Traditional dental impressions can feel bulky, messy and uncomfortable. At The Dental Studio, Dr. David Peterson and our team use iTero® digital scanning in Sandy, Utah, to create detailed three-dimensional models of your teeth and bite without relying on trays filled with impression material.
The iTero scanner captures the shape and position of your teeth with a small handheld wand. These digital records can support clear aligner planning, retainers, selected restorations and other treatments that require an accurate model of your mouth.
What Is iTero Digital Scanning?
iTero digital scanning is an intraoral imaging process that creates a three-dimensional representation of your teeth and surrounding oral structures. Instead of taking a physical mold, a member of our team moves a scanning wand gently around your mouth.
The scanner captures a series of images that are combined into a digital model. Dr. Peterson can then review the model from different angles, enlarge specific areas and use the information to support treatment planning.
An iTero scan may be used to document:
- The shape and position of your teeth
- Your bite relationship
- Dental crowding or spacing
- The contours of selected soft tissues
- Changes in tooth position over time
- The information needed for certain appliances or restorations
A More Comfortable Alternative to Traditional Impressions
Traditional impressions require a tray filled with soft material to remain in the mouth while the material sets. Although this method is still useful in some situations, some patients find the process uncomfortable or experience a strong gag reflex.
With iTero digital scanning, there is no impression material to mix and no tray that must remain in place while a mold hardens. The scan can also be paused and resumed if you need a break.
Patients may appreciate that the process is:
- Free from messy impression material
- Comfortable for many patients with a sensitive gag reflex
- Completed directly in the treatment room
- Visible on a screen soon after the scan
- Easy to repeat in a selected area if more detail is needed
The scanning wand still needs to move around the teeth and gums, but our team will work carefully and let you know what to expect throughout the process.
iTero Scanning for Clear Aligner Treatment
iTero technology is commonly used when planning Invisalign® clear aligner treatment. The digital model records the current position of your teeth and can be used to help plan a series of aligners.
Depending on the software and treatment being considered, Dr. Peterson may also be able to show you a digital simulation of how tooth movement could affect your smile.
A simulation is a planning and communication tool rather than a guarantee of the final result. Actual outcomes depend on your treatment needs, biological response and how consistently the aligners are worn.
During clear aligner care, additional scans may be taken to:
- Create the initial treatment records
- Plan tooth movement
- Evaluate treatment progress
- Prepare refinement aligners when needed
- Create retainers after treatment
Digital Impressions for Restorative Dentistry
An accurate impression is important when creating a restoration or appliance that must fit closely against the teeth. Depending on the treatment and laboratory requirements, an iTero scan may support the design of:
- Dental crowns
- Dental bridges
- Inlays or onlays
- Retainers
- Night guards
- Selected oral appliances
The digital file can be reviewed before it is submitted, which allows our team to confirm that the necessary areas have been captured. If part of the scan needs more detail, that section can often be rescanned without repeating the entire process.
Not every restoration is made with an iTero scan. Dr. Peterson will select the impression method and technology that best fit the specific treatment.
Reviewing Your Teeth and Bite in 3D
The digital model gives our dentist a detailed view of your teeth from multiple angles. It can also make it easier to explain what we see during your examination.
Dr. Peterson may use the scan to discuss:
- Crowding or spaces between teeth
- Areas of tooth wear
- Changes in the way the teeth fit together
- The position of teeth before orthodontic treatment
- The design of a proposed restoration or appliance
An iTero scan records surface anatomy. It does not replace digital X-rays, cone beam 3D imaging or a clinical examination when information beneath the visible tooth surfaces is needed.
Monitoring Changes Over Time
Digital records can be stored and compared with later scans. This may help our team monitor certain changes in tooth position, bite relationships or visible tooth surfaces.
Comparison scans may be useful for patients who:
- Are completing clear aligner treatment
- Wear a retainer or oral appliance
- Have signs of grinding or tooth wear
- Are being monitored for changes in their bite
- Need updated records for future treatment
The significance of any change is determined through a complete examination rather than through the scan alone.
What To Expect During Your iTero Scan
Before the scan begins, our team may dry the teeth and position you comfortably in the dental chair. The scanning wand is then moved around the upper and lower teeth to capture the necessary surfaces.
You may be asked to:
- Turn your head slightly
- Open or close your mouth as directed
- Bite your teeth together so the scanner can record your bite
- Remain still briefly while selected areas are captured
The digital model appears on a nearby screen as the scan is completed. Once the record is finished, Dr. Peterson can review it and explain how it may be used in your care.
Digital Technology and Individualized Care
iTero is one of several tools available through our advanced dental technology. We use digital scanning when it provides useful information or a more comfortable way to create the records needed for treatment.
The technology supports our holistic and biological dentistry philosophy by helping us plan care around the patient’s individual anatomy and treatment goals. However, technology does not replace a thoughtful examination or professional judgment.
Dr. Peterson will explain why a digital scan is being recommended and how it will contribute to your treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About iTero Digital Scanning
What is an iTero digital scanner?
An iTero scanner is a handheld intraoral device that captures images of the teeth and combines them into a three-dimensional digital model. The model may be used for clear aligners, retainers, selected restorations and other dental appliances.
Does an iTero scan replace dental impressions?
It can replace traditional impressions for many treatments, but not every procedure or dental laboratory uses the same digital workflow. Dr. Peterson will select the impression method that is appropriate for your care.
Is iTero digital scanning comfortable?
Many patients find it more comfortable than trays filled with impression material. The wand must still move around the teeth and gums, but the scan can be paused if you need a brief break.
Does iTero scanning use radiation?
No. The iTero scanner captures surface images of the teeth and does not use ionizing radiation. It does not replace dental X-rays or CBCT when images beneath the tooth surfaces are needed.
How long does an iTero scan take?
The time varies depending on the number of areas being captured and the purpose of the scan. Our team will explain the process and work efficiently while making sure the necessary detail is recorded.
Can iTero show what my smile may look like after Invisalign treatment?
In some cases, the software can create a simulation of proposed tooth movement. This preview is a planning tool and does not guarantee the exact final result.
Can iTero scans be used for crowns and bridges?
They may be used for selected crowns, bridges and other restorations when the treatment and laboratory workflow support digital impressions. Dr. Peterson will determine whether iTero is appropriate for the restoration you need.
Can my digital scan be saved for future comparison?
Yes. Digital scans can be stored as part of your dental records and may be compared with future scans when monitoring tooth position, wear or treatment progress.
Schedule an iTero Digital Scanning Appointment
iTero digital scanning offers a clean and detailed way to create three-dimensional dental impressions for many types of treatment. Our team will explain how the scan supports your care and answer any questions you have about the process.
Please contact our office or call 801-278-4787 to learn more about iTero digital scanning in Sandy, UT, and schedule an appointment with Dr. Peterson.