For many, the single biggest source of anxiety before starting orthodontic treatment isn’t the braces themselves, it’s the thought of a sticky, goopy teeth mold. If the dreaded tray of goop, the unpleasant taste, and the fear of gagging sound familiar, we have good news. At Kumra Orthodontics, that outdated and uncomfortable process is obsolete.
We’ve invested in advanced digital technology that makes getting a model of your teeth a comfortable, fast, and fascinating experience. We believe your journey to a confident smile should be positive from the very first step, especially for our patients in Washington, D.C., and Stafford, VA.
The Old Way vs. The Kumra Ortho Way: From Messy Putty to a Precise Digital Map
To understand the difference, it helps to see just how far orthodontic technology has come.
Traditional Putty Impressions:
This method involves filling a bulky tray with a thick, putty-like material (alginate or PVS) and pressing it onto your teeth. You then have to sit perfectly still for several minutes while it sets, trying not to trigger your gag reflex. This process is prone to errors like voids or pulls, often requiring retakes, meaning you have to do it all over again.
The Kumra Ortho Way: iTero Digital 3D Scan:
We use the iTero Element 3D scanner, a sleek, handheld wand that quickly and comfortably captures a perfect digital map of your mouth. This modern approach to orthodontic impressions is not just about avoiding the goop; it’s about superior accuracy, a better patient experience, and more predictable results for your treatment.
A Step-by-Step Look at Your First Scan: The Easiest Part of Your Visit
We know that the first appointment can be intimidating. That’s why we’ve designed our digital scanning process to be completely stress-free. Here’s what you can expect when you’re in the chair at our DC or Stafford office.
Step 1: Getting Settled In
Your comfort is our priority. A member of our clinical team will guide you to your chair and explain exactly how the scanner works. There are no surprises. We take the time to answer all your questions, ensuring you feel relaxed and informed before we begin.
Step 2: A Quick Tour of Your Smile
We’ll begin by gently placing the iTero scanner wand, which is about the size of an electric toothbrush, inside your mouth. This “magic wand” is a powerful optical camera that captures up to 6,000 frames per second. It simply hovers over your teeth; it doesn’t push or press. The entire process is painless and 100% radiation-free. If you need a break, want to swallow, or just need to pause, we can stop at any time and pick right back up where we left off.
Step 3: See Your Teeth in 3D, Instantly!
This is the “wow” moment. As the wand moves, you’ll see a perfect 3D model of your teeth and gums appearing on a high-definition screen in real-time. There’s no waiting for a mold to set or a model to be poured. You get to see a precise, full-color digital replica of your smile instantly. It transforms a source of fear into a point of cool, technological fascination.
A Note From Our Doctors: Why We Invested in Your Comfort
“Patient comfort is at the heart of everything we do. We invested in iTero digital scanning because we believe your journey to a beautiful smile should be positive from the very first minute you’re in our chair. Eliminating the anxiety of old-fashioned molds allows us to focus on what matters most: designing your perfect smile together.” – Dr. Bob Kumra & Dr. Mina Abdolahi
Accuracy That Improves Every Treatment
While the comfort of a digital scan is a huge benefit, its incredible precision improves the outcome of every type of orthodontic treatment we offer. This isn’t just a substitute for impressions; it’s the foundation for a higher standard of care.
For Invisalign® Aligners
A flawless first scan is critical for Invisalign treatment. The extreme accuracy of the iTero scanner ensures that every clear aligner is fabricated to fit perfectly over your teeth. This precise fit leads to more predictable tooth movement and can even help keep your treatment on schedule.
For Traditional Braces
Precision matters for braces, too. A highly accurate 3D digital model allows our doctors to plan the ideal placement for each bracket with sub-millimeter accuracy. Better bracket positioning from the start contributes to a more efficient and effective treatment, reducing the need for adjustments down the road.
For Retainers
After your treatment is complete, protecting your investment is key. Your final retainer will be fabricated from a perfect digital copy of your new smile. This eliminates the distortions common with plaster models, ensuring your retainer has a comfortable, “snap-fit” to keep your teeth perfectly in place for years to come.
Your Questions About Digital Scanning, Answered (FAQ)
We proactively want to answer the questions that might be on your mind.
What if I have a very strong gag reflex?
The iTero scanner is the perfect solution. The wand is small and sleek, and it never has to touch the back of your throat. Our ability to pause the scan at any moment means we can work with you comfortably, completely avoiding the triggers of a bulky putty tray.
Will the scan hurt or feel strange?
Not at all. The process is completely painless and non-invasive. The scanner wand simply hovers over your teeth taking pictures; it doesn’t apply any pressure or feel strange. Most patients are just fascinated watching their 3D smile come to life on the screen.
Is it safe for children and teens?
Absolutely. The iTero scanner uses a safe, visible light source, like a powerful camera. It is 100% radiation-free, making it completely safe for every member of your family.
Can I really see my new smile on the first visit?
Yes! One of the most exciting features of the iTero system is the Invisalign Outcome Simulator. Using the 3D model we just created, we can show you a simulation of what your smile could look like after treatment. This powerful visual tool helps you see the amazing possibilities before you even begin.
Experience the Comfortable Difference at Kumra Ortho
Your journey to a confident smile starts with a comfortable, stress-free first step. This advanced, patient-focused experience is the standard of care at both our Washington, DC, and Stafford, VA, locations. You no longer have to dread the thought of getting teeth molds for braces.
Stop worrying and start your journey today. When you schedule your first visit, you can be confident that it will be a modern, easy, and even enjoyable experience.
Your complimentary consultation includes a free iTero 3D digital scan.
