Align Technology Inc, San Jose, Calif, recently released new software upgrades for its iTero® Element™ intraoral scanner and Invisalign® Outcome Simulator. According to the company, iTero scanners provide an optimized Invisalign scanning and treatment experience that includes the enhanced Invisalign Outcome Simulator 4.0 application now with Invisalign 3D Progress Tracking and Patient Simulation Sharing. Additionally, the iTero Element 1.4 software upgrade includes color scanning, restorative pre-treatment scanning, and optimized orthodontic scanning.

The Invisalign Outcome Simulator is a chair-side and cloud-based application for the iTero scanner that allows doctors to help patients visualize how their teeth may look at the end of Invisalign treatment. New features in the 4.0 upgrade include 3D progress tracking and patient simulation sharing.

3D progress tracking allows users to compare a patient’s new scan with a specific stage of their ClinCheck treatment plan to visually assess and communicate Invisalign treatment progress with an easy to read, color-coded tooth movement report that allows the doctor to know how each tooth is tracking. Meanwhile, the patient simulation sharing allows users to share the patient’s 3D simulated Invisalign treatment outcome through a protected patient portal which can be viewed on smartphones, tablets, and computers.

The iTero Element 1.4 software upgrade includes the ability to real-time scan in color in both scan and view mode to make it easier to visually distinguish between gingival and tooth structure for a more comprehensive clinical evaluation while scanning, according to the company.

In addition, the update includes restorative pre-treatment scanning, which allows transfer of natural dentition or temporary restoration anatomy along with the prepared tooth to the lab for exact replication to the final restorative; and optimized orthodontic scanning, which allows real-time scan feedback during the scan process to capture missing scan data prior to processing, facilitating higher quality scans to be utilized for fabrication of traditional orthodontic appliances.