iTero

What is iTero?

iTero is an innovative new form of dental technology, which eliminates the use of dental putty and trays to make impressions. iTero technology uses accurate, computerised 3D images to act as a template for dental devices and restorations, rather than the conventional method of using dental putty to make a mould of the patient's mouth.

iTero is a very sophisticated scanner, which is inserted into the mouth; it produces replica images of the mouth in a matter of seconds. These images can then be used by dental technicians to fabricate new dental devices.

How does iTero work?

iTero has been designed and developed by Cadent. It uses state of the art technology to produce extremely accurate images of the mouth, which enables patients to benefit from restorations and devices which fit the contours of their mouth perfectly.

The system works by using a digital scanner to produce exact replica images of the mouth. The 3D images are then used by dental technicians to produce dental restorations and devices.

What are the benefits?

iTero technology has a range of benefits, for both patients and dentists.

• Patients

For patients, iTero ensures a perfect fit and therefore eliminates the possibility of soreness and swelling associated with poorly fitting restorations. A perfect fit will also increase the efficacy of the restoration and improve the overall aesthetic. A restoration or dental device will not function as effectively as it could if it doesn't fit properly. iTero helps to improve efficacy and also increases patient comfort. iTero also helps to prevent mistakes and patients can benefit from their new restoration straight away, without having to come back to see the dentist for adjustments or re-fitting. Treatment time is also much shorter using iTero.

Many patients also find it very uncomfortable having a mould created, as the sensation of having dental putty in your mouth can be very unpleasant. For some people, this process can stimulate their gag reflex, which may be unpleasant and embarrassing. The process can also be messy and time consuming.

Using iTero can be particularly beneficial for nervous patients and those who suffer from dental phobia, as the feeling of having dental putty in the mouth can be rather uncomfortable and time consuming. iTero simply uses a scanner, which produces images of the mouth within seconds.

• Dentists

For dentists, iTero helps to prevent mistakes and almost completely eradicates the need for remakes, which is cost-effective and saves a great deal of time. iTero also eliminates the sometimes unpleasant task of using dental putty, which can be messy. iTero is also a much more accurate method of creating templates for new devices and restorations. This increases patient satisfaction, as the devices work much more effectively and also saves dentists time and effort. The digital impression system also allows dentists to make changes before the manufacturing process, which can also help to prevent problems arising after the restoration has been fabricated.

According to iTero, 36% of dentists retake impressions at least three times a month; with iTero this could be a thing of the past, as the first model is perfect.

• Dental technicians

iTero also makes the dental technician's job a lot easier, as they are working with a much more specific model. Waste is also reduced, as the correct devices can be produced first time round. iTero is furthermore completely safe, meaning technicians do not have to come into contact with any harmful substances. iTero works very quickly meaning that the efficiency of the dental laboratory is increased significantly.

When can iTero be used?

iTero is the only digital impression system that can be used to produce all types of dental restorations. iTero was pioneered in the USA but it is now becoming increasingly popular in the UK.