iTero® Digital Impressions in San Diego, CA
iTero is a handheld 3D scanner that captures a precise digital model of your teeth in minutes, with no putty and no gagging. At Smile Arc Orthodontics in 4S Ranch, we use iTero for comfortable, highly accurate Invisalign® and braces planning, and you can watch your scan build on screen in real time.
Unpleasant putty impressions are a thing of the past. The accuracy and detail of an iTero scan compared with a traditional putty impression is like a modern smartphone camera next to a grainy photo from a decade ago, and it makes treatment planning faster and more precise.
How iTero Works
A small wand passes over your teeth and gums and builds a detailed 3D image as it goes. The wand is non-invasive, and you can breathe and swallow normally during the scan. If you shift slightly, the scanner adjusts, so re-doing the scan is rare. Best of all, you can see the 3D model of your mouth on the screen in real time.
Instead of shipping physical impressions to a lab, your digital scan is sent electronically and is available in the Invisalign ClinCheck system the very next day. That same model powers the Invisalign Outcome Simulator, which can preview what your smile may look like after treatment.
Benefits of Digital Scanning
- No putty: the goop and unpleasant aftertaste of traditional impressions are gone.
- Superior accuracy: no distortion from movement, removal, or disinfection, which means a better-fitting result.
- On-screen visualization: real-time viewing helps capture the ideal scan the first time.
- Clean and hygienic: a single-use scanning sleeve keeps the process sanitary.
Experience Goop-Free Scanning in 4S Ranch
Curious what your new smile could look like? Call (858) 277-8088 or request a complimentary consultation. Smile Arc Orthodontics is at 17085 Camino San Bernardo, Suite 220, serving 4S Ranch, Rancho Bernardo, and North County San Diego.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is iTero scanning safe for children and teens?
Yes. It is non-invasive, uses no radiation, and is well tolerated by children, teens, and adults.
Is iTero more accurate than traditional impressions?
Yes. Digital scans capture highly detailed images without the distortion that can occur as putty sets, gets removed, or is disinfected.
Do I need iTero scanning if I am not getting Invisalign?
iTero is especially useful for Invisalign, but digital scans also support braces planning, progress monitoring, and retainer fabrication.
Is there an extra cost for iTero digital impressions?
In most cases digital scanning is included in your orthodontic treatment. We always review costs clearly before treatment begins.
Does iTero scanning replace X-rays?
No. Scans capture surface detail, while X-rays let us evaluate the structures beneath. The two work together for complete diagnosis.
