iTero Digital Impressions: Comfortable Scans for Your Smile
At Parmer Lane Orthodontics, we know your first visit sets the tone for the rest of your treatment. That's why we use iTero digital impressions for every new patient in our Austin office, instead of the messy trays and goop that used to come with getting braces or Invisalign. This fast, comfortable scan works alongside Dr. Desai's unrushed, personal approach to care. We welcome a broad range of PPO insurance plans, and we offer Saturday appointments by request, so fitting a scan into your family's week is simple.
What Are iTero Digital Impressions?
An iTero scanner is a small handheld wand that takes clear digital pictures of your teeth and bite. As Dr. Desai or a team member moves it gently around your mouth, a 3D model of your smile builds right on the screen in front of you. There's no tray, no putty, and no waiting for anything to set.
This scanner is one of the tools we use as part of our Technology & Smile Enhancements at Parmer Lane Orthodontics. We use it to plan treatment, check progress, and design appliances with real precision, all while keeping the visit relaxed and simple.
Benefits of Digital Impressions & X-Rays
- No goop, no gagging, and no mess in your mouth
- Faster appointments, most scans take just a few minutes
- Clearer, more detailed pictures that help Dr. Desai plan your treatment
- Lower radiation digital X-rays that are comfortable for patients of every age
- A screen you can look at with us, so you understand your own smile better
What to Expect During Your Scan
When you come in for a digital impression, we'll walk you through each step before we start. You won't need to bite into anything or hold still for a mold to harden. Instead, you'll sit back while the scanner does the work in just a few short passes.
No-Goop, No-Mess: The Patient Experience
The wand glides along your teeth and gums, capturing images as it goes. Most patients say it feels more like a quick photo session than a dental procedure. There's no bad taste, no gagging, and no cleanup afterward. Once the scan is done, Dr. Desai reviews the model with you and talks through what it means for your smile.
Who Needs Digital Orthodontic Scans?
Digital scans are part of the visit for several types of patients:
- New patients coming in for their first orthodontic evaluation
- Anyone considering Invisalign, since a scan is often the very first step in designing your custom trays
- Patients using Dental Monitoring between office visits, who may need a quick scan to check progress
- Patients getting a new retainer or having an existing one checked for fit
Contact Us with any questions before your visit.
Questions, answered
Frequently Asked Questions
Are digital X-rays safe?
Yes. Digital X-rays use very low levels of radiation, even lower than older film X-rays. They're safe for patients of all ages, including children and teens who are just starting orthodontic treatment.
How long does an iTero scan take?
Most iTero scans take just a few minutes from start to finish. Since there's no material that needs time to set, you'll spend less time in the chair than you would with traditional molds.
Do digital impressions work for Invisalign and retainers?
Yes. We use iTero scans to design Invisalign trays and to check that retainers fit correctly. The same technology also helps our team track your progress at follow-up visits, so adjustments stay accurate.
Contact Us
Trade the Goop for a Quick, Comfortable Scan
Our team welcomes a broad range of PPO insurance plans, lists financing details on our Insurance & Financing page, and offers Saturday appointments by request.