Chad C. Duplantis, FDS, FAGD, maintains a restorative group practice in Fort Worth, Texas. He is a member of Catapult Education and consults with various companies in the dental industry. He received no compensation for his participation in this evaluation.

Chad C. Duplantis, FDS, FAGD

	Digital methods are rapidly transforming the dental profession, with new technology being introduced almost daily. Clinicians are constantly looking for ways to improve their practice workflows and efficiency, and it seems utilizing digital methods over traditional analog methods may help. When adopting a digital practice workflow, one of the first purchases is most likely a digital intraoral scanner.

	Intraoral scanners have been used in dentistry for several decades. These systems have seen improved success and adoption over the years.

	Today, scanners are being used as a standalone device to replace analog impression taking. Through multiple manufacturers, technological advancements, increased capabilities and improved accuracy, scanners are now a staple in the industry.

	Align Technology is at the forefront of technological advancement with its iTero scanners. The first restorative standalone scanner, the iTero scanner, was originally designed and manufactured by Cadent and acquired by Align Technology in 2011.

	It’s an open architecture system that allows for communication with multiple CAD/CAM systems. Thousands of laboratories accept the scans generated from the iTero platform. The scans can be used for multiple clinical implications in dentistry. In addition, the iTero scanner offers chairside mill connectivity, allowing dentists to produce indirect restorations in office, if so desired.

	In an effort to drive continued progress improvement, Align has endeavored to bring hardware and software innovations that continue to build on its strong foundation of user and patient experience.

	About the product                                                                   

In May of 2018, Catapult Education was engaged by Align Technology to evaluate the iTero Element 2 intraoral scanner. This scanner was released in spring of 2018 and is the most improved cart-based scanner in the iTero family.

	The claimed improvements over previous technology include:

		Next-generation processor designed to improve startup time and scan speed

		High-definition visuals with a larger 21.5-inch monitor and 16:9 widescreen viewing format

		Uninterrupted scanning via the addition of a rechargeable battery, allowing the system to be moved without unplugging-with a fully charged battery, the user can scan for 30 minutes without having to plug in

		Ergonomic wand placement by placing the wand in the center of the screen, rather than the side

		Smarter scanning by improving the wand touchpad to minimize the use of the actual screen

	This evaluation was performed over a six-month period by six members of Catapult Education.

	Five of the six evaluating clinicians had previous experience with other scanners. Three had experience with previous versions of iTero. Other scanners the clinicians had experience with included 3M™ True Definition, 3Shape TRIOS

, Dental Wings Intraoral Scanner and CEREC Omnicam.

	Several defined areas were reviewed at both the three- and six-month stages of this evaluation. These will be referred to as “initial” and “final” for the results.

	Improved scanning experience: The responses were overwhelmingly favorable. Most evaluators mentioned it was better or far better than their previous scanning experiences. Only one evaluator mentioned the experience was comparable to a previous experience.

The improvements commented upon were speed, screen size and ease of data capture. Many evaluators wished for a slightly smaller wand size to make certain areas accessible. The wand cord was also noted as a potential improvement, as it crosses the patient during scanning. With those areas being mentioned, it was noted additional training could help overcome any concerns.

	Perceived improvement to scan speed, accessibility and completeness: Most of the evaluators perceived the improved design was favorable for scan speed and completeness of scans. The evaluators all liked the scan speed, and it was even mentioned that this scanner captures data faster than competitor scanners. The accessibility of the wand was met with mixed reviews, as certain areas were hard to access due to the wand size.

	Bug-free interface: The results were once again favorable to the new design. Of note were the prescription and workflow. The system was noted to be  “bug-free” and evaluators liked the way the scans can be manipulated by touch and shared with patients easily from all angles. One evaluator said the system was “near perfect.” It was mentioned a single scan, as opposed to individual prep scans, would be preferred. Also, one evaluator noted overall image clarity could be improved.

	Desirable wand cradle location: The cradle of the new iTero Element 2 was moved to the front center of the scanner below the screen. The previous version had the cradle on the side of the screen. Overall, the new cradle position was found to be favorable, easy to clean and easy to use, and it was easy to move the scanner with the new position.

	Convenience of new battery pack: Another addition to the scanner is a battery pack to allow use without an electrical outlet. Upon setup of the scanner, the battery pack was easy to install. It was found that the battery pack improves the mobility and efficiency of the scanner and would last for a sufficient number of scans. It’s important to note the evaluators used an outlet for the majority of the scans; however, they unanimously mentioned the battery pack would improve mobility of the scanner.

	Improved visualization: The increased screen size was found to be favorable by all evaluators. The doctor with no previous scanning experience even mentioned he “loved” the screen size. Two doctors also noted the improved screen size helped both the clinician and the patient to visualize the scans.

	Modern, technology-forward design: Following a specific evaluation of the new screen, the overall design was evaluated and found to be overwhelmingly favorable. A comment that sums up the overall design was “The system is very modern and appropriate for today’s dental world. It is nice to look at, and patients notice it immediately.”

	Profound impact on workflows: One hundred percent of the evaluators felt this scanner would have a profound impact on their current workflows because of its ease of use. Evaluators also mentioned the digital scanning was impressive, their staff was on board with the technology and restorative workflows were more efficient. When asked about the biggest advantage, ease of use was once again a common answer. The system was even described as “easily adopted” and accurate.

