Dietrich Family Orthodontics, a family-run practice serving the Akron and Wadsworth, Ohio areas since 1966, has announced it will now use iTero digital impression scanners at both of its offices, replacing the traditional putty tray molds that have long been a staple in orthodontic records collection. The shift, which affects how the practice gathers the foundational data for Invisalign and braces treatment, represents a significant departure from the often-uncomfortable process that many patients have come to dread.
For decades, obtaining a dental impression meant biting into a tray filled with a thick, putty-like material and holding it in place while it hardened. This method, while effective, has been known to trigger gag reflexes and heighten anxiety, particularly in patients with sensitive teeth or dental phobias. The iTero scanner eliminates this step entirely. Instead, a wand-shaped device is moved along the teeth and gums, capturing thousands of data points to create a precise, three-dimensional digital model of the mouth. No material is inserted, there is no waiting period, and the resulting image is displayed on a screen in real time.
This immediate visual feedback is a key benefit, according to the practice. Patients can see a rendering of their own teeth during the scan, and the clinical team can review the model alongside them, fostering a more collaborative environment. Moreover, the digital file is stored, shared, and referenced throughout the course of treatment without the risk of physical degradation that can affect plaster or putty-based models, which may crack or wear over time.
The adoption of the iTero scanner is particularly significant for patients seeking Invisalign in Akron OH. The scanner is designed to integrate seamlessly with the Invisalign system, which relies on precise digital records to fabricate a series of clear aligners. By communicating directly with Align Technology, the manufacturer of Invisalign, the scanner allows for a more direct data transfer from scan to aligner fabrication, bypassing the potential errors that can occur when converting a physical impression into a digital file. The scanner also includes a feature called the Outcome Simulator, which provides patients with a projected representation of potential tooth movement before treatment begins. While this is not a guarantee of results, it gives patients a clearer reference point when discussing treatment goals with Dr. Todd Dietrich.
Digital scanning is not limited to Invisalign cases. At the braces in Wadsworth OH location, the iTero scanner is also used to collect records for patients undergoing traditional braces. Bracket placement and archwire planning require the same level of dimensional accuracy as aligner fabrication, and a digital model reduces the potential for dimensional error that can occur when converting a physical impression to a study model. The digital file can be accessed by the clinical team at either office, ensuring consistency across the practice.
For patients, this technological upgrade is a welcome change. The practice, which treats both children and adults, will now offer a more comfortable and efficient records process at both its Akron and Wadsworth offices. Those seeking an orthodontist in Akron OH or the Wadsworth location can contact Dietrich Family Orthodontics directly to schedule a consultation, during which the iTero scanner may be used to capture a baseline digital impression. This move positions the practice at the forefront of a trend that is likely to become the standard in orthodontic care, offering a glimpse into a future where the dreaded putty tray is a thing of the past.
