Remember biting into a tray of cold, gooey putty and trying not to gag? Those days are over at Oasis Orthodontics. The iTero digital scan has replaced messy impressions with a quick, comfortable, and remarkably accurate 3D image of your teeth and gums.
If you’re considering aligner therapy, braces, or retention, here’s what you need to know about this technology and why it’s changed the way we plan your smile.
What Is an iTero Digital Scan?
An iTero digital scan uses a handheld 3D intraoral scanner to capture a detailed digital model of your teeth, gums, and bite in just minutes. No putty, no trays, no radiation. A small wand glides gently around your mouth while a live 3D image builds on the screen right in front of you.
The iTero was developed by Align Technology, the same company behind Invisalign. That means it’s purpose-built for aligner therapy, though we also use it at Oasis Orthodontics for braces planning, retention, and bite evaluations. The scanner produces models that are accurate down to the micron, which helps Dr. Day design treatment plans with impressive precision.
At Oasis Orthodontics, the iTero scan is a standard part of how we plan your care. It’s faster, cleaner, and far more comfortable than the traditional method, and it gives you a chance to see your own smile in 3D before treatment even begins.
How the iTero Scan Works: Step-by-Step
The iTero scan is simple, quick, and completely non-invasive. Here’s what to expect when you sit down for your scan at Oasis Orthodontics:
- Get comfortable. You’ll sit in the chair as usual. No trays, no putty, no unpleasant materials in your mouth.
- The wand goes to work. A team member gently guides the small handheld wand around your upper arch, lower arch, and bite. The tip is smooth and rounded.
- Watch it happen live. The scanner captures hundreds of thousands of images per second, and a full 3D model of your teeth builds on the screen in real time. Most patients find this part fascinating.
- Breathe, swallow, pause. You can breathe normally, swallow, or ask for a break anytime. The scanner picks up right where it left off.
- Total scan time. The full scan typically takes 2 to 3 minutes per arch, so you’re done in under 10 minutes.
- Instant digital transfer. Your scan is sent electronically and added to your treatment file the same day. No shipping physical molds, no waiting.
That’s the whole process. You’ll leave with a clean mouth, a fresh 3D image of your smile, and a clear next step in your treatment plan.
Benefits of an iTero Digital Scan
Digital scanning has completely changed the patient experience. Here’s why so many of our Oasis Orthodontics patients prefer it over the older method of taking impressions.
Why Skip the Putty?
The wand is smooth and small. Nothing sets in your mouth, no bad taste, and no sitting still with a tray for minutes at a time. A full scan wraps up in just a few minutes, compared to the longer wait for putty to set (and reset, if it moved). For patients who used to dread impressions because of a strong gag reflex, this alone is a huge win. You stay in control of your breathing the entire time, and there’s no messy cleanup afterward.
How Accurate Is It?
Digital scans capture fine detail that traditional impressions can miss. Micron-level accuracy means fewer aligner remakes and a better fit from the start. With a precise 3D model, Dr. Day can map out your treatment with confidence, whether you’re heading toward aligners, braces, or a custom retention plan. Better records mean fewer surprises during treatment and a smoother experience from your first visit onward.
What Can You See on the Screen?
You get to watch your teeth appear on screen as the scan progresses. It’s genuinely fun to see your own smile in 3D. Your scan can also be used to generate a projected image of what your smile could look like after aligner therapy. It’s a memorable moment during your free consult, and many patients say it helps them commit to treatment with real confidence.
Is It Safe?
Yes. The iTero uses optical scanning technology, so there’s no radiation exposure during the scan itself. It’s safe for children, teens, adults, and expectant mothers. Your scan is also stored electronically, easy to reference at future visits, and simple to share with other specialists if needed.
The bottom line? A smoother visit, a more accurate treatment plan, and a much better first impression of orthodontic care.
iTero Scan vs. Traditional Putty Impressions
Wondering how digital scanning stacks up against the old-school method? Here’s a side-by-side look:
| Feature | iTero Digital Scan | Traditional Putty Impressions |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | Small handheld wand, no material in mouth | Tray filled with setting putty, often triggers gag reflex |
| Time | 2–3 minutes per arch | Several minutes per arch while putty sets |
| Accuracy | Micron-level 3D detail | Can distort during removal or from patient movement |
| Remakes | Rare | Common, often requiring a repeat visit |
| Turnaround | Instant digital transfer to lab | Physical molds must be shipped |
| Patient Experience | Watch your teeth appear on screen live | Wait quietly with a mouth full of putty |
| Radiation | None (optical scanning) | None |
| Record Storage | Secure digital file, easy to reference | Physical model that can degrade over time |
For nearly every patient, the choice is clear. Digital scanning is more comfortable, more accurate, and more efficient from start to finish.
Who Is a Good Candidate for an iTero Scan?
The great thing about digital scanning is that it works for almost everyone. Here’s who benefits most from an iTero scan at Oasis Orthodontics:
- Aligner therapy patients of all ages, including teens and adults exploring clear aligner options
- Kids and patients with strong gag reflexes who struggle with traditional impressions
- Braces patients needing precise treatment planning and appliance fabrication
- Retention patients who need accurate models for custom retainers
- Anyone needing bite evaluations for spacing, crowding, or bite alignment and correction
- Early treatment cases where accurate records help guide growth and development
- Expectant mothers who want to avoid any radiation exposure (iTero uses only optical scanning)
- Nervous patients who feel anxious about the old putty method
If you’ve been putting off orthodontic care because of a rough impression experience in the past, this is your sign. Personalized orthodontic care for all starts with a comfortable first step, and the iTero scan is one of the friendliest first steps in modern orthodontics. Ready to see your smile in 3D? Reach out to Oasis Orthodontics and book your free consult today.
Frequently Asked Questions About iTero Scans
What is an iTero scan for?
An iTero scan creates a 3D digital model of your teeth, gums, and bite. At Oasis Orthodontics, we use it to plan aligner therapy, braces treatment, retention, and bite evaluations. The scan replaces messy putty impressions and gives Dr. Day a highly accurate reference for designing your treatment.
How long does an iTero scan take?
A full iTero scan typically takes about 2 to 3 minutes per arch, so most patients are done in under 10 minutes. You can breathe, swallow, or pause anytime during the scan without disrupting the process.
Do orthodontists still do putty impressions?
Rarely. At Oasis Orthodontics, the iTero scanner has replaced traditional putty impressions for nearly all treatment planning. Digital scanning is faster, more accurate, and far more comfortable, so there’s little reason to go back to the old method.
Do you need an iTero scan for Angel Aligners?
Yes. Digital scans are the standard for accurate aligner fabrication, and a precise 3D scan is what allows your Angel Aligners to fit properly and move your teeth as planned.
Is the iTero scan safe for kids?
Absolutely. The iTero uses radiation-free optical scanning technology, so it’s safe for children, teens, adults, and even expectant mothers. Kids often enjoy watching their teeth appear on the screen in real time.
Does the iTero scan hurt?
Not at all. The wand is small, smooth, and non-invasive. No pressure, no unpleasant materials, and nothing sharp. Most patients describe it as easy and even a little fun.
Can I see what my smile will look like after treatment?
Yes! Your iTero scan can be used to generate a projected preview of your smile after treatment. It’s one of the most memorable moments of a free consult at Oasis Orthodontics, and it can help you picture the smile you deserve long before treatment wraps up.