Dr. Metcalf prioritizes focusing on the cutting edge of orthodontic clinical research. Align Technology, a leading research, design and manufacturer of orthodontic products extended an invitation to partner with them in their clinical research and development of their Intraoral Digital Scanner.
This included being part of iTero clinical digital “impressionless” studies of real time digital study models and orthodontic appliances. Dr. Metcalf is one of only three orthodontists worldwide to pioneer this digital orthodontic research study. It is a great honor for him to play such a vital role in the advancement of digital orthodontics, which will one day completely eliminate the need for orthodontic impressions.
The iTero Scanner Truly Makes a Difference!
The iTero Scanner brings new possibilities to capturing orthodontic impressions. Patients are able to view a 3D model of their teeth and jaws on a touchscreen in real time. The scanner uses a wand that is unobtrusive and can be easily tolerated, even by patients with a strong gag response. The result is a more accurate diagnosis, and your treatment appliances prescribed and prepared for you faster than ever before – meaning you spend less time in the chair!
How It Works
The iTero scanner digitally captures the structure of the teeth and gums using the latest optical technology. The scanner is a compact, hand-held wand. Once the scanning process begins, it can be stopped and started as many times as necessary.
Your mouth is scanned with a radiation-free laser and, in as little as two to three minutes, the laser renders a digitally perfect, 3D impression of your teeth and soft tissue structures. Through digital software, you’ll then be able to follow the progress of the scans, including a 3D model of your teeth on our computer screen. The iTero scanner can be used for orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign or other customized braces appliances that would traditionally require putty like impressions.