Aesthetic and restorative dentist Elaine Halley invested in her first iTero scanner back in 2011. Today, she admits that she would seriously reconsider the work that she does if her iTero scanners were taken away.
Dr Halley explains how she has now really embraced utilising intraoral scanners as an integral component of her everyday practice – using them right from the very beginning of the patient experience as part of the dental examination. Routine records therefore include scans which help build up a comparison over time of all the changes that are happening in someone’s mouth.
Dr Halley considers her scanner as the most important part of looking into the patient’s mouth and instantly refers to the scan before doing anything too intrusive.
‘There’s a huge increase in trust from the get-go because patients are seeing the level of investment that we are making in technology, and also seeing themselves as they have never seen before really gives that huge wow factor,’ she says.
Dr Halley further explains that the iTero scanner’s NIRI technology (near-infrared imaging) helps patients see the structure of their teeth and any calculus build-up, and this digital walkthrough in the diagnostic process is the most valuable tool she uses in practice. Using the NIRI functionality first on her teenage daughter really created a mindset shift as Dr Halley realised how sensitive NIRI was compared with bite wings.
Confidence in final outcome
In Dr Halley’s view, a primary benefit of using iTero scanner relates to the accuracy of fit – be it for aligners or restorations. This removes that possibility of any discrepancies in the impression and the risk of sending restorations back. The patient experience is also enhanced as they don’t have to go through any uncomfortable impression taking.
Dr Halley also values the fact she can see her preparations on the screen before she has finished the treatment. This allows her to make changes as she sees fit and this adds to the level of accuracy and gives her more confidence in the final outcome.
Speed and accuracy are key. Recently Dr Halley purchased the new iTero Lumina scanner which she describes as really fast, even compared with the other iTero scanners she has used. She explains how the photo realism of the images is crystal clear and makes the capture of the soft tissue so much easier and so much more complete.
‘Being able to treatment plan remotely logging into myITero.com is also a huge benefit and has also been a game changer,’ she concludes.
Want to find out more about how you can elevate your patient journey with the iTero Lumina scanner? Join Elaine Halley on Tuesday 23 September at 7pm for her upcoming webinar. Register here.
This article is sponsored by Align Technology.
