Simplify Your Lab Workflow
The iTero intraoral scanner restorative workflow creates a highly collaborative partnership between labs and practices
An important part of success in dentistry is clear communication, between dentists and patients and between dentists and labs. Without it, patients may not fully understand their oral health condition and your treatment recommendations, and labs can’t provide accurate restorations and oral appliances.
Tools that support clear and concise communication have evolved dramatically in recent years. Rather than relying on x-rays and a description of what you see when explaining areas of concern, you can now turn to 3D imaging and digital intraoral scanning to show patients what you see. And rather than struggling with traditional impressions and multiple phone calls and emails with lab partners, those same tools can ensure accuracy and allow for immediate communication to answer questions and problem-solve.
Consider the iTero Element Flex from Align Technology and the certified pre-owned scanner program. Phil Marianacci of 360° Digilab and Adnan Ahmed, DDS, FICOI, who practices in Perrysburg, OH, both can attest to the iTero intraoral scanner's ability to enhance communication and streamline workflows.
The Lab Perspective
In 2018, Marianacci and his business partner bought a small 5-person dental lab. As tech enthusiasts, they were inspired to take advantage of all the advances happening in dentistry. But they had a little work to do to convince the existing lab techs (and some dentists) to join them in embracing technology.
“There’s still a lot of misinformation out there about what iTero scanners can and can’t do,” explained Marianacci. “Some think you can’t use it for implants or that it’s only for Invisalign treatment.”
Critical to overcoming misinformation is expert support and advice, including from iTero itself. “The reps are super helpful,” Marianacci said. “They don’t just drop off the scanner and walk away. The customer service with Align is amazing.”
360° Digilab’s experience with the iTero Element portfolio of intraoral scanners has translated into more of their dental partners coming on board, although Marianacci and his team do work with doctors who hesitate to integrate the technology into their practices. “We tell them, ‘Don’t worry. As long as you meet us halfway, we’ll get you there,’” Marianacci said. “Along with Align, we help them learn the technology. If they’re dedicated, we’re not going to have any issues. We don’t have a single dentist who’s stuck their iTero scanner in the closet. Most of them wouldn’t let you pry it from their hands.”
“There are a lot of scanners on the market, but the iTero scanner offers more of a comprehensive approach.”
—Adnan Ahmed, DDS, FICOI
Improved Efficiencies
Efficiency in the lab begins with digital impressions. In most cases, the iTero Element scanner process works like this: The doctor scans the patient and immediately transmits the digital impression to the lab, which arrives in minutes. The lab is now in control and decides the next steps in the process, which may include producing a model or exporting the fi le directly to its CAD software. After producing the restoration, the lab delivers it to the dental office. Optional steps within that process include returning the scan to the doctor to correct any issues while the patient is still in the chair. In some instances, the scan may not need to be retaken but might benefit from some enhancement (e.g., to
larify margins). The iTero Modeling and Interpretation service aids doctors and labs by improving the quality of scan data and marking the margin when needed.
“We have better communication immediately,” explained Marianacci. “Let’s take implants, for example. With traditional impressions, you’re looking at about 14 steps between the dental office and the lab. What’s in between there? Human error. With an iTero scanner, you’re looking at 4 or 5 steps.”
In other words, the traditional route adds the potential for mistakes and days before the lab can even start its work, which may be further delayed if the techs encounter problems with the impression. The iTero restorative workflow removes that concern, so both labs and practices feel secure.
Savings and Growth
Streamlining processes doesn’t just help reduce the chance for errors, it also saves practices and labs time and money. “I haven’t crunched the numbers, but I can tell you that gas prices and shipping charges have all increased significantly,” said Marianacci. “So, eliminating those costs can be a huge benefit.”
However, Marianacci sees real savings in terms of better communication, increased accuracy, and fewer remakes. “If you think about it from the practice side, in addition to the costs associated with remakes, there’s the patient’s trust factor,” he explained. “When everything goes right, man, is that powerful. Doctors tell us that’s where they see an increase in bigger cases and a lot of growth.” Dr. Ahmed first heard about iTero from his Invisalign rep. “There are a lot of scanners on the market, but the iTero scanner offers more of a comprehensive approach—not only does it do great impressions for restorative work, but it’s integrated into Invisalign treatment as well,” said Dr. Ahmed. “That right there adds value to the practice—the fact that you can scan someone for a crown and scan someone else for orthodontics with the same device.”
Patient Engagement
The iTero scanner helps improve patients' overall practice experience by giving them valuable insight into their oral conditions. Dr. Ahmed’s patients who had crown procedures 5 or 10 years ago and endured biting into impression material can attest to the improved experience with an iTero scanner.
“When I introduce the scanner to my patients, they’re just amazed,” Dr. Ahmed said. “They’re like ‘Wow, this is so cool.’”
The iTero scanner also offers opportunities for patient education because they can see how the proposed treatment will work. Dr. Ahmed explained: “We can scan a patient before we start and show them where the wear facets are. It can provide engaging visualizations at chairside. So, it can really help the patient understand and we can educate them about the ‘why’ behind the treatment and it makes them a lot more receptive.”
When proposing Invisalign treatment, dentists can use Invisalign Outcome Simulator to show patients what their smile can look like. “For them to actually see that 'before and after' right now and what they could look like is such a strong visual,” Dr. Ahmed said. “It really helps with case acceptance.”
Mission: Collaboration
The practice-lab partnership relies on clear, consistent communication to ensure the best outcomes for patients. Tools like iTero that aid collaboration enable dentists and lab techs to streamline processes and respond quickly to immediate needs. The iTero scanner serves as the hub for that collaboration, enhancing treatment and growing practices and labs. “We’re all working for the patient,” said Marianacci. “It’s incredible what we’ve learned along the way. If you keep your curiosity open, the discoveries are endless.”
