iTero Q & A

From prospective clients

A young dentist, 3 years out of school, said he was not convinced that a digital impression is any better than a conventional impression.   Even after discussions on time savings, remakes, etc. this dentist was still not “technically” convinced he said.  Convincing a new dentist that digital impressions are better when they have just recently finished school seems to go against what they just spent several year learning.  How can or should this be addressed?

Ask this young dentist if he uses digital x-rays, does he think they are superior to the old dipped films.  The endodontist will tell you they are not. But they see the advantage of being able to add text, print a picture and give any other notes deemed necessary to send to the referring doctor.  Mike had some reservations as well when he joined my practice but I don't think he would go back to the old method now that he sees the advantages of digital imaging. 

“I am not sure digital impressions are any better than regular impression"

If you look at the models you are correct they don't look as clean or neat as a stone model.  Do not let this fool you, although the model is not as sharp the accuracy is better. The High def is in the die itself and the contact points.  The area where it is needed.  They don't waste a lot of time making the entire model crystal clear.  The fact is the crowns fit, it rarely takes more than 10 minutes to cement a crown and that's because I talk to much.  The margins are much smoother in the transition from crown to the root surface.  Because it is made of urethane you don't get any scrapping of the margins during the waxing stages of crown fabrication.  Leading to better fitting crowns.  Since the models are milled you have no bubbles , pulls or tears in the model.  All of this leads to more accurate models.

"I am not computer savvy"

Good the people who seem to have the most trouble are the ones that think they have to understand exactly how this thing works.  Don't worry about it, just use the machine and do better dentistry.  It is very straight forward, the training sessions show you exactly how to use the machine and my staff do all the work for me.  If you can get e-mail you can use iTero.  all you have to do is fill in the blanks on the lab script and scan the arches.  If you have used intra-oral cameras even your training sessions will be a piece of cake.  If not by the end of your training session you will be ready to fly solo.

"I am uncomfortable with the technology"

Do you use a high speed hand piece?  It wasn't long ago that this was technology.  This is where dentistry is going.  If you don't believe it then check out what 3M-ESPE is doing.  The largest manufacturer of impression material in the world is developing similar technology.  It is going to happen, do you want to be in front of the curve or trying to catch up when digital imaging is commonplace.   This can be said of lasers, digital x-rays etc...

“To do anymore I will need a new building, my practice is over $900,000 already”

Great!  Then take the time it saves you and go on vacation.  Have another cup of coffee and read the paper, whatever increases your quality of life.  iTero won't save you money on your disposable goods, what you save is TIME.  Which equates to MONEY or BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE, it’s your choice.

"I do not change easily; I tend to stay where I am"

Then I don't recommend iTero for you because you will become a better dentist, immediate feedback on your preps allows you to make changes and corrections which ultimately allow us to do better work.