iTero Scanner and CT Scans in Buena Park & Anaheim, CA
Modern dentistry begins with a clear, detailed understanding of your smile. At San Angel Dental, we use advanced digital technology, including the iTero® intraoral scanner and 3D CT imaging, to gather precise information about your teeth, bite, jaw, and surrounding oral structures.
These technologies can make dental evaluations more comfortable while giving our team detailed information to diagnose concerns, plan treatment, and help patients better understand their oral health.
Whether you are considering Invisalign®, dental implants, restorative dentistry, or another treatment, digital scanning and 3D imaging can play an important role in creating a personalized treatment plan.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is an iTero® Scanner?
The iTero® intraoral scanner is a digital scanning system that captures detailed images of your teeth and gums. Instead of relying on traditional impression material for many applications, a small handheld scanning wand is moved around your mouth to create a highly detailed digital model of your smile.
The resulting 3D images allow our dental team to evaluate your teeth and bite from multiple angles.
Because the scan is digital, images can be viewed almost immediately and used for treatment planning, patient education, and communication throughout your care.
Benefits of Digital Intraoral Scanning
Digital scanning offers several advantages for both patients and dental professionals.
Benefits may include:
- Comfortable scanning without traditional impression trays for applicable procedures
- Highly detailed digital models of the teeth and bite
- Fast image capture
- Improved treatment planning
- Easier visualization of your smile
- Efficient communication between the dental office and dental laboratories
- Digital records that can be referenced throughout treatment
Digital impressions can be especially useful when precision and fit are important.
What Are Dental CT Scans?
Dental CT scans use cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to produce three-dimensional images of the teeth, jaws, bone, and other oral and facial structures.
Unlike conventional dental X-rays, which generally provide two-dimensional views, CBCT imaging allows the dentist to examine an area from multiple angles.
At San Angel Dental, our advanced i-CAT® 3D Imaging technology can provide detailed information that may be valuable when planning complex dental and orthodontic treatments.
What Can 3D CT Imaging Show?
Depending on the reason for your examination, dental CT imaging can help our team evaluate:
- Teeth and tooth roots
- Jawbone anatomy
- Bone height, width, and density
- Impacted or unerupted teeth
- Tooth positioning
- Nearby nerves and anatomical structures
- Orthodontic relationships
- Areas being considered for dental implants
- Complex restorative concerns
Not every patient or procedure requires a CT scan. Our dental team determines when 3D imaging is appropriate based on your individual needs.
iTero® Scanner vs. CT Scan: What Is the Difference?
Although both technologies produce valuable digital information, they serve different purposes.
An iTero® intraoral scanner primarily captures the visible surfaces and shape of your teeth, gums, and bite to create a digital model.
A dental CT scan provides three-dimensional diagnostic information about structures that cannot be evaluated simply by looking inside the mouth, including the jawbone, tooth roots, and other anatomical structures.
In some cases, information from both technologies can contribute to comprehensive treatment planning.
How Digital Technology Supports Invisalign® Treatment
Accurate digital models are particularly valuable when planning orthodontic treatment with Invisalign® clear aligners.
An intraoral scan can capture the position of your teeth and bite without relying on conventional impressions for applicable cases. This information can then be used to help plan tooth movement and create customized aligners.
Throughout treatment, digital technology also helps our team evaluate progress and communicate your treatment goals more clearly.
Advanced Imaging for Dental Implant Planning
Dental implants require careful evaluation of the jawbone and surrounding anatomy.
Three-dimensional CT imaging can help determine the amount and location of available bone and identify important anatomical structures before implant treatment. This additional information allows our dentists to plan implant placement with greater precision.
Digital scans may also be incorporated into restorative planning to help design the final tooth replacement.
A More Visual Dental Experience
One of the greatest advantages of digital dentistry is that patients can see more of what their dentist sees.
Instead of discussing your oral health using descriptions alone, digital images and 3D models can make it easier to visualize your teeth, bite, and proposed treatment.
Our goal is to help you understand your options so you can make informed decisions about your dental care.
For additional information about our three-dimensional dental imaging technology, visit our i-CAT® 3D Imaging page.
Schedule a Digital Dental Evaluation
Advanced dental technology can make diagnosis and treatment planning more precise, efficient, and comfortable. At San Angel Dental, we combine modern digital tools with personalized care to help patients achieve healthy, functional, and confident smiles.
Contact our Buena Park or Anaheim office today to schedule an appointment and learn whether digital scanning or 3D imaging may benefit your dental care.
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