Dr. Mary-Anne MacDonald, Principal Dentist of Scotia Dental in Halifax shares insights on how digital scanning technology is transforming dental care.
From AI-powered diagnostics to 3D-printed crowns and implants, to new less invasive veneer technologies, the dental industry is experiencing a digital renaissance. At its core lies the crucial step of obtaining precise oral cavity impressions. The iTero intraoral scanner, a hand-held device creating highly detailed digital impressions, is revolutionizing this foundational aspect of dental care.
It's clear that digital scanning is more than a trend—it's the cornerstone of modern dentistry. Dr. Mary-Anne MacDonald, a dentist at Scotia Dental in Halifax, offers insights into the transformative impact of iTero scanners on dental care.
The iTero Advantage: Beyond Orthodontics
While often associated with clear aligner treatments, Dr. MacDonald emphasizes iTero's broader applications. "The iTero scanner has revolutionized our approach to comprehensive dental care," she explains. "Its capabilities extend far beyond orthodontics, enhancing our ability to provide top-tier care across all aspects of dentistry."
Dr. MacDonald outlines key advantages of integrating iTero scanners into dental practices:
1. Enhanced Patient Education and Engagement
iTero scanners improve patient understanding and involvement in their dental health. "The visual clarity provided by iTero scans has been a game-changer in patient education," Dr. MacDonald notes. "When patients see detailed, three-dimensional images of their mouth, it's much easier for them to comprehend their dental conditions and proposed treatments."
This enhanced visualization leads to increased trust and treatment acceptance. "We've seen a marked increase in patients agreeing to both restorative and preventative treatments since introducing the iTero scanner," Dr. MacDonald shares.
2. Improved Record Keeping and Treatment Planning
The precision of digital scans allows for more comprehensive treatment planning. "With iTero scans, we can highlight issues like abfractions, recession, wear, and tooth tipping with incredible detail," Dr. MacDonald explains. The scanner's Timelapse comparison tool has proven particularly valuable, allowing patients to visualize changes in their oral health over time.”
3. Enhanced Patient Comfort
The iTero scanner offers a more comfortable alternative to traditional impression methods, especially for patients with sensitive gag reflexes. "Patients consistently express relief at not needing traditional alginate impressions," Dr. MacDonald shares.
4. Increased Efficiency and Accuracy
Digital scanning streamlines the record-taking process. "The iTero scanner has eliminated the need for physical models, saving time and improving accuracy, as digital scans can be instantly shared with labs or specialists," Dr. MacDonald explains.
5. Early Detection of Dental Issues
The high-resolution imaging capabilities of the iTero scanner can reveal issues that might be missed during a regular visual examination. Dr. MacDonald recounts, "We had a patient come in with what they thought was just a single broken tooth. During the iTero scan, we discovered an additional tooth fracture that had gone unnoticed."
The Hygienist's Perspective
Hygienists have found the technology particularly beneficial. Vanessa Bromley, reflecting on her time as a dental hygienist at Assiniboine Dental Group, shares, "Patients love seeing the technology in action. It's a great way to start conversations about oral health and helps us explain concerns or treatment options more effectively."
Improved Clinical Outcomes Across Multiple Practices
Nancy Lohnes, the practice manager at Scotia Dental, has observed significant improvements since implementing iTero scanners:
"At the practice, we've noted a significant uptick in the accuracy of treatments and overall patient satisfaction. The precision of digital impressions has led to better-fitting restorations and more predictable outcomes in our clear aligner treatments. We've also observed a positive impact on our bottom line through increased case acceptance and reduced remakes."
Looking to the Future
As digital scanning technology evolves, Dr. MacDonald sees it playing an increasingly central role in dental practices. "The iTero scanner has already transformed how we approach patient care," she concludes. "As the technology advances, I believe we'll see even more applications that will further enhance our ability to provide precise, personalized, and comfortable dental care."
For dental professionals interested in integrating iTero scanners into their practices, Dr. MacDonald advises, "The initial learning curve is well worth the long-term benefits. The improved patient experience, increased efficiency, and enhanced treatment planning capabilities make iTero scanners a valuable asset to any modern dental practice."
Interested in learning more about iTero scanners or integrating them into your practice? For further information, please reach out to the Practice Development team at practicedevelopment@dentalcorp.ca.
