The Align Technology iTero Workflow 2.0 software update provides enhanced intraoral image sharpness for clearer hard-tissue and soft-tissue details to aid treatment diagnosis while driving practice efficiency, patient engagement, and a more seamless end-to-end digital treatment experience for doctors and patients, according to the company.
“Align’s commitment to innovation in digital orthodontics and restorative dentistry reflects our $250 million annual investment in technology to develop products and services that provide doctors and their patients with a great treatment outcome and seamless experience through the Align digital platform,” said Yuval Shaked, senior vice president and managing director of the iTero systems and services business.
“Our new iTero Workflow 2.0 software features were developed to simplify and streamline a doctor’s daily routine and increase practice efficiency. From a faster, all-in-one scan with enhanced visualization capabilities to improved patient communication, including the ability to capture, annotate, and then share Invisalign simulations or restorative treatment plans digitally, these new features provide doctors with the ability for better clinical diagnosis and help patients better understand their oral health conditions and the proposed treatment options,” said Shaked.
According to Align Technology, new features include:
- Faster scanning: The software now enables a faster and smoother all-in-one scan for maximum efficiency with 20% less waiting for processing time on the iTero Element Plus Series scanners and 50% faster movement and 25% faster rotation during scanning for efficient daily use and ease of learning on all iTero Element scanners.
- Improved visualization: The integrated 3D intraoral camera included in the iTero Element 5D Plus imaging system provides enhanced sharpness and improved image quality powered by artificial intelligence capabilities to deliver clearer soft and hard tissue details to support diagnosis. Also, clinics now can use intraoral scan images in place of traditional intraoral photos as they can capture multiple intraoral images at different angles automatically with one scan.
- Updated patient communication tools: The new Snapshot tool and iTero Scan Report enable users to capture information such as Invisalign Outcome Simulator projections and share it digitally with patients, allowing patients to make more confident decisions in the dental chair or at home, which may lead to higher treatment acceptance.
“I am already experiencing meaningful differences with the new iTero software features and have seen significantly reduced scan times,” said Dr. Olivier Boujenah, who participated in the limited market release.
“The intraoral images are much sharper, and my patients are impressed by the details and clarity, which leads them to ask more questions about treatment options. Being able to send digital files with patients when they leave the office through the iTero Scan Report keeps our conversation going even after they are home, and I already see this capability helping with patient acceptance,” said Boujenah.
Align Technology is rolling out the iTero Workflow 2.0 software features regionally and expects them to be available in all markets where iTero Element Plus imaging systems are available by the end of the second quarter of 2021. Software features will vary by scanner.
Also, the iTero Element 5D imaging system auto-upload of intraoral photos for Invisalign case submissions will be available in the third quarter of 2021. This functionality is designed to eliminate steps and streamline Invisalign case submissions with intraoral color scan images that can be used in place of traditional intraoral photos.
The iTero Element 5D imaging system wands are designed with advanced technology including an intraoral camera that enables the doctor to scan, capture, and auto-convert the scan into 2D color photos. This enables doctors to automatically populate the five required images in the prescription form in the Invisalign Doctor Site with 2D color scan photos.
“I am excited to hear about the new iTero Element 5D auto-upload feature. Digital technology such as the iTero scanner has been a game changer for my practice,” said Dr. Heather Stone Hopkins, an orthodontist in Lexington, South Carolina, and an Align North America faculty member.
“In addition to eliminating goopy PVS impressions, the iTero Element 5D also simultaneously records 3D, intraoral color, and NIRI images, eliminating the need for multiple devices,” Hopkins said.
“With this new iTero Element 5D feature, intraoral color scan images can be used in place of the required intraoral photos for Invisalign case submissions and without the discomfort of cheek retractors for a better patient experience. Automatic intraoral image capture and auto-upload to the Invisalign Doctor Site is an enhancement that will drastically improve our workflow, saving my team members and patients invaluable time for our Invisalign case submissions,” Hopkins said.
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