Traditional dental impressions can feel messy, bulky, and uncomfortable. With the iTero® intraoral scanner, many patients can enjoy a faster, cleaner, and more comfortable way to capture detailed 3D images of their teeth and bite.
At Financial District Dentistry, we use the iTero scanner in San Francisco as part of our modern dental technology. Our current iTero page explains that the iTero 3D scanner allows us to take images of your smile and can also be used to show the results you may be able to achieve with Invisalign®.
Financial District Dentistry
220 Montgomery St. Suite 120
San Francisco, CA 94104
Phone: (415) 399-9999
We serve patients throughout the Financial District, SoMa, Embarcadero, Union Square, Chinatown, Nob Hill, North Beach, Mission Bay, and downtown San Francisco.
What Is the iTero® Intraoral Scanner?
The iTero intraoral scanner is a handheld digital scanning device that captures high-resolution 3D images of your teeth, gums, and bite. Instead of using putty-style impression trays, the scanner creates a digital model that can be used for treatment planning, Invisalign® aligners, crowns, bridges, restorations, and other dental services.
Align Technology explains that the iTero scanner captures high-resolution 3D images of the teeth and bite, replacing traditional impressions with a faster and more comfortable digital process.
iTero scanning may be used for:
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Invisalign® treatment planning
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Digital impressions
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Bite evaluation
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Smile visualization
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Crowns and bridges
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Dental restorations
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Implant-related restorative planning
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Monitoring tooth movement
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Patient education
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Comparing changes over time
Why Choose Digital Impressions?
Many patients remember traditional impressions as one of the least comfortable parts of dental care. iTero scanning helps replace that experience with a digital workflow that is cleaner and easier for many patients.
Benefits of iTero digital impressions include:
| Benefit | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| No messy impression material | More comfortable for patients with gag reflexes or dental anxiety |
| Detailed 3D images | Helps your dentist evaluate teeth, bite, and spacing |
| Faster visual feedback | Images can be reviewed chairside |
| Invisalign® visualization | Patients may be able to preview potential smile changes |
| Better patient education | You can see your teeth and bite in 3D |
| Digital record keeping | Scans can help compare changes over time |
| Restorative planning support | Useful for crowns, bridges, implants, and bite-related care |
iTero describes intraoral scanners as tools that capture detailed 3D digital scans of the oral cavity for treatment planning, including restorative and orthodontic procedures.
How iTero Helps With Invisalign®
One of the most valuable uses of iTero scanning is Invisalign® planning. The scanner captures a digital model of your teeth and bite, which can help support clear aligner treatment planning.
Financial District Dentistry’s iTero page specifically notes that the scanner can be used to show patients the results they can get with Invisalign®.
iTero may help with Invisalign® by:
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Capturing accurate digital impressions
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Showing a 3D model of your current smile
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Supporting aligner treatment planning
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Helping visualize potential tooth movement
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Improving patient understanding of treatment goals
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Reducing the need for traditional impression trays
Align Technology also states that the Invisalign system is optimized by integration with the iTero digital scanner, supporting aligner customization and outcome simulations.
iTero Scanner vs. Traditional Impressions
Traditional impressions use trays filled with impression material. Digital impressions use a scanner to capture a 3D model of the mouth.
| Feature | Traditional Impressions | iTero Digital Scan |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Putty-like impression material | Digital scanner |
| Comfort | Can feel bulky or trigger gagging | Often easier and cleaner |
| Speed | Impression material must set | Scan appears digitally |
| Review | Usually not viewed chairside in detail | 3D model can be reviewed on screen |
| Storage | Physical model or lab record | Digital file |
| Invisalign® use | May require extra steps | Supports digital aligner workflow |
For many patients, digital scanning creates a more comfortable and modern appointment experience.
iTero Scanner vs. Intraoral Camera vs. Dental X-Rays
These technologies work together, but they are not the same.
| Technology | What It Shows | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| iTero scanner | 3D model of teeth and bite | Digital impressions, Invisalign®, restorations, bite visualization |
| Intraoral camera | Close-up photos of teeth and gums | Patient education, visible cracks, plaque, gum changes |
| Digital X-rays | Internal tooth roots, bone, and hidden structures | Cavities between teeth, infection, bone loss, impacted teeth |
Financial District Dentistry offers iTero scanning, intraoral camera imaging, digital X-rays, and laser dentistry as part of its dental technology services.
What to Expect During an iTero Scan
1. Comfortable Scanning
Your dentist or dental team member gently moves the scanner around your mouth to capture images of your teeth and bite.
2. Digital 3D Model Creation
The scanner creates a detailed digital model that can often be viewed on screen.
3. Bite and Smile Review
Your dentist can evaluate tooth position, spacing, crowding, bite alignment, and restoration needs.
4. Treatment Planning
The scan may be used for Invisalign®, crowns, bridges, restorative dentistry, bite analysis, or future comparison.
5. Patient Education
You can see your teeth from angles that are not possible with a mirror alone, making treatment recommendations easier to understand.
Does iTero Scanning Hurt?
