If you’ve ever had dental impressions taken the old-fashioned way, you probably remember the tray filled with sticky, putty-like material that you had to bite down on and hold for several uncomfortable minutes. For decades, this was the only way to create molds for braces, Invisalign®, retainers, and other orthodontic appliances. But at Runnels Orthodontics, we’ve upgraded that experience with the iTero™ digital scanner — a modern, mess-free way to capture every detail of your smile.
With iTero scanning, you can say goodbye to gagging, messy molds, and do-overs, and hello to quick, comfortable, and highly accurate results.
What Is the iTero™ Scanner?
The iTero scanner is an advanced digital imaging system that produces high-resolution, three-dimensional images of the teeth and gums. Instead of using traditional impression materials, our orthodontic team utilizes a small handheld wand to capture a complete scan of the mouth.
In just a matter of minutes, we can generate a fully interactive, 3D model of your bite. This model is instrumental in developing a personalized orthodontic plan, whether you are beginning Invisalign® treatment, preparing for braces, or receiving a custom retainer.
How iTero™ Improves the Orthodontic Process
Switching from traditional molds to digital scanning offers more than just a more comfortable appointment. It also delivers greater precision and efficiency for every stage of orthodontic care.
No Mess or Discomfort
The iTero scanning process removes the need for trays filled with impression material. This makes the experience much more comfortable, especially for patients with a strong gag reflex.
Exceptional Precision
The scanner captures thousands of images per second, creating an extremely detailed 3D model of your teeth. This accuracy ensures that orthodontic appliances fit well and work as intended.
Reduced Need for Retakes
Traditional impressions could become distorted or damaged, requiring a second attempt. With iTero, images are reviewed instantly, allowing any small area to be rescanned right away.
Treatment Visualization
The Invisalign Outcome Simulator uses your scan to show a digital preview of your possible results. This gives you a clear picture of what your smile could look like after treatment.
Why Patients Prefer Digital Scanning
Patients often share how much easier iTero scanning makes their orthodontic visits. The technology removes the stress of traditional molds while giving them clear insight into their treatment progress.
Comfortable Experience
Without trays or impression material, there is no gagging, mess, or lingering aftertaste. Patients can relax during the scan and breathe normally throughout the process.
Rapid Process
A complete scan of both arches is typically finished in less than five minutes. This makes appointments shorter and more efficient without sacrificing quality.
Progress Tracking
Digital scans are stored and compared at various stages of treatment. Patients enjoy seeing side-by-side visuals of how their teeth are shifting toward the desired result.
Environmentally Friendly
Because no disposable impression materials are used, there is less waste produced. This helps reduce the environmental footprint of orthodontic care while keeping records entirely digital.
The iTero™ Process: Step by Step
One of the greatest advantages of iTero™ technology is how simple and comfortable the scanning process is from start to finish. In just a few minutes, we can gather all the information needed to create a highly accurate 3D model of your teeth without the mess, discomfort, or anxiety that often comes with traditional impressions.
Preparation
Your appointment begins with ensuring the teeth are clean and dry, which allows the scanner to capture the most accurate images possible. Our orthodontic team will explain each step so you know exactly what to expect before we begin.
Scanning
A trained team member gently moves the small, handheld iTero wand over your teeth and gums. The device captures thousands of images per second without any discomfort, and you can pause at any point if needed.
3D Model Creation
As the scan is performed, the software instantly compiles the images into a complete, three-dimensional model of your mouth. This high-resolution model includes precise details of every ridge, contour, and surface of your teeth.
Treatment Planning
Using this digital model, we design custom aligners, retainers, or other appliances with exceptional precision. The accuracy of this process helps ensure the best possible fit and effectiveness for your treatment.
Integrating iTero™ With Advanced Treatment Planning
The iTero™ scanner does more than create a digital model — it connects directly with specialized orthodontic software and dental laboratories to streamline every stage of your care. These integrations allow our team to send data instantly to Invisalign® and other partners, reducing production times for aligners, retainers, and custom appliances.
The precision of the scan also improves collaboration with general dentists, oral surgeons, and other specialists by providing a clear, shared visual of your teeth and bite. This means your treatment plan is not only more accurate but also more coordinated, ensuring every step works toward the healthiest, most functional smile possible.
Experience the Future of Orthodontics with the iTero Scanner
The iTero™ digital scanner has transformed the way orthodontic care is delivered, replacing outdated, uncomfortable molds with a faster, cleaner, and far more precise process. By combining advanced technology with the expertise of our team, we ensure every patient receives a personalized treatment plan designed for optimal comfort and outstanding results.
At Runnels Orthodontics, we are committed to making your orthodontic journey as seamless and stress-free as possible. Whether you are starting Invisalign®, getting braces, or need a custom retainer, iTero scanning allows us to deliver exceptional accuracy while keeping your comfort at the forefront of care.
Get in touch with us online or at (850) 257-7222. We proudly serve patients in Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Freeport, Rosemary Beach, Watersound, Niceville, Panama City Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Miramar Beach, and Panama City.
