Itero Element 2 Intraoral Scanner

​iTero has been a reliable source for dental scans for over 80 million restorative and orthodontic cases. It is renowned for designing innovative and aerodynamic intraoral scanners for dental practices. The introduction of the Element 2 imaging system has allowed general practitioners, orthodontists, and technicians to streamline their workflow.

​The Element 2 intraoral scanner is one of iTero’s specialty products for speed, reliability, intuitive operations, and outstanding visualization. The system features an intuitive 21.5” touch widescreen, high-definition visualization, AI-powered software, and an ergonomic scanning wand.

Element 2 Scanning System Features

​The screen interface is high-definition and multi-touch. It displays scanned images in real-time speed. Images captured by the scanning wand are processed and automatically stitched into a full-color rendering of anatomy on-screen. The images are displayed in 3D with improved visualization. Realistic color images help to easily differentiate gingival and dental tissue. Built-in controls allow dentists to rotate models on screen. The display can be used with vinyl, latex, and nitrile gloves.

In addition, artificial intelligence helps to power the system. For increased efficiency, the Element 2 is engineered for seamless communication. Using advanced algorithms, the final results can be simulated before the treatment even begins. Once created, all simulations, scans, files, and records can be archived to the cloud. Restorative STL files can be sent directly to the dental lab or exported from the MyiTero platform. They are accessible at any time from a scanner, PC, or tablet. The system also has iTero iTero Time-lapse Technology, which allows dentists and patients to compare current and past scans.

​The ergonomic construct of the software, hardware, wand, and cradle contributed to the winning of the 2018 GOOD DESIGN® award. For improved mobility, convenience, and ease of use, the wand is 40% smaller and lighter and the tablet connects to a mobile rolling cart. The wand features a combination of optical and laser scanning to achieve extreme accuracy and obtain a better evaluation.With parallel confocal imaging, a precise representation of tooth and gingival morphology can be achieved. With productivity in mind, the system is built with 25% faster scan processing and start up time, and long-lasting battery for increased performance.Scanning can be uninterrupted for up to 30 minutes unplugged. The wand is designed to up to 6,000 frames per minute, allowing dentists to cover a full arch easily under one minute. 

Clinical Study

​A study conducted by The Journal of Clinical Dentistry confirms a positive correlation between the introduction of iTero digital scanning and case volume and practice growth. The study was performed for 48 consecutive months and monitored 1,871 general practitioners and orthodontic practices worldwide.

For general practitioners, it was found that within the first year of use, the iTero scanner can pay itself off, there was an increase in case volume, and an increase in sales. Within one year, the amount of profit made superseded the initial cost of the iTero scanning system. It was found that practices averaged 5.92 additional Invisalign cases per year. In addition, they saw an additional $32,560 in Invisalign sales.

For orthodontic practices, the study showed the dental scanner could pay itself off in half the time, and that there was an even larger increase in cases and sales compared to the results of general practitioners. The study found that the scanner could be paid off within 6 months due to increased efficiency. Orthodontists experienced an average of 12.42 additional Invisalign cases and an additional $66,000 in sales within the first year.

Analog vs. Digital Impression Process

While many dentists still prefer traditional impression-taking methods, digital dental impressions have proven to be overwhelmingly preferred by dental labs and patients. Many dentists are now moving towards digital because they have enabled a shortened workflow, while increasing patient comfort.

Analog impression process:
1. Gather materials. May be messy and result in patient discomfort.
2. Create alginate mold. Any imperfections can cause a rejection. 
3. Mail physical molds to the lab. Shipping costs, time, and potential damage in the mail must be considered.
4. Wait for results. May take a few days for labs to receive, scan, and analyze. If found to be unacceptable, start again.
5. Receive feedback.  Final adjustments can be made to the treatment plan.
6. Start treatment. 

Digital impression process:
1. Scan patient. Capture digitized impressions in real-time.
2. Diagnose and educate. Treatment plans can be made chairside immediately after scanning.
3. Share scans and receive feedback. Immediate transfer via a digital portal.
​4. Start treatment. Monitor each step through the digital portal.

Benefits of iTero Element 2 Intraoral Scanner

Extreme precision. The intraoral scanner provides highly detailed and precise representations of the patient’s mouth. With just a quick scan, the advanced technology helps to ease the dentist’s work, improve patients’ experience, and provide quality images. With enhanced visualization, the likelihood of repeat procedures is very unlikely. 

Enhanced speed. Hundreds of frames can be captured per second to produce sharp and accurate dental scans. Its fast processing speed allows images to be converted in real-time for a 3D-rendition of the patient’s mouth. Additionally, the lab can receive scans and provide feedback and treatment plans in less time. Dentists reduce chair time while increasing their case volume.

Mess-free technology. Scanning can be completed without impression materials, powder, precision materials, or complicated procedures. All that is needed is the wand and display screen.

Digital Dental Lab Near Me

​Looking for local dental labs that specialize in digital scanners and dental CAD/CAM? The Dental Lab is highly digitized and we accept STL files from all intraoral scanners. Visit our Send a Case page to find out how to pair your scanner to our system. In addition, we offer our partnering doctors FREE iTero Element 2 digital dental scanners. Visit our IOS program page for more information. With our excellent shipping services, we are able to deliver products all over the nation in a matter of days, making us a dental lab near you–wherever you are. Call today to get started.

Sources:
The iTero Element 2 imaging system
iTero® Element 2 is an Intuitive, Versatile Intraoral Scanner for Improved Patient Treatment
iTero™ intraoral scanners
Acquisition of a Digital Intraoral Scanning Device
Scan. Repeat. Grow.

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