Align Technology Inc, San Jose, Calif, has announced new software upgrades and feature enhancements for its iTero intraoral scanner. The iTero 5.2 software upgrade is designed to increase practice efficiency and significantly expand the extensive array of iTero features currently available. According to the company, these enhancements reduce total Invisalign scan time, and a new Vivera® pre-debonding feature allows for digital removal of traditional brackets within the iTero scan, enabling Vivera Retainer delivery at the final orthodontic appointment.

Featuring new algorithms, the software update allows the iTero to conduct faster Invisalign® scans. According to the company, beta testing sites achieved as much as a 40% reduction in Invisalign scan time.

Meanwhile, the new Vivera Scan type provides for fast scan times and Vivera Retainer fabrication, while the Vivera Pre Debond feature allows clinicians using traditional wires and brackets to scan the teeth with the brackets still attached. Once a patient’s teeth have reached their final position during treatment, the clinician removes the wire, scans the teeth with the brackets still in place, and then sends the scan to Align for digital bracket removal and fabrication of Vivera Retainers. This allows the doctor to schedule the patient debonding appointment approximately 2 weeks after the iTero Vivera Pre Debond scan.

Also included in the new software update is a certified orthodontic laboratory workflow, which allows scans to be immediately transmitted to an iTero Orthodontic Lab Partner for the design and production of orthodontic appliances, retainers, and study models. According to Align Technology, when coupled with the iRecord™ digital study models, also available with a monthly subscription, this feature and the Vivera Pre Debond functionality allow the practice to reduce office space and associated expenses needed to store physical models.

And for those practices that work with the Henry Schein Realine™ clear aligner, the iTero software update gives practices the ability to submit digital iTero scans for Realine treatment.

In addition to the new features in the iTero 5.2 software upgrade, Align is also announcing the launch of monthly subscription options starting in June 2014. The new subscriptions include extended warranty service and provide comprehensive restorative, orthodontic, or dual functionality on the iTero scanner without additional per-use fees.

Commercial availability of the iTero 5.2 Software Upgrade will begin in May 2014.