iTero digital scanning in North York

What is an iTero scan?

The iTero is an intraoral scanner: a slim wand about the size of an electric toothbrush head that takes thousands of images as it moves over your teeth. Software stitches the images into a colour 3D model that appears on a screen beside the chair. There's no radiation involved; the scanner uses light, much like a camera.

Before digital scanners, dentists took impressions by pressing a tray filled with putty onto the teeth and waiting for it to set. Many people find that unpleasant, especially if they gag easily. A scan avoids the tray altogether. If part of the scan isn't clear, we simply rescan that area instead of starting over.

At Lilac, the iTero is central to Invisalign. The 3D model is used to plan how each tooth will move, and your aligners are made from it. Because you can see the model on screen, it's also a useful way to look at worn edges, gaps and crowding together and talk about options. We also use it for most crowns and night guards.

You may have an iTero scan if

• You're starting Invisalign or want to see if it suits you
• You're planning a smile makeover
• You find traditional impressions uncomfortable or gag easily
• You want to see your teeth from angles you can't see in a mirror

Benefits

• No putty trays in your mouth
• Quick and comfortable, with breaks whenever you need them
• A detailed 3D model you can see and understand
• Accurate records for planning aligners
• No X-ray radiation

What to expect

1. Getting readyYou sit back in the chair. We may dry your teeth with a little air so the scanner can see clearly.
2. ScanningThe wand is moved slowly over your upper teeth, lower teeth and then your bite. You can breathe, swallow and pause as needed.
3. Checking the modelThe 3D image builds on screen as we go. Any gaps in the image are filled by rescanning that spot.
4. Reviewing togetherDr. Maralani walks you through the model, points out anything of note and explains the next steps for your treatment.

How the scan fits into Invisalign

For Invisalign, the scan is sent to plan your treatment. Dr. Maralani reviews and adjusts the planned tooth movements before your aligners are made. Scans may be repeated during treatment if your plan needs to be refined.

Other tools we use to see your teeth

The iTero scan shows the outside of your teeth and gums. To see inside teeth and below the gums, we use digital X-rays, taken only when they're needed. An intraoral camera lets us show you close-up photos of a single tooth, such as a crack or a worn filling. Together, these help us explain what we see in plain terms.

Aftercare

• No special care is needed after a scan
• You can eat and drink right away
• Ask us any questions about what you saw on the screen
• Bring up any concerns before your treatment plan is finalized

Other options

Traditional impressions with putty trays are still a reliable way to record your teeth and are still used for some cases, depending on the treatment. If you prefer one method, let us know and we'll tell you what's possible for your treatment.

Cost and coverage

A digital scan is usually part of the treatment it's used for, such as Invisalign, rather than a separate service. The overall cost of that treatment depends on its complexity and length. Our fees follow the Ontario Dental Association suggested fee guide. We check your insurance coverage and give you a full estimate before treatment begins.

Our promise: we check your coverage and explain the cost before treatment.

Related services

Related patient guides

• How to care for your clear aligners
• At what age should my child have an orthodontic check?
• Invisalign vs braces: which is right for you?

Trusted health information

• Caring for your teeth and mouth (Government of Canada)
• Oral health (Government of Canada)

iTero Digital Scanning near you

We're at Bathurst and Sheppard in North York. Patients visit from Clanton Park, Lansing-Westgate, Bathurst Manor, Willowdale West, Wilson Heights and Armour Heights, and from across North York and York Region.