Serving areas of Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
If you’ve been to the dentist over the past couple of decades or so, you probably are familiar with that goopy, messy stuff used to take dental impressions. Alginate, as it is called, is used when deriving treatment plans involving TMJ disorder cases, orthodontics, crowns, bridges, dentures, and making custom mouthguards or teeth whitening trays. So, the chances are you probably have had to suffer through getting one of these unpopular impressions at some point in your life. But today on the blog, our general dentist in Okemos, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, shares how new, leading-edge technology improves treatment planning.
Meet iTero, an intraoral scanner that provides a digital impression within minutes, all without that uncomfortable, goopy mess of the past!
What is the iTero?
The iTero is an intraoral scanner that uses optical and laser scanning to digitally capture the structure of the teeth and gums. The scanner uses confocal laser scanning in which a laser beam (red) is projected on an object. Via a beam splitter, the reflected beam (purple) is led through a focal filter so that only the image that lies in the focal point of the lens can project on the sensor. The laser renders a digitally perfect, 3D impression of your teeth and soft tissue structures.
When is iTero used?
The doctor or a staff member will use the scanner, a small wand, chairside to scan your mouth. This can be done in as little as two to three minutes. Simply put, pictures taken of your mouth replace the old technology impression material. And with no radiation exposure! All you need to do is sit comfortably in the dental chair while we bring in a big-screen monitor for viewing and the small wand to capture color images of your mouth.
Why is the iTero beneficial?
The iTero is beneficial for many daily dental procedures such as crowns, bridges, implants, periodontal disease, and gum recession tracking. Dr. Tenaglia can also use the iTero to map out your mouth in preparation for improvements in the bite and smile, such as with treatment plans involving TMJ disorder or Invisalign. Before and after simulation for cosmetics and orthodontics can be seen immediately. The iTero scanner allows significantly more accurate and comfortable work and faster appointments. It eliminates the messy powder and gag-inducing impression material used for decades by most dentists.
What type of training is needed for the iTero?
Our office has been using the iTero scanner since December of last year. Each team member has received personal training and partaken in online interactive e-learning, videos, and other instructional support. We practiced using the scanner on each other to develop and hone our skills. Upon completion of the course work and successful scans, a certificate of completion was given. Dr. Tenaglia and staff are now certified to use a radiation-free laser to scan and impress(ion) you!
General Dentist in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing
At Tenaglia Smiles, we strive to make your visits as comfortable and stress-free as possible, which is why we are happy to have implemented the iTero intraoral scanner. Not only does this scanner produce more accurate impressions but does so in a way that helps patients remain calm and comfortable. If you would like to experience leading-edge dentistry or schedule an appointment, please contact Tenaglia Smiles by calling (517) 347-6733.