Posted on July 15, 2020 | Categories: Modern Dentistry
Digital Smile Design dentists use intraoral imaging systems, such as iTero scanners, as a key part of their digital workflows for exceptional accuracy and improved treatment storytelling.
iTero Element Scanners not only enhance the dental clinic’s diagnostic capabilities, treatment planning and patient communication, but play a valuable role in biosafety protocols and cross-infection control.
While rigorous cross-infection control procedures have always been standard practice in dental clinics, the impact of Covid-19 has brought about additional requirements and made patients more aware of their own safety. In this context iTero Element Scanners offer dental clinics significant added value, making patients feel safe at every visit.
How do iTero Element Scanners support your biosafety protocols?
To learn more about the value of the iTero Element Scanner across full digital workflows, as well as its advantages in clinic biosafety protocols, download this guide.
iTero scanner disinfection protocols
To ensure the safe use of your iTero Element Scanner, it’s crucial to ensure that you are following official guidance on how to clean and disinfect your equipment to minimize the risks of cross-infection.
When it comes to care and maintenance, each component of the scanner (the wand, the cradle, the touch screen and the wheel-stand handle) all require specific procedures to be followed in preparation, cleaning and disinfection to ensure that they are ready for use. This must be done both when you use a scanner for the first time, and in between patients.
To do this effectively, it’s also important to make sure you are using the approved cleaning and disinfecting materials for the minimum contact time required.
The value of iTero in digital workflows
The iTero Element Scanner is a valuable tool at every stage of the patient journey. Here are further advantages this equipment holds for digital workflows:
Patient comfort
Replace uncomfortable traditional dental impressions with quick, comfortable scanning to improve patient experience from the start.
Patient motivation
Showing patients the potential outcome of their treatment, perhaps for the first time, is a powerful way to explain the life-changing impact that dentistry could have on their life.
iTero does this in two ways: first with the simulated outcome of Invisalign® clear aligner treatment, and second, through the exclusive integration with DSDApp which shows patients restorative smile design and simulation. As a result, patients are able to see a comprehensive outcome and are given the opportunity to become an integral part of the treatment planning process.
Patient education
Involve patients in their oral health by harnessing powerful visuals of their teeth and intraoral cavity. For example, to track progression of long-term decay or tooth wear. Explain complex ideas in a simple way that is easily understood, increasing compliance.
Want to learn more?
Download the official guide about the biosafety advantages that the iTero Element scanner brings to our practice, and official guidance on how we effectively clean and disinfect our scanner to limit cross-contamination.