No. iTero scanning is non-invasive and does not involve radiation, numbing, drilling, or messy putty. Most patients simply open their mouth while the dental team captures the scan.
iTero scanning may be especially helpful for patients who:
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Dislike traditional impressions
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Have a sensitive gag reflex
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Feel anxious during dental appointments
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Need Invisalign® planning
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Need crowns, bridges, or restorations
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Want to see their smile in 3D
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Prefer modern dental technology
iTero for Restorative Dentistry
Digital scanning is not only for Invisalign®. It can also support restorative treatment planning.
iTero scans may help plan:
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Porcelain crowns
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Dental bridges
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Veneers
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Implant restorations
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Bite adjustments
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Full mouth reconstruction
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Replacement of old dental work
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Digital impressions for lab-made restorations
The iTero product information notes that intraoral scanners are valuable for restorative and orthodontic procedures, including crowns, full arch restorations, implants, bite corrections, and other workflows.
iTero for Crowns and Bridges
A precise digital impression can help your dentist plan restorations that fit comfortably and function properly. For patients needing crowns or bridges, iTero scanning can help capture the prepared tooth, surrounding teeth, bite, and restoration space.
Digital scans may help with:
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Crown fit
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Bridge design
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Bite alignment
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Tooth shape planning
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Lab communication
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Reducing remakes caused by distorted impressions
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More comfortable impression appointments
This can be especially helpful for patients who need restorative dental care but dislike conventional impression material.
iTero for Bite and Smile Visualization
Because iTero creates a 3D model of your mouth, it can help your dentist explain bite concerns and smile changes more clearly.
Your scan may help show:
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Crowding
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Spacing
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Tooth rotation
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Bite imbalance
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Wear patterns
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Open bite or deep bite tendencies
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Areas where teeth may be shifting
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Invisalign® treatment possibilities
For patients considering orthodontic or cosmetic care, seeing a digital model can make treatment options easier to understand.
Who Can Benefit From iTero Scanning?
Most patients can benefit from digital scanning when impressions, Invisalign® planning, or restorative treatment records are needed.
iTero scanning may be useful if you:
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Are interested in Invisalign®
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Need a crown, bridge, or veneer
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Need a digital impression
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Have a strong gag reflex
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Want to avoid messy impression trays
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Have worn teeth or bite concerns
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Need a replacement restoration
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Are planning implant restorations
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Want to see a 3D model of your smile
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Prefer a more comfortable dental experience
A dental exam will help determine whether iTero scanning is appropriate for your treatment.
Why Choose Financial District Dentistry for iTero Scanning in San Francisco?
Modern Dental Technology
Financial District Dentistry states that it is constantly updating equipment to provide state-of-the-art dental care, and the iTero 3D scanner is one of its newest pieces of equipment.
Invisalign® Smile Visualization
The practice uses iTero to take images of your smile and show possible Invisalign® results, helping patients better understand their treatment options.
Comprehensive Dental Services
Financial District Dentistry provides dental technology, general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, periodontal services, and emergency care from one downtown San Francisco office.
Convenient Downtown Location
The office is located at 220 Montgomery St. Suite 120, San Francisco, CA 94104. Patients can call (415) 399-9999 to schedule an appointment, and the practice notes that it does its best to accommodate busy schedules.
Cost of iTero Digital Impressions in San Francisco
The cost of iTero digital scanning in San Francisco depends on the reason for the scan and whether it is part of another treatment.
Cost may vary based on:
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Invisalign® consultation
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Crown or bridge treatment
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Veneer planning
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Implant restoration planning
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Full mouth reconstruction records
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New patient exam needs
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Insurance benefits
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Whether additional imaging is needed
For personalized cost and insurance questions, call (415) 399-9999.
When to Schedule an iTero Scan
Schedule a visit if you want a more comfortable digital impression experience or if you are considering:
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Invisalign®
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Crowns
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Bridges
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Veneers
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Implant restorations
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Bite evaluation
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Full mouth reconstruction
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Replacement of old dental work
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Digital dental records
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A modern alternative to putty impressions
Schedule iTero Scanning in San Francisco
If you want a cleaner, more comfortable way to capture digital impressions, Financial District Dentistry can help with iTero intraoral scanning in downtown San Francisco.
Call (415) 399-9999 or request an appointment today.
Financial District Dentistry
220 Montgomery St. Suite 120
San Francisco, CA 94104
Monday–Thursday: 7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Friday–Sunday: Closed
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an iTero scanner?
An iTero scanner is a digital intraoral scanner that captures a 3D model of your teeth and bite. It can be used for digital impressions, Invisalign® planning, restorative dentistry, and patient education.
Does iTero scanning replace traditional impressions?
In many cases, yes. iTero scanning can replace messy putty impressions by creating a digital model of your mouth.
Does the iTero scanner use radiation?
No. The iTero scanner captures digital 3D images and does not use radiation. It is different from dental X-rays.
Can iTero show Invisalign® results?
Yes. Financial District Dentistry’s iTero page explains that the scanner can be used to show patients the results they can get with Invisalign®.
Is iTero scanning painful?
No. iTero scanning is non-invasive, does not require numbing, and is usually more comfortable than traditional impression trays.
What dental treatments use iTero scans?
iTero scans may be used for Invisalign®, crowns, bridges, veneers, implant restorations, bite analysis, and digital treatment planning.
Is an iTero scanner the same as an intraoral camera?
No. An iTero scanner creates a 3D digital model of your teeth and bite. An intraoral camera takes close-up photos of teeth and gums.
Where can I get iTero scanning in downtown San Francisco?
Financial District Dentistry provides iTero intraoral scanning at 220 Montgomery St. Suite 120, San Francisco, CA 94104. Call (415) 399-9999 to schedule an appointment.