How 3D Imaging (i-CAT and iTero) Improves Your Orthodontic Treatment Plan

A good orthodontic plan starts with a clear picture of what is happening in your mouth. At Jaffe Orthodontics, that picture comes from two pieces of technology: the i-CAT FLX cone beam scanner and the iTero digital scanner. Together they replace much of what used to depend on goopy impressions and flat images. Here is what each one does and how it shapes your care.

Why Diagnosis Starts With Better Images

Crooked teeth and bite problems are only part of the story. Where the roots sit, how the jaws line up, and how the teeth fit together all affect which treatment makes sense. The more clearly your orthodontist can see these details, the more precisely the plan can be built around you.

Digital images also let the doctor look at the same information from every angle. Instead of working from a single view, Dr. Jaffe can rotate a 3D image to examine problem areas and plan the movement your teeth need.

i-CAT 3D Imaging: A Full View of Teeth, Roots, and Jaws

The i-CAT FLX uses cone beam computed tomography to create three-dimensional images of the head and neck. It can capture teeth, roots, TMJs, airways, and sinuses in 3D. Our orthodontists compile the images into a virtual study model and analyze it as part of planning your treatment.

The scan itself is quick, and the images are captured in a matter of seconds. You can read more about this machine on our i-CAT 3D digital imaging page.

iTero: Digital Impressions Without the Putty

The iTero scanner is a digital alternative to traditional orthodontic impressions. A scanning wand captures 3D scans of your teeth and bite, so you do not have to bite into trays filled with putty. Many patients find the old method messy and uncomfortable, and some deal with gagging. The iTero removes that step.

Those digital impressions are sent electronically to make Invisalign aligners and other appliances, such as retainers. Our iTero scanner page lists the benefits for Invisalign patients, including:

• Fewer retakes, because errors can be spotted and corrected on the spot
• A faster path to your aligners, since the lab does not need to digitize physical molds
• Greater comfort during the visit
• Simulated, predictable outcomes, so you can see a forecast of your smile before aligners are made

How the Images Shape Your Treatment Plan

Once the scans are complete, the information comes together in a plan that is specific to you. Your orthodontist can review your bite, tooth positions, and spacing on screen, decide which type of treatment fits your needs, and explain the plan using images you can see for yourself.

The same digital information supports other parts of care. Intra-oral scanners help produce cleaner and more accurate clear aligners or retainers, and they allow a more precise plan for the placement of traditional brackets and wires. Digital images can also be shared, so if your regular dentist works in a different office, your plan can be sent to them. You can learn more about the tools we use on our orthodontic technology page.

What This Means for You

For patients and parents, better imaging usually means a more comfortable first appointment, a clearer explanation of your options, and a treatment plan that is built on detailed information. It also helps you feel more confident about the path ahead, because you can see what your orthodontist sees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need both an i-CAT scan and an iTero scan?

Each tool serves a different purpose. The i-CAT provides 3D images of the teeth, roots, jaws, and surrounding structures, while the iTero captures a digital impression of your teeth and bite. Your orthodontist will use the tools that fit your treatment.

Does the iTero scanner replace putty impressions?

Yes. The iTero is a digital alternative to traditional impressions, so you do not have to bite into trays of putty.

Is the i-CAT scan quick?

Yes. The images are captured in a matter of seconds.

Can my regular dentist see my images?

Digital images can be shared, so they can be sent to your dentist when helpful.

Schedule Your Consultation

Want to see how our technology can shape your treatment plan? Call our Barrington office at (401) 245-2626 or our Portsmouth office at (401) 293-5555, or email [email protected]. Our consultation guide explains what to expect at your first visit.

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