Say Goodbye to Goop: How the iTero Scanner Is Changing the Orthodontic Experience at Lazzara Smiles

If you've ever had traditional dental impressions taken, you know the drill — literally. That tray full of cold, gooey putty gets pressed against your teeth while you try not to gag, and then you sit there for what feels like an eternity, hoping it doesn't have to be redone.

At Lazzara Smiles, we believe orthodontic care should be comfortable from the very first appointment. That's why Dr. Lazzara uses the iTero digital scanner — a state-of-the-art tool that captures a precise 3D image of your teeth in minutes, with zero mess and zero discomfort.

Whether you're exploring braces, Invisalign, or just coming in for a complimentary consultation, here's why the iTero scanner makes the entire experience better for you and your family.

What Is the iTero Scanner?

The iTero scanner is a handheld digital wand that uses advanced optical technology to capture thousands of images of your teeth, gums, and bite in real time. Those images are stitched together into a detailed 3D digital model — right on the screen in front of you.

Think of it as a high-definition camera for your mouth. Instead of biting into a tray of impression material and waiting for it to harden, the scanner simply glides over your teeth. In about 60 seconds, Dr. Lazzara has a complete, accurate digital impression — no retakes, no discomfort.

Why Digital Impressions Are Better for Patients

1. No More Messy, Uncomfortable Putty

This is the big one. Traditional impressions require a tray filled with alginate or polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) material that has to sit in your mouth for several minutes. For many patients — especially kids and anyone with a strong gag reflex — this can be genuinely unpleasant.

The iTero scanner eliminates all of that. The compact wand moves quickly and comfortably across your teeth, and you can breathe, swallow, and even pause mid-scan if you need to. It's a completely different experience.

2. Faster Appointments

A traditional impression can take 3–5 minutes per arch, plus prep and setting time. The iTero scanner captures both arches in roughly 60–90 seconds total. That means shorter appointments, less chair time, and more of your day back.

For parents with kids in braces or Invisalign, that time savings adds up — especially when you're fitting appointments around school and sports schedules.

3. Pinpoint Accuracy for Better Results

Here's where the technology really shines. Traditional putty impressions are susceptible to distortion — if the material shifts, tears, or doesn't capture every detail, the impression may need to be redone. And even a small inaccuracy can affect the fit of your aligners or appliances.

Digital scans from the iTero are precise down to the micron level. That accuracy translates directly into better-fitting Invisalign aligners, more predictable tooth movement, and fewer adjustments along the way.

4. See Your Future Smile Before Treatment Starts

One of the coolest features of the iTero scanner is the Outcome Simulator. Using the 3D scan of your teeth, Dr. Lazzara can show you a simulated preview of what your smile could look like after treatment — right there at your first visit.

This isn't just a fun visual trick. It helps you understand exactly what treatment can accomplish, set realistic expectations, and feel confident about starting. For patients who are on the fence, seeing that simulated result is often the moment everything clicks.

5. A Greener, More Sustainable Process

Traditional impressions generate waste — trays, impression material, shipping packaging. Digital scans produce none of that. The 3D model is stored securely in the cloud, ready to be sent electronically to labs whenever needed. It's better for the environment and better for your records.

6. Seamless Integration with Invisalign

As a board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Lazzara is highly experienced with Invisalign — and the iTero scanner is built to work hand-in-hand with the Invisalign system. Your digital scan is sent directly to the Invisalign lab, where your custom aligners are designed and manufactured based on that exact 3D model.

No shipping impression trays. No delays. No risk of the impression getting damaged in transit. Just a seamless digital workflow from scan to smile.

Is the iTero Scanner Safe?

Absolutely. The iTero scanner uses optical technology — not radiation. There are no X-rays involved, and the scan is completely non-invasive. It's safe for patients of all ages, including children, and there's no preparation required beyond sitting in the chair.

What Does the iTero Scan Feel Like?

Most patients describe it as painless and easy. You'll feel the scanner wand moving lightly across your teeth — similar to brushing — while the 3D model builds on the screen in real time. It's actually kind of fun to watch your teeth appear in full color and detail.

Kids especially love it. Instead of dreading the goopy tray, they get to watch the scan happen live and see their teeth pop up on the screen like a video game.

The Lazzara Smiles Difference

Dr. Lazzara is committed to using the latest technology to give every patient the best possible experience. The iTero scanner is just one piece of that commitment — alongside personalized treatment plans, a sports-themed office that kids and families love, and the one-doctor advantage that means Dr. Lazzara sees you at every single appointment.

At Lazzara Smiles, orthodontics is more than straight teeth. It's about making the entire journey — from your first scan to your final reveal — as comfortable, exciting, and rewarding as possible.

Ready to See the iTero Scanner in Action?

Schedule your complimentary consultation at Lazzara Smiles and experience the iTero digital scanner for yourself. Dr. Lazzara will walk you through your 3D scan, show you a simulated preview of your new smile, and help you explore the best treatment options for you or your child.

📞 Call us at 585-424-6400  |  🌐 Visit ToothMover.com

925 E Henrietta Rd, Rochester, NY 14623

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