in real time.
• Design which is light-weight and user-friendly.
• Control with touch screens
• Wi-Fi
• Links up with all dental office management systems

Advantages of Utilizing the iTero element scanner

1. Higher satisfaction among patients
2. Better quality of dental impressions
3. Shortened time when developing treatment plan
4. Improved Understanding of Dentists and Patients
5. Patients chances of understanding the dentist’s plan and methods are higher.
6. Coheaval use with many other dental devices
7. Lower frequency of re-doing and compensation

How does iTero Element Scanner Works?

Go deeper into the most unique technology held in the outer shell of an iTero element scanner that makes it what it is.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT)

iTero element scanner is provided with the OCT module for imaging of various oral structures. The optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a technique that does not cause any disruption to the surface tissues that is employed to obtain cross-sectional images of teeth and other soft tissue with the help of the light waves.

3D Imaging Process

Color Scanning Technology

An advantage of the iTero element scanner is that it employs color scanning technology and therefore apart from capturing the shape of the teeth and gums, it can also take pictures of the color of the teeth and gums. This is particularly important in restorative dentistry during shade matching.

Scanning Process: Step-by-Step

We will take you through the stages of the iTero element scanning procedure starting from the initial steps all the way to the final 3D model and all the elements in between.

Preparation

Prior to the commencement of the scan the patient’s dentist or the assistant will:

1. Make sure that the patient is properly seated on the dental chair
2. Describe to the patient the procedure that will involve him or her
3. Dry the patients’ teeth as well as the gums especially to get good pictures
4. Place a retractor to keep the lips and muccous membranes out of the way.

Scanning procedure

The scanning process usually entails the following steps or procedures:

1. Start with the lower arch
2. Followed by the upper arch
3. Capture the bite registration
4. Edit and reconstruct the 3D model

Post-scanning actions

When all is done and the dentist has completed scanning, he wiil:

• Check the captured stereolithographic file for any defects and completeness.
• Rescan defected areas or make changes if need be.
• Archive the digital impression that has been taken.
• With the help of a 3D pictorial representation, explain the findings to the patient.

Applications of iTero Element Scanner

Look for the most interesting areas of dentistry that iTero element scanner influences greatly.

Orthodontics

In obstetrics, the iTero element scanner is used:

• For carrying out planning for teeth alignment with Invisalign
• For fabrication of personalized braces
• For analysis of teeth settling in the course of time
• For making up retainer’s and other tooth manipulators

Restorative dentistry

The scanner is very useful in restorative works, such as:

• Making crowns and bridges
• Making fillings for inlays and onlays
• Making veneers
• Placing and planning implants

Preventive dentistry

The iTero element scanner is also incorporated in preventative measures by:

• Recognizing the initial signs of dental erosion
• Checking the levels of gum recession
• Controlling tooth movements
• Helping and motivating patients

Benefits of iTero Element Scanner Over Traditional Methods

Become aware of the reason for the speedy appreciation and subsequent use of the iTero element scanner in place of the traditional impressions.

Comparison: iTero element scanner vs. traditional impressions

Aspect	iTero Element Scanner	Traditional Impressions
Comfort	High (no gag reflex)	Low (room for discomfort)
Accuracy	Extremely high	Moderate (error factor involved)
Time Taken	3-5 minutes	15-20 minutes
Results After Procedure	Instant 3D construction	Time delayed (requires additional processing)
Archiving	Electronic (easy to access)	Analog (takes up physical space)
Environmental Concern	Less (no disposables involved)	Greater (disposable trays and materials used)

Benefits for dental practitioners

• Increase in work turnover
• Better patient treatment
• Higher level of patients’ loyalty
• Less material consumption and waste cleanup
• More smooth interaction with dental laboratories

Advantages for patients

• More pleasant experience
• Less time spent for the appointments
• Better insight into the state of their oral cavity
• More ability to appreciate the result of treatment
• Lesser chances of coming back due to the faults in preliminary impression making

iTero benefits continue to revolutionize the field, making dental care more efficient and comfortable for everyone involved.

iTero Portal | Enhancing Collaboration & Efficiency

Find out how the functionality of the iTero Portal is extended in terms of efficient data handling and teamwork in professional contexts.

Features of the iTero Portal

The iTero Portal is a web based add-on to the iTero element scanner which provides:

• The patient scans can be stored safely
• Information on any case can be retrieved from any gadget
• Interaction platform for dentists
• Integration with management software

Benefits of using the iTero Portal

1. Enhanced case management system
2. Increased communication flow between clinics and laboratories
3. Improved management of such practices with branches as, for example, the organization of paper and electronic workflow
4. Simplified and effective monitoring of patients’ history

Maintenance of the iTero Element Scanner

If the user desires to keep using the iTero element scanner at the optimal level and for as long as possible, these maintenance instructions are necessary.

Cleaning and disinfection

Routine washing and disinfection of the iTero element scanner is necessary to maintain effective use and sanitation:

1. After use of the wand, it must be wiped off completely.
2. Only use disinfectants that are approved.
3. Use new plastic sleeves for each patient.
4. Wipe clean with a cloth the touch screen and other surfaces on a daily basis.

Software updates

It is necessary to regularly update the scanner’s software for the following purposes:

• Getting additional or better functionality
• Working with other technologies of dental therapy
• Improving operation and precision of the device.

Calibration

Proper usage of the iTero element scanner includes regular calibration:

• Calibration has to be done periodically, as per instructions given by the manufacturing company.
• Use the calibration device that has been provided.
• Follow the instructions on the screen for calibration.

Future Developments & Innovations

The reader can look through the future of intraoral scanning technology, which does seem dangerous, and the movement that can be found there.

Bringing Artificial Intelligence on Board

The subsequent versions of iTero element scanner may enable the user to utilize the methodologies based on artificial intelligence to:

• Help in the identification and marking of possible dental defects
• Propose the best treatment approaches utilizing the scan based information
• Forecast the longer term effects of different dental procedures

Enhanced imaging capabilities

New developments in research and technology can lead to:

• Even more precise impressions with improved scans and resolution
• Reduced time taken to perform the scan thereby boosting efficiency
• Use of assistive methods in conjunction with the iTero imaging device (e.g.X-rays, CBCT)

Expanded applications

The technology used in the iTero element scanner may be useful in:

1. Diagnosing and treating sleep disorders
2. Assessing TMJ dysfunction disorder
3. Forensic odontology
4. Teledentistry and video consultations

The evolution of intraoral scanning technology is dazzling and the combination of up-to-date imaging, applied with enhancement of functional capabilities and new fields of use will change the dental medicine practice in the near future.

Conclusion

The iTero element scanner has transformed the landscape of digital dentistry, offering unprecedented accuracy, efficiency, and patient comfort.

By leveraging advanced optical technology and seamless integration with other dental systems, this innovative device continues to revolutionize dental practices worldwide. As technology evolves, the iTero element scanner is poised to play an even more significant role in shaping the future of oral healthcare, benefiting both dental professionals and patients alike.