Reviewed by Dr. Cyrus Aghdam, board-certified orthodontist at Happier Smiles Orthodontics in Escondido, CA.
An iTero® scanner captures a fast, highly accurate 3D image of your teeth using a handheld wand, with no messy putty impressions. At Happier Smiles Orthodontics in Escondido, digital impressions make your visit more comfortable, improve treatment planning for braces and clear aligners, and even let you preview your new smile on screen.
Unpleasant putty impressions are a thing of the past at Happier Smiles Orthodontics. As a fully digital practice in Escondido, we use advanced 3D scanning to capture your smile quickly, comfortably, and with exceptional accuracy. Whether you are starting Invisalign®, braces, or a retainer, digital impressions give us the precise records we need, and give you a far more pleasant experience.
What Is an iTero Scanner?
The iTero® is a handheld scanner that takes a detailed, three-dimensional image of your teeth and gums in just minutes. Instead of biting into a tray of goopy material, you simply relax while your orthodontist glides a small wand around your mouth. The difference in detail compared to old putty impressions is like a modern smartphone photo versus a grainy image from a decade ago. It is completely non-invasive, and you can breathe, swallow, and move as needed the whole time.
How Digital Impressions Work
The scanning wand builds a 3D model of your teeth as your orthodontist moves it, and you can watch the image appear on the screen in real time. Because everything is digital, there is no shipping physical molds to a lab. Your scan is sent electronically and is ready in the Invisalign ClinCheck system as soon as the next day. That same 3D model works with Invisalign tools like the Outcome Simulator, which can show you a preview of what your smile may look like after treatment.
Benefits of Digital Scanning
- No putty impressions. We eliminate the goop, the gagging, and the unpleasant aftertaste of traditional molds.
- Superior accuracy. Digital scans avoid the distortion that can happen as putty sets or is removed, which means better-fitting appliances.
- See it on screen. Real-time visualization lets us capture the ideal scan the first time, and lets you see your own teeth in 3D.
- Faster and cleaner. Scans take only minutes and use single-use, hygienic tips.
Our Scanning Technology
To give every patient the best possible experience, our office uses advanced 3D intraoral scanners, including both the iTero® and Alliedstar systems. Paired with digital treatment planning and remote monitoring, this technology makes your care more precise and your appointments more efficient, from your first scan to your final result. Digital impressions are especially valuable for Invisalign and clear aligner treatment, where an accurate impression is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a digital scan hurt?
Not at all. The iTero wand simply glides around your teeth, and the process is completely non-invasive. You can breathe, swallow, and shift as needed, and most patients find it far more comfortable than old putty molds.
Can I see my new smile before treatment starts?
Often, yes. Your 3D scan works with the Invisalign Outcome Simulator, which can show you a preview of how your smile may look after treatment, so you know what to expect before you begin.
Are digital impressions more accurate than putty molds?
Yes. Digital scans avoid the distortion that can occur while putty sets or is removed from your mouth, producing a more precise model. That accuracy helps your braces, aligners, or retainers fit better.
Do I need a scan even if I’m getting braces instead of Invisalign?
Yes. Digital impressions are used for orthodontic records, treatment planning, and making custom retainers, so they benefit braces patients just as much as aligner patients.
Schedule Your Visit in Escondido
Curious to see your smile in 3D? Experience the comfort of digital impressions at your free consultation. Call (760) 743-2295 or request an appointment online. Happier Smiles Orthodontics is located at 203 E 3rd Ave in downtown Escondido, proudly serving Escondido, San Marcos, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, and Valley Center.
