Summary: Align Technology’s upgraded iTero Lumina scanner is designed to enhance efficiency, diagnostics, and workflow for multi-disciplinary ortho-restorative procedures.

Key Takeaways:

  • The iTero Lumina scanner introduces single-pass scanning to reduce chair time and streamline workflows.
  • Updated imaging and NIRI technology support more precise diagnostics and caries detection.
  • The new system aims to improve patient comfort and enhance practice efficiency with better integration and communication tools.

Align Technology Inc announced new restorative capabilities to its next generation iTero Lumina intraoral scanner that will serve restorative and multidisiciplinary ortho-restorative workflows, and support diagnostic of interproximal caries above the gingiva. The new capabilities are available with the iTero Lumina (without iTero Near Infra-Red Imaging (NIRI) technology) and the new iTero Lumina Pro dental imaging system (with iTero NIRI technology). The iTero Lumina was initially launched in February 2024.

New capabilities also include simplified restorative workflows that include the capture of single unit dental crowns to full dental arch with multiple preparations in a single pass of an iTero Lumina wand.

According to the company, new capabilities available in this generation of the iTero Lumina are aimed at practice efficiency and growth by simplifying patient record taking and minimizing chair time and footprint. Users are able to 

  • Capture simple to complex cases and extraoral appliances and material in one uninterrupted movement and without the need to scan each individual preparation from multiple preparation cases.
  • Experience versatility and efficiency with up to five capabilities in one device for less footprint in the practice, designed to reduce maintenance time and cost and enable the full automation of daily tasks from scanning to patient communication and lab collaboration: 1) photorealistic 3D models, 2) HD intraoral camera, 3) aid in interproximal caries detection with NIRI technology, 4) photorealistic scans that eliminate the need for intraoral photos for Invisalign case submission and 5) that are within comparable thresholds of photogrammetry, all in one single scan.
  • Simplify multiple treatment planning by using previous patient scans for all procedures within the treatment plan. No need to re-scan the patient and add chair time to your workflow.

In terms of clinical outcomes, the company says new capabilities allow users to achieve predictable and repeatable first-time restoration fit from single unit crowns to removable prosthetics, due to “superior full-jaw accuracy compared to tested intraoral scanners and scans that are within accuracy threshold of photogrammetry for full-arch implant restorations—the highest standard for prosthetic planning captured in one single scan.” In addition, users will be able to provide comprehensive patient data to their lab at once, including multi-bite and articulation information, to enable the design of restorations and appliances.

When it comes to the staff and patient experience, Align Technology says the iTero Lumina offers a quick and comfortable experience for patients and Increases patient engagement and understanding with a modern and customized experience based on patient-centric views of their oral health condition.

“We are excited to announce that the upgraded iTero Lumina scanner and new iTero Lumina Pro dental imaging system can now help doctors deliver exceptional restorative outcomes with the wave of a wand,” said Karim Boussebaa, Align Technology executive vice president and managing director for the iTero scanner and services business. “The iTero Lumina solutions include superior 3D and 2D visualizations, to augment and amplify oral health assessment and communication using the Align Oral Health Suite, designed to increase patient engagement and understanding of their oral health condition.”

Dr Karla Soto, GP dentist and Align Faculty member with a practice in Boca Raton, Fla, added, “The iTero Lumina scanner excels in the traditionally challenging scans with long spans, like full arch implant restorations or even edentulous areas. The amount of data and tissue it can capture is outstanding, making what was once a challenge, an easy, fast, and comfortable procedure for me, my team, and my patients.”

Current iTero Lumina scanner owners will receive the new software which includes restorative and diagnostic support capabilities (without iTero NIRI technology starting April via direct software update, following regulatory clearance in their countries.

The iTero Lumina Pro dental imaging system in cart and mobile configurations is commercially available in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Vietnam.

The iTero Lumina scanner cart and mobile configuration is commercially available in the United States, Canada, European Union countries, United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, Vietnam, Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand.

The iTero Lumina scanner and iTero Lumina Pro dental imaging system are expected to be available pending regulatory approvals in other locations throughout 2025. 

Photo: Business Wire