Torrance Dentist

iTero Scanner – Digital Impressions – Speed, Accuracy & ComfortTorrance, CA

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Steve S. Kim, DDS is proud to offer iTero Digital Impressions for our patients. Unpleasant putty impressions are a thing of the past with the iTero Digital system!

For patients who are candidates for Invisalign aligners, an accurate impression is essential for effective treatment. The accuracy and detail of the iTero scan vs a putty impression is comparable to watching HDTV over standard definition TV.

The iOC Scanner captures the contours of tooth and gingival structures, producing an accurate digital scan in minutes. This non-invasive procedure is ideal for patients undergoing treatment with Invisalign and clear aligners. No unpleasant putty material traditionally associated with taking impressions.

How ITero Works

The iTero handheld wand takes a digital, 3D image of your prepared teeth, stopping as needed. The wand is non-invasive, and you can breathe and swallow as needed during the procedure. If you need to move or adjust, you can do so – the accuracy of the handheld wand is first-rate. Needing to “re-do” impressions is rare. Plus, you can look at the iTero 3D image on the screen in real-time as the orthodontist moves the wand!

Instead of shipping impressions to the lab to be scanned, the digital image of your teeth is sent electronically to the lab and is available in the Invisalign Clincheck system the very next day. This 3D model of your mouth can be used with all Invisalign services – including the Invisalign Outcome Simulator, which shows what your new smile might look like after treatment is completed.

View the video below to learn more about the iTero scanning process:

Benefits of iTero

  • Eliminates Putty Impressions – the most invasive procedure in daily Invisalign care. No more goopy, unpleasant aftertaste of traditional impressions. An increase in your comfort!
  • Superior Accuracy – with no distortion from patient movement during set, removal of impression, or disinfection.
  • Onscreen Visualization – allows for immediate adjustment to create the ideal dental scan the first time. The iTero image appears on the screen as we scan your mouth in real time!
  • Single Use Imaging Shield – to ensure maximum cleanliness

Scheduling your appointment is as easy as calling our Steve S. Kim, DDS team in Torrance at (310) 539-5300.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How long does it take an Invisalign dentist to straighten teeth?

A. The treatment length depends on the severity of the problem. Slight misalignments take less time, while more significant issues take longer. Our team can offer a more precise estimate during consultation.

Q. Is teeth straightening only about a great smile?

A. Straighter teeth can lead to better oral health. When teeth are crooked, people can find it difficult to clean some areas properly. Having straighter teeth should help people clean their teeth more easily and thoroughly.

Q. Do aligners hurt?

A. Patients may feel discomfort for the first few days with each new aligner. The treatment design shifts teeth with each new aligner. Patients will feel the most pressure at the start of each new position, but this signifies that the treatment is progressing.

Q. How should I clean my aligners?

A. Patients can choose to use the Invisalign cleaning system or brush the aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear liquid soap. Avoid using hot water, which may warp the trays. It is also important to soak the trays every day for 15 to 30 minutes.

Q. Will I have to wear a retainer?

A. Although Invisalign moves teeth differently from traditional metal braces, the results are still the same. After treatment, a retainer will prevent teeth from shifting back out of alignment. Patients can discuss retainers with our team for more information.

Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile

By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.

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Invisalign® Terminology

Aligner Trays
With Invisalign® treatment, the patient will receive a series of aligner trays and swap out each one for the next one in the series every two weeks in order to gradually straighten the teeth.
Blue Compliance Indicator (Invisalign® Teen)
The blue compliance indicator is a small blue dot on the aligners that will fade from blue to clear in order to indicate if the patient is wearing the aligner for the proper amount of time and where the patient is in the Invisalign® process.
ClinCheck® Software
ClinCheck® software allows professionals to map out the straightening process the patient’s teeth will go through with Invisalign® in great detail.
Gum Line
The gum line is the line in the mouth where the teeth and gums meet. If a patient struggles with gum recession, then the gum tissue around the teeth may begin to wear away.
Incisal Ridges
Incisal ridges are the portion of the crown of the tooth that makes up the incisal portion and can be a direct cause of overbite if they are extended too far.
iTero Element® Scanner
An iTero Element® scanner allows professionals to create a 3D image of the patient’s teeth in minutes and predict what it will take to move the teeth into proper alignment.
Malocclusion
Malocclusion is the condition in which the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly when the bite is closed. Conditions of malocclusion can include overbite, underbite, crossbite and open bite; all of which are treatable with Invisalign®.
Overbite
An overbite is a type of malocclusion that occurs when the upper teeth jut out over the lower teeth, covering them and causing other issues.
Polyurethane Resin
Polyurethane Resin is a USP Class VI medical grade, high molecular weight compound that makes up the Invisalign® aligners.
SmartForce Attachments
SmartForce attachments are small attachments that professionals place on the patient’s teeth before placing aligners to help move the teeth.
Smart Track® Material
Smart Track® material is in Invisalign® aligners to increase comfort, improve control of movement, increases the speed of treatment and applies a gentle force to the teeth over time.
Smile-Scan
Smile-Scan analyzes the way a patient smiles by measuring the position of the mouth and eyes before giving a score.
Vivera® Retainers
Vivera® retainers are a type of retainer that consists of clear plastic material and helps to maintain orthodontic corrections after a treatment.

Call Us Today

Invisalign treatment is a great alternative to metal braces to achieve straighter, healthier-looking teeth. Our team at Steve S. Kim, DDS can help. Call us today at (310) 539-5300 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.

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Contact Us

Steve S. Kim, DDS is located at 2724 Sepulveda Blvd Torrance, CA 90505.

(310) 539-5300