	Impressive patient experience: The evaluators were asked about their patients’ perceptions, and 100 percent of the evaluators reported their patients were impressed. Patients “loved the experience,” they “didn’t gag” and were overall “wowed” by the technology. This is huge for new technology!

	Suggested improvements: Evaluators felt the wand size could be decreased to improve the scanner. The cord was mentioned as a hindrance by one evaluator as well.

	Plan to purchase following evaluation: All of the evaluators plan on incorporating this technology into their practices. The general perception was the advancements were enough to warrant the purchase.

	The evaluators unanimously said they’ll recommend this scanner to their colleagues. Improved features, speed, accuracy and educational capabilities were all mentioned as attributes they would share when discussing the scanner among colleagues.

	With the digital age of dentistry in full effect, it’s imperative a newly released scanner be relevant and dynamic. Align Technology excelled by creating a multifunctional, intuitive, advanced and accurate scanner. The scanner was well received by the dentists and impressive to the patient.

	Previous users will always have desired improvements with each version released. However, it’s extremely impressive the “beginner” user was able to adapt so quickly and realize the potential. It’s obvious through this evaluation the iTero organization has done a great job by placing an excellent, improved scanner in the dental marketplace. It’s no surprise the iTero Element 2 is given the Catapult Education “Vote of Confidence.”

Articles

Why Catapult Education gave the iTero Element 2 from Align Technology its vote of confidence.

Key upgrades make for easier intraoral scanning

	If a dentist was to hear the name Quality Aspirators, he or she would most likely think of a company that provides aspiration and vacuum equipment for the dental office.

	While this is a fair assumption, there is much more to this dental company from Duncanville, Texas, that has been serving the dental business for more than 40 years. In that time, they have become an industry leader in manufacturing of dental surgical aspirators, fiber optic lights, endodontic aspirators and various other products.

 excels is in dental vision technology. They are the manufacturers of Q-Optics Prismatic Loupes and LED lighting technology. Most recently, they were the 2017 recipient of the Cellerant “Best of Class” Technology Award. With multiple players in the dental vision market, Quality Aspirators wanted to seek some expert knowledge regarding how their Q-Optics line of loupes performed in comparison to the other industry leaders.

	Brent Downs, director of sales at Quality Aspirators, reached out to Catapult Education for its unbiased review of their product. 

, formerly known as Catapult Group, was founded by Lou Graham, DDS, in 2013. The group is comprised of various key opinion leaders (KOLs) and teaching professionals throughout the United States and Canada. These professionals are well versed in many aspects of dentistry and have extremely unique interests in their individual practices. There was no compensation to these professionals for their evaluation of this line of products.

	Q-Optics offers many options when it comes to dental vision. They have two main lines of dental loupes: the Custom Through the Lens (TTL) Loupes and the Flip-Up Loupes. For the purpose of this review, Catapult Education was engaged to review the Custom TTL Prism Loupes. More information can be found on the other lines at www.q-optics.com.

	The entire line of Custom TTL Loupes is designed uniquely to perfectly fit the user’s facial features through a proprietary measurement system. The True-Fit™ Digital Measurement System builds upon traditional measuring systems to ensure optimal loupe placement, thus creating a better ergonomic fit. Working distances are customizable between 10 and 26 inches.

	Although several levels of magnification are available, the prism loupes are available in 3.5x, 4.0x and 4.5x with an expanded field of vision. The loupes are constructed from advanced materials to produce a lightweight, ergonomic and comfortable design. The magnification mechanism is contained in a titanium unibody housing, which is designed to align the lenses and prisms in a unique optical cage. Carbon fiber is utilized on the exterior of the housing for weight reduction and nose relief.

	For this evaluation, 10 KOLs participated. Each of the participants has used magnification in his or her practices; however, only three participants had any experience with a “prism” loupe. In addition, only one of the 10 participants had any previous experience with the brand Q-Optics.

	The fitting process was impressive, as agreed upon by all reviewers. It was noted that the steps for fitting were different from any of the reviewers were used to in the past. The fit was performed then verified prior to fabrication of the loupes. The fitter also verified using a digital camera for reference during the manufacturing process. All reviewers received precise-fitting loupes.

	The initial impression to the product was extremely favorable. The loupes were rated above average by all 10 participants, with eight rating them as “excellent.” They were referenced as “wonderful,” “best frames” and “so crisp and clear.”

	The weight and comfort was rated “excellent” by all reviewers. It was found that, in comparison to other brands, the weight was so favorable that the strap wasn’t needed for the majority of the users.

	Once again, an extremely favorable (100 percent) response was given for the clarity of vision. It was noted that the vision was crisper than loupes worn in the past. It was also noted that the field of vision was wider and entirely clear compared to competitors. It should also be noted that most of the reviewers chose a higher level of magnification than previously worn.

	Dentists are striving to provide conservative and minimally invasive dentistry on a daily basis. One of our most valuable assets to providing this quality of dentistry is our vision. It is imperative that we have a clear and magnified field of vision to achieve our goals. The Q-Optics Prismatic Loupes are a great adjunct to our practices. Their advancements have placed them in a league of their own. Q-Optics has been given the Catapult Education Vote of Confidence.

Why Catapult Education gave Q-Optics' Custom TTL Loupes its vote of confidence.