3D scanning and Invisalign: how your smile is planned before treatment

The orthodontics has undergone a radical technological transformation in recent decades. Traditionally, taking the first step towards an aligned smile required to undergo conventional impressions with alginate or silicone pastes. For most patients, this phase was an unpleasant experience due to the taste, texture of the material, the setting time inside the mouth and, most especially, the intense sensation of drowning or nauseating reflex. Fortunately, digital dentistry has left those invasive methods behind to give way to an era of maximum precision, speed and comfort.

In ODONTOFAMILY We have integrated the state-of-the-art 3D intraoral scanner as a cornerstone in our clinics in Bilbao and Getxo. This tool not only replaces traditional pastes, but also allows us to diagnose, plan and design your Invisalign invisible orthodontic treatment in a millimetric way, showing you the final result before even placing the first splint.

What exactly is a 3D intraoral scan and how does it work?

A 3D intraoral scanner is a high-tech optical medical device composed of a lightweight and ergonomic handpiece (similar to a small pencil or rod) connected to advanced computer processing software. The scanner head projects a beam of light on dental parts and gingival tissues, capturing thousands of digital images per second from different angles.

As the professional gently moves the scanner through the upper and lower arcade, the software processes these photographic captures instantly and assembles them in three dimensions. The result is the creation of a three-dimensional virtual mouth model (digital clon) projected in real time on a HD screen.

Unlike plaster or paste molds, which could suffer deformations, shrinkings or fractures during the process of setting and sending to the laboratory, the digital file generated by the 3D scanner offers an absolute fidelity rate with a virtually zero error margin.

Step by step: From digitization to simulation of your new smile

Step 1: Intraoral scanning in minutes (Process without discomfort)

The scanning of the entire mouth (both arcaded and bite form) is completed in just 3 to 5 minutes. It is a totally painless, harmless and free procedure from any type of ionizing radiation. If you need to pause to swallow or rest the mouth opening, the scanner stops and resumes the record exactly at the point where it was left, without losing image quality or forcing repeat the shot.

Step 2: Interactive digital simulation using ClinCheck® software

Once you have captured the 3D model of your teeth, the technology allows us to use advanced simulation tools such as Invisalign's ClinCheck® software. On that very first visit, the orthodontist can show you on the screen an interactive map of your mouth. The system calculates the forces needed to correct stacking, separation or malocclusion and reproduces a virtual animation that allows you to observe the gradual movement of each tooth piece week by week until reaching the final result.

Step 3: Clinical planning and tailor-made manufacture of the clear aligners

With digitized information, the specialist adjusts and validates the objectives of the treatment. This digital file is transmitted telematically and immediately to the centralized manufacturing facilities. There, using 3D printers and robotic cutting, custom-made aligners are made using the SmartTrack® biocompatible thermoplastic material, designed to offer a constant force, optimal anatomical adjustment and maximum discretion.

Key advantages of 3D scanner versus traditional prints

• Comfort and superior hygiene: They completely eliminate cold pasta, bad taste and unpleasant feeling of nausea or choking in the throat.
• Accuracy and perfect fit: By obtaining a digital image identical to your anatomy, the clear aligners fit with millimetric accuracy from the first day, reducing unwanted frictions in gums or mucous membranes.
• Predictability of treatment: You will see how your smile will change before you start and know more accurately the approximate duration of treatment.
• Faster start-up: By sending the data from your mouth to the lab in a digital and instant way, we eliminate the physical postal transport times of molds, accelerating the arrival of your clear aligners.
• Continuous monitoring of progress: On each review visit, we can perform a new scan and superimpose it to the initial plan. This allows us to check if the actual dental movements progress exactly as scheduled and correct deviations at the moment.

Your treatment of invisible orthodontics in Bilbao and Getxo

In ODONTOFAMILY We are committed to the technological vanguard and continuous training to offer you effective, aesthetic and comfortable orthodontic treatments. We have two clinics equipped to serve you in Bizkaia:

• Clinic ODONTOFAMILY Bilbao: Located in the center area (Bilbao, Calle Doctores Carmelo Gil, 3), perfect to go to your reviews or request your initial assessment after your working day.
• Clinic ODONTOFAMILY Getxo: Located in Las Arenas (Calle Ibaigane, 13), aimed at providing comprehensive support to the families of Getxo and the region of Uribe Kosta.

5. Ask for your appointment and discover the future of your smile

If you want to correct the position of your teeth invisible, comfortable and without changing your pace of life, the combination of Invisalign orthodontics and our 3D scanning technology is the answer. Contact us, request your appointment and visualize the simulation of your new smile quickly and without compromise.