At American Braces & Smile Center Orthodontics, we use the iTero™ Element digital scanner — the most advanced intraoral scanning technology available in orthodontic care today. The iTero scanner replaces traditional putty impressions with a fast, comfortable, radiation-free 3D digital scan of your teeth and gums, completed in minutes. Whether you are starting Invisalign treatment, getting fitted for retainers, or exploring other orthodontic options — the iTero scanner gives Dr. Ron Hessamfar the most precise picture of your mouth possible, and gives you a digital preview of your expected results before treatment even begins.
iTero™ Digital Scanner at ABSC Orthodontics — No Messy Impressions, No Radiation
What Is the iTero Scanner?
The iTero™ Element is a handheld intraoral digital scanner that captures over 6,000 images per second using safe laser imaging technology to create an instant, precise 3D model of your teeth and gums — with no putty, no trays, and no discomfort. The scanner — which resembles a small wand — is gently guided across the surfaces of your teeth and gums. Within minutes, a fully detailed 3D digital model appears on the screen in real time, which both you and Dr. Hessamfar can view and interact with immediately. Digital impressions taken with the iTero scanner have been shown to result in up to seven times fewer fitting issues with Invisalign aligners compared to traditional putty impressions — meaning your aligners fit better, your treatment progresses more predictably, and adjustments are rarely needed.
What Happens During an iTero Scan?
The iTero scanning process is simple, quick, and completely comfortable:
- Step 1 — Preparation: Dr. Hessamfar or a member of the ABSC team will explain the process before the scan begins. No preparation or anesthetic is needed
- Step 2 — Scanning: The small, lightweight iTero wand is gently moved across your upper and lower teeth and gums in a systematic pattern, capturing thousands of images per second at every angle
- Step 3 — Real-time 3D model: As the scan progresses, a detailed 3D model of your teeth builds in real time on the screen — you can watch your own dental structure appear, tooth by tooth, as the wand moves
- Step 4 — Smile simulation: For Invisalign patients, Dr. Hessamfar can use the Invisalign Outcome Simulator to show you a digital preview of what your smile could look like after treatment — before you commit to anything
- Step 5 — Treatment planning: The completed digital model is immediately available for Dr. Hessamfar to use for precise, accurate treatment planning — or to send directly to the Invisalign lab for fabrication of your custom aligners
Many scans are completed in as little as 60 seconds for straightforward cases, though a full-mouth orthodontic scan typically takes 2 to 5 minutes. The entire process is entirely painless — you breathe normally throughout and can pause at any time to ask questions.
Is the iTero Scanner Safe?
Yes — completely. The iTero Element scanner is safe, accurate, and comfortable for all patients. Key safety facts:
- No radiation: The iTero scanner uses laser imaging technology — not X-ray radiation. This makes it completely safe for pregnant patients and for patients who require frequent scans throughout treatment
- Non-invasive: The wand hovers over and near your teeth to collect images — it does not contact tooth surfaces with force, cause any pressure, or require anesthetic of any kind
- No gag reflex: Unlike traditional putty impressions, which fill the mouth with material and trigger a gag reflex in many patients, the iTero wand never blocks the airway. Patients who previously struggled with conventional impressions find iTero scans comfortable and stress-free
- FDA-cleared device: The iTero Element is an FDA-cleared medical device used by thousands of orthodontic practices worldwide
What Are iTero Scans Used for at ABSC?
At ABSC, the iTero scanner is used across multiple stages and types of orthodontic treatment:
- Invisalign treatment planning: The primary use of iTero at ABSC — your 3D scan data is sent directly to the Invisalign lab where it is used to fabricate your custom aligners to exact specifications. More accurate scans mean better-fitting aligners and more predictable results.
- Retainer fabrication: Post-treatment retainers are fabricated from your iTero scan — delivering a precise fit that holds your results more reliably than retainers made from conventional impressions
- Traditional braces treatment planning: Even for patients choosing traditional braces, iTero scans provide Dr. Hessamfar with a more detailed starting baseline of your dental structure than traditional impressions
- Progress monitoring: The iTero scanner enables Dr. Hessamfar to capture interval scans throughout your treatment and overlay them using the TimeLapse feature — showing the precise movement of your teeth from scan to scan, confirming treatment is progressing as planned
- Other dental restorations: iTero scans can also support planning for dental implants, crowns, veneers, and bridges — though these services are provided by your general dentist or dental specialist rather than at ABSC
Preview Your New Smile Before Treatment Begins
One of the most popular features of the iTero scanner at ABSC is the Invisalign Outcome Simulator — a digital tool that uses your 3D scan to project what your smile could look like after Invisalign treatment is complete. You can view this simulation on-screen at your consultation appointment, giving you a realistic visual of your expected results before you make any commitment. If you want to adjust your treatment goals based on what you see — Dr. Hessamfar can discuss modifications to your plan right then and there. No starting treatment blind — you see your destination before the journey begins.
