DIGITAL SCANNING
Comfortable, precise digital impressions:
Modern Technology for the Best Experience
At Godley Family Orthodontics in Zionsville, IN, we use advanced digital scanning technology to create a detailed 3D model of your teeth and bite—without messy impression trays or putty. In just a few minutes, a small handheld scanner comfortably captures precise images that help our Board-Certified Orthodontists plan customized treatment with braces, clear aligners, retainers, expanders, and other orthodontic appliances. You can view your digital model on-screen and, when appropriate, preview a simulation of how your smile may change with treatment.
WHAT IS DIGITAL SCANNING?
Comfort meets precision
We are an impression-free practice – which means no mess, no goop. Using our intraoral digital scanner, we are able to quickly and comfortably take a record of your teeth. This creates an instant 3D map of your teeth and bite. With an iTero digital scan, Dr. Godley also has the ability to simulate what your new smile could look like with braces or aligner treatment.
A digital scanner uses a small, handheld wand to take thousands of images of your teeth in seconds. These images are combined into a detailed 3D model that your orthodontist can use to plan braces, aligners, or other treatments. Unlike “goopy” impressions, digital scanning is clean, quick, and comfortable.
Benefits of Digital Scanning
Digital Scans vs. Dental Impressions
Digital dental scans are a much more comfortable and modern alternative to traditional putty impressions. Instead of having a tray filled with thick, sticky material pressed into your mouth and waiting for it to set, a digital scan uses a small handheld camera to gently capture images of your teeth. Many patients remember putty impressions as messy, awkward, and sometimes triggering a gag reflex, while digital scanning is simple, quick, and stress-free.
The scanner creates an incredibly accurate 3D model in just a few minutes, without any mess, discomfort, or radiation. Because the scan can be paused and restarted, you’re never stuck in an uncomfortable moment the way you might feel during a putty impression. The end result is not only a more pleasant experience for you, but also a highly precise digital model that helps your orthodontist design the best treatment for your smile.
With digital scanning, both patients and orthodontists benefit from a faster, cleaner, and more predictable start to treatment.
How Digital Scans are Used in Orthodontics
Digital scans play an important role throughout your orthodontic treatment:
Frequently Asked Questions
Digital intraoral scans are not painful at all. In fact, they are much more comfortable than the old-fashioned putty impressions. Instead of having a tray full of sticky material held in your mouth, digital scans use a small handheld camera wand that gently scans your teeth to take detailed images of your bite while you just sit back and relax. There’s no mess or pain. Many patients are surprised at how smooth and comfortable the experience is.
A digital dental scan is very quick—most scans only take two to three minutes to complete. The scanner works in real time, so we can see the 3D model of your teeth building as we go. One of the nice things is that the process is very flexible. If you need to take a break, swallow, or reposition, the scan can be paused or stopped at any time and then resumed right where we left off.
With digital software, you’ll be able to see your scan immediately on the computer screen. The scanner works in real time, meaning we can see the 3D model of your teeth being created as we go.
Digital scanners use advanced optical technology—basically a tiny camera that captures thousands of pictures per second to create a 3D model of your teeth and bite. There’s no radiation involved; it simply uses safe optical light to take highly accurate images. This means it’s comfortable, mess-free, and safe for patients of all ages. The result is a precise digital model that helps us plan your orthodontic care with incredible detail, without any exposure to x-rays.
Experience modern technology
Digital scanning has transformed how orthodontic treatment begins. At Godley Family Orthodontics, our iTero intraoral scanner captures a precise 3D image of your teeth and bite in just minutes — no trays, no putty, no mess. These digital impressions do more than replace old-fashioned molds: they improve the accuracy of your treatment plan and even let us show you an instant simulation of how your smile could look with braces or clear aligners.
It’s one of the many ways we combine modern technology with compassionate, personalized care. Whether you’re considering braces, clear aligners, expanders, athletic mouthguards, or a retainer, your treatment at our Zionsville office starts with records that are comfortable to take and remarkably precise.
Our office is located at 12036 N Michigan Rd, Suite 110, Zionsville, IN 46077. We welcome patients from Zionsville, Whitestown, Carmel, and northwest Indianapolis. Schedule your free consultation today and experience how easy an impression-free start to your smile journey can be.
Schedule your free consultation today and see how digital scanning technology can make your smile journey easier than ever!