Align Technology's iTero Element intraoral scanner software has been upgraded to allow, among other things, scanning in colour.

The new iTero Element intraoral scanner, introduced in March 2015, is engineered to capture 6,000 frames per second, and the image sensor is designed to enable scan speeds which are up to 20 times faster than the former iTero scanner. The result is a real-time 3D visualisation of the digital scan which is ready in just minutes for viewing on a multi-touch screen.

The new software version 1.4 enhancements are designed to greatly enrich the user experience for specialists and GPDs performing orthodontic treatments and include:

SCAN IN COLOUR: It is now possible to scan in real-time in colour, which makes it easier for users to visually distinguish between gingival margins and tooth structure. The colour scan will also provide additional information to laboratory technicians when they work to emulate the shading of the original dentition when tackling restorative cases.

SCAN TIMER: A scanner timer tool is now upgraded so that it is possible to measure scan times in two different ways; the 'Elapsed Scan Time' is the cumulative time of the upper, lower and bite scans; whilst the 'Elapse Total Time' is the cumulative of the scan and processing time.

OPTIMISED SCANNING: With the new software upgrade, when scanning any orthodontic scan type there will be a visual representation of missing scan data. This will give users real-time scan feedback before processing the case, saving time at a later stage and optimising scan quality.

RESTORATIVE PRE-TREATMENT SCANNING: With this new feature, dentists can scan the dentition before and after restorative preparation, allowing digital design of the treatment to match the original tooth shape and form, if desired, for even better patient comfort. This feature is enabled in the dental laboratory for customers using Exocad and 3Shape laboratory CAD software. The model and viewfinder have also been made larger for increased visibility and accurate scanning of the dentition, gingival margin and soft tissue.

For owners of the iTero Element intraoral scanner, there is no additional cost for the software upgrade. Visit www.itero.com or contact 0800 917 1643.