Benefits of iTero Scanning at ABSC
- No messy impressions — ever. No putty trays, no gagging, no residue in your mouth
- Faster appointments. Most full-mouth orthodontic scans complete in minutes — reducing chair time significantly
- More accurate results. Digital impressions eliminate the material shrinkage, air bubbles, and distortions common with traditional putty
- Instant 3D visualization. You see your own teeth in real-time 3D as the scan is captured — demystifying the process and helping you understand your treatment
- Preview your smile before committing. The Invisalign Outcome Simulator shows your expected post-treatment smile at the consultation appointment
- Safer for all patients. No radiation — safe for pregnant patients and for use at every appointment throughout treatment
- Better-fitting aligners and retainers. Greater scan accuracy means appliances fit correctly the first time, reducing the need for remakes and adjustments
- Treatment progress tracking. The TimeLapse overlay feature lets Dr. Hessamfar confirm tooth movement against the treatment plan at each scan interval
- Lower rejection rate. Digital impressions have a significantly lower rejection rate than putty — meaning fewer repeat appointments for the patient
iTero Digital Scanning vs. Traditional Putty Impressions
| Feature | iTero Digital Scanner | Traditional Putty Impressions |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | Wand gently glides over teeth — no material in mouth | Trays filled with putty held in mouth for minutes |
| Gag reflex | No gag risk — airway never blocked | Common trigger for gag reflex in many patients |
| Speed | Completed in 60 seconds to 5 minutes | Multiple trays, setting time, repeat if distorted |
| Accuracy | Up to 7× fewer aligner fitting issues | Subject to material shrinkage, air bubbles, distortion |
| Radiation | None — laser imaging only | None — but messy and less precise |
| Real-time preview | 3D model visible immediately on screen | No real-time patient viewing |
| Smile simulation | Invisalign Outcome Simulator available | Not available |
| Lab turnaround | Digital file sent instantly — faster fabrication | Physical model must be shipped to lab |
Experience iTero Scanning at Any ABSC Location
The iTero™ Element scanner is available at all three ABSC orthodontic offices across Northern Virginia. Every new patient consultation begins with a complimentary iTero scan — no messy impressions, no radiation, and a real-time look at your smile in 3D.
- Ashburn, VA — serving Ashburn, Leesburg, Sterling, Herndon, Chantilly, and Reston
- Woodbridge, VA — serving Woodbridge, Manassas, Dale City, Dumfries, and Lake Ridge
- Alexandria, VA — serving Alexandria, Fairfax, Springfield, McLean, and Annandale
Call us at 703-726-6561 or book your free consultation online to experience iTero scanning for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions — iTero Digital Scanner
Does the iTero scanner use radiation?
No. The iTero Element scanner uses laser imaging technology — not X-ray or any other form of radiation. It is completely safe for all patients, including pregnant women and children, and can be used at every appointment throughout treatment without any radiation exposure.
Is an iTero scan painful?
Not at all. The iTero wand is gently guided near and over the surfaces of your teeth and gums — it does not press into or contact teeth with force. There is no discomfort, no anesthetic required, and no gagging. Patients who previously struggled with traditional putty impressions almost universally find the iTero scan to be a significantly more comfortable experience.
How long does an iTero scan take?
Many scans complete in as little as 60 seconds. A full-mouth orthodontic scan typically takes 2 to 5 minutes depending on the case. The 3D model is generated and visible on screen in real time as the scan progresses.
What is the Invisalign Outcome Simulator?
The Invisalign Outcome Simulator is a digital tool built into the iTero system that uses your 3D scan to generate a visualization of what your smile could look like after completing Invisalign treatment. Dr. Hessamfar can show this simulation at your consultation appointment — giving you a preview of your expected results before you begin treatment.
Is the iTero scan used for treatments other than Invisalign?
Yes. At ABSC, iTero scans are used for Invisalign treatment planning, retainer fabrication, traditional braces baseline records, and treatment progress monitoring. iTero technology can also support planning for dental implants, crowns, and veneers — though those services are provided outside of ABSC by your general dentist or specialist.
Are digital impressions more accurate than traditional impressions?
Yes. Digital impressions with the iTero scanner eliminate the material shrinkage, air bubbles, and distortions that frequently occur with traditional putty impressions. Patients who have iTero scans before Invisalign treatment have experienced up to seven times fewer fitting issues with their aligners compared to patients who had traditional impressions taken.
Advanced Technology Backed by Expertise You Can Trust
I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
