Digital Impressions in Bellevue, WA
Reviewed by Dr. Barton Soper, Orthodontist
Digital impressions replace messy putty molds with a fast, comfortable 3D scan of your teeth. At Advanced Orthodontics Bellevue, we use the iTero® scanner to capture a highly accurate digital model in minutes, which Dr. Barton Soper uses to plan braces and Invisalign® with greater precision and better-fitting results.
If you remember biting into a tray of cold, gooey putty to get an impression of your teeth, we have good news. At Advanced Orthodontics Bellevue, those days are over. We use the iTero® digital scanner to capture a precise 3D image of your teeth in just minutes, with no mess and no gagging. The difference is like upgrading from a fuzzy standard-definition picture to crisp HDTV. For you, that means more comfort, more accuracy, and a clearer picture of where your smile is headed. Here is how digital impressions work and why they matter for your treatment.
What Are Digital Impressions?
Digital impressions are 3D scans of your teeth and gums taken with a handheld wand instead of putty-filled trays. As the scanner moves around your mouth, it builds a detailed, full-color model of your teeth on a screen in real time. There is nothing to bite into, nothing to set, and nothing to gag on. In a few minutes, we have a precise digital record of your smile that we can use right away.
How the iTero Scanner Works
The iTero® scanner is a small, comfortable wand that captures thousands of images and stitches them into an accurate 3D model:
- A gentle scan. We glide the wand around your teeth. There is no radiation like a traditional X-ray, and nothing sharp or messy.
- A 3D model in minutes. Your teeth appear on the screen as a detailed digital model you can see for yourself.
- Precise planning. Dr. Soper uses that model to design your treatment, whether you are getting Invisalign®, clear aligners, or braces.
Why Digital Impressions Are Better for You
- No mess, no gagging. The most uncomfortable part of old-fashioned impressions is gone.
- Greater accuracy. A precise digital model means better-fitting aligners and appliances, and fewer remakes.
- Faster and more convenient. Scans take minutes, and your records can be sent digitally for aligner fabrication.
- A clear preview. Many patients can see a digital simulation of their future smile, so you know what to expect before you begin.
- Comfort for sensitive patients. If putty trays have triggered your gag reflex in the past, scanning is far easier.
Used for Both Braces and Invisalign
Digital impressions are not just for clear aligners. Dr. Soper uses your iTero® scan to plan a full range of treatments, from Invisalign® and clear aligners to traditional and SureSmile® braces. The same accurate 3D foundation makes every type of treatment more precise. Learn more about our full range of tools on the advanced technology page.
Experience No-Putty Impressions in Bellevue
See how comfortable modern orthodontics can be. Your first visit is free and includes a quick digital scan. Call (425) 747-9494 or request your free consultation online. Advanced Orthodontics Bellevue is on NE Bel-Red Road, just minutes from Crossroads and Overlake, serving Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Sammamish, and Mercer Island.
FAQ
Do digital impressions hurt?
No. A digital scan is comfortable and touch-free in the sense that there is no putty or tray to bite into. We simply move a small wand around your teeth while you relax.
Are digital scans more accurate than putty molds?
Yes. Digital scans capture fine detail that putty can miss, and they are not affected by setting time or distortion. That accuracy means better-fitting aligners and appliances.
Is the iTero scanner an X-ray? Is it safe?
The iTero scanner uses safe optical scanning, not radiation, to build a 3D model of your teeth. It is safe for children, teens, and adults.
Can I see my teeth during the scan?
Yes. One of the best parts is watching your 3D model appear on the screen in real time, and often seeing a preview of your potential results.