iOC Digital Invisalign Tooth Scanner

[MCOMarkhamOrthodontist]

I wanted to post this for the forum to see. As mentioned previously, we are now able to use a digital scanner to capture 3-D images of the teeth instead of taking PVS impressions. This means no more retaking impressions, more accuracy, and no fear of gagging/getting messy due to impression material. Our office is happy to be the first orthodontic office in Canada to receive the training for this scanner and have been now using it for a couple of weeks. We've put together a professional HD video for this procedure .

YouTube - ‪iOC Digital Toronto Invisalign Tooth Scanner - MCO Invisalign Specialist‬‏

[magdalene]

This looks great. I hate it when I'm just a tiny bit late for some new innovation :P. Does this cut down the initial waiting phase as well, since a digital file can be sent online, while impressions have to be snailed? Probably doesn't make much difference if you're in the US, but here in Australia that's about another week of waiting right at the beginning, while your stuff gets sent across the world...

[MCOMarkhamOrthodontist]

It's still very new. As of 2 weeks ago, only 3 offices in North America had been trained on using this scanner so this is still very far from being widespread and will still take some time. So far, we've noticed the ClinChecks coming back to us earlier, since there is no need to have a 3-D image made from the impressions, as the 3-D scan is available to send off to the techs in Costa Rica 15 minutes after your scan. Usually the ClinChecks can take about a bit over a week or so to show up, but now it's taking only a couple of days. The biggest factor for the amount of time to receive your trays is still going to be the amount of time your doctor takes to approve your treatment, but this can definitely cut off some time.

[Invizzle Rizzle]

Cool, I predicted pretty good. One more thing and it'll be complete.

Invisalign Impressions May Soon be a Thing of the Past :)

[MCOMarkhamOrthodontist]

The 3-D images are available to be sent to Align within 10-15 min of the scan. I still do not have information on how quickly the techs actually receive it though. However, the ClinCheck has been getting back to me at least a few days earlier. Vivera retainers usually take about 21 days to receive using PVS impressions, but the ones we have done with a scan got back to us in 12.

As for an aligner fabricating machine, I've heard rumors of other systems outside of Align that are looking at this kind of in-house fabrication. Since most doctors only treat a handful of Invisalign patients a year, like the scanner, it would only be useful for providers who work with a high number of patients on a regular basis.

[gap]

Awesome! Nice job Dr. Tam.

[SeattleIS300]

My ortho, Dr. Walkow just got the machine over here in Newport Beach, CA. He was telling me the news was coming by to do a story on it!

-Joe