iTero Element 5D Plus Imaging System: Instant Gratification
Streamlined workflows, innovative technology, and patient engagement all tally to the bottom line
Playing the waiting game never satisfies anyone—not patients and not dentists. Both want to uncover the problem, start the treatment, and see the results… now. Luckily, many dental companies recognize this need and work to develop technologies that satisfy it. The iTero Element 5D Plus imaging system from Align Technology is a perfect example of a medical device company designing and manufacturing to meet the moment. With features such as 3D scanning, near-infrared imaging (NIRI), an integrated color intraoral camera, Invisalign Outcome Simulator Pro, and iTero TimeLapse technology, this imaging system provides the immediacy so many patients and clinicians crave. The result: engaged patients, treatment acceptance, and workflow efficiency, all of which add up to practice growth.
Three Technologies in One
“The technology behind the imaging system and its uses are tremendous,” said Mitchell Pasenkoff, DMD, who has a general practice in Norfolk, MA. He described the interaction among the 3D scanner, intraoral camera, and NIRI images as excellent.
“The technology behind the imaging system and its uses are tremendous.”
—Mitchell Pasenkoff, DMD
Dr. Pasenkoff is especially enamored by the system’s ability to provide a more visual presentation, which he says enhances patient engagement. When taking a scan, the system simultaneously records 3D, intraoral camera, and NIRI images, which you can then view side by side. When saved to the patient’s electronic record, these images can be used to monitor and assess progress. Sharing them with patients aids patient communication and education, enhances understanding of the oral condition, and supports the explanation of treatment recommendations.
Ease of Scanning
The simplicity of scanning with the iTero Element 5D Plus imaging system has been a time-saver in Dr. Pasenkoff’s practice. The previous scanner he used required that he hover over the tooth to collect the image, an awkward maneuver that could lead to errors. “With the iTero scanner, you just put the wand right on the tooth, which helps ensure accurate capture.”
And compared to traditional impressions, the experience is far superior for the patient. “Taking a quick scan without having to do traditional impression taking—which involves bitter-tasting material and stretching the patient’s mouth to fi t the tray—has made a real difference in treatment acceptance,” said Dr. Pasenkoff. “The easier the scan, the greater the acceptance rate for Invisalign treatment.”
The system's NIRI technology aids in detection and monitoring of interproximal caries above the gingiva in real time,* which Dr. Pasenkoff said is a useful tool when treating both children and adults.
See the Future Now
The latest Invisalign Outcome Simulator Pro works in the background of the scanner to create realistic treatment simulations that you can share with patients while they’re in the chair. This immediacy satisfies the patient’s desire to see what treatment can accomplish and helps practices keep their workflows running smoothly. In-face visualizations combine a photo of a patient's face with the 3D treatment simulation, creating a personalized experience.
“The Invisalign Outcome Simulator Pro has really helped with treatment acceptance,” said Dr. Pasenkoff. “It’s instant gratification from showing the patient their potential new smile after Invisalign treatment, and then sending the images to the Invisalign Doctor Site. Rather than weeks, the process takes just hours.”
Compare and Contrast
iTero TimeLapse technology allows users to compare treatment progress as well as disease advancement and condition results (such as wear from bruxing) over time. This is how it works: Using the patient screen on the unit, choose 2 scans you’ve taken at different times. The unit then analyzes the scans in minutes, creating a color map with different colors to highlight changes (as small as 0.5 mm) detected between the images. Using yellow for small changes and then progressing to red for areas with a greater degree of change helps patients recognize the potential severity of the situation and can help them better understand the need for treatment.
“Again, the more visual presentation with the scanner makes a huge difference in treatment acceptance,” said Dr. Pasenkoff. “It helps patients understand what’s happening, so they see the need for treatment.”
Overall Better Experience
Dr. Pasenkoff finds the overall experience with the iTero Element 5D Plus imaging system to be significantly better than with his previous scanner and especially compared to traditional impressions. “It takes away the headaches of mixing impressions. It makes things much neater and straightforward. No waiting for material to harden and then doing a second.” For Dr. Pasenkoff, the technology streamlines the whole process, improves quality of work, increases treatment acceptance, and saves the practice (and patients) time. All of these elements add up to an excellent return on investment for the practice.
