--- title: "Digital Scan vs Impressions UK | iTero and 3Shape Guide" url: https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/digital-scan-vs-impressions-orthodontics-uk description: "iTero, 3Shape Trios, and Medit digital scans vs traditional alginate impressions for orthodontics in the UK — accuracy, comfort." updated: 2026-08-17T00:00:00Z publisher: Virtual Consultant Online --- Digital Scanning iTero Impressions # Digital Scan vs Dental Impressions for Orthodontics UK Whether you are starting fixed braces, clear aligner treatment, or having a retainer made, your orthodontist needs an accurate three-dimensional record of your teeth. Traditionally this meant biting into a tray of putty — but digital intraoral scanning is now widely available in the UK and offers real advantages for patients. [Start Photo Assessment](https://virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) [Compare Costs](https://virtualconsultant.online/costs) ## What are traditional dental impressions? A dental impression is a physical mould of your teeth taken by pressing a tray loaded with impression material against your teeth and holding it while the material sets. The most common material used for orthodontic impressions is alginate — a seaweed-derived powder mixed with water to create a paste that sets within one to two minutes. Once set, the tray is removed and the impression is sent to a laboratory where plaster is poured in to create a physical model. Polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) is a higher-accuracy material sometimes used for retainer fabrication or detailed planning work. ## Why are impressions taken in orthodontics? Impressions or digital equivalents are taken at multiple stages of orthodontic treatment. Before treatment begins, study models of both arches are required for diagnosis and treatment planning — the clinician uses these to measure tooth sizes, arch widths, and plan tooth movements. During treatment, impressions may be taken to fabricate removable appliances or retainers. At the end of treatment, final models record the finished result. Clear aligner systems require highly accurate upper and lower arch records to manufacture each set of trays — this is the application where impression quality has the greatest impact on treatment accuracy. ## How do intraoral scanners work? An intraoral scanner uses a handheld wand with a camera at the tip, passed systematically over the surfaces of your teeth. The camera captures thousands of images per second which are stitched together by software to create a real-time three-dimensional model on a screen. The process typically takes five to ten minutes for both arches. The most widely used scanners in UK orthodontic practices include the iTero Element series, 3Shape Trios, and the Medit i700. Each system captures full-colour three-dimensional models that can be immediately inspected, zoomed, and measured on screen. ## What are the advantages of digital intraoral scanning? The most immediate benefit for patients is the elimination of the gag reflex trigger associated with traditional impressions. The impression tray and putty-like material are the most common causes of discomfort and anxiety during orthodontic records. A digital scan involves only a slim wand held near but not pressing against the back of the throat. Digital scans provide immediate feedback — the clinician can review the model on screen during the appointment and rescan any area that has been poorly captured. Digital files can be sent electronically to the aligner laboratory within seconds and stored indefinitely with no physical deterioration. ## When are traditional impressions still used? Not all orthodontic practices have invested in digital scanners, as the equipment cost is significant — a high-quality intraoral scanner costs between £15,000 and £35,000. NHS practices and high-volume practices operating on narrower margins may still use alginate impressions routinely. Some highly customised laboratory appliances may still require traditional impressions depending on the laboratory's workflow. For retainer fabrication outside of the aligner ecosystem, some practices still use alginate impressions which are sent to local laboratories — this is often faster and lower cost for simple removable retainer cases. ## How do digital scans and alginate impressions compare for accuracy? For clear aligner manufacture, digital scanning is consistently more accurate than alginate impressions. Alginate is dimensionally unstable — it begins to shrink within minutes of being removed from the mouth, and if not immediately poured with plaster, the impression distorts. Shipping impressions to distant laboratories introduces further risk. Studies comparing iTero and 3Shape Trios against alginate find that digital scans produce aligner-to-tooth fit that is more precise, with fewer tracking issues early in treatment. For fixed appliance bonding and fixed retainer fabrication, the accuracy difference is less clinically significant and traditional impressions remain widely used. ## What do patients experience during an intraoral scan? You will be seated in the dental chair as normal. The clinician or dental nurse will pass a slim scanning wand over your teeth, starting typically at the back molars on one side and working systematically around each arch. The wand does not press on your teeth — it is held a few millimetres away while capturing images. You will see a three-dimensional model of your teeth building in real time on the screen in front of you. The scan of both arches takes approximately five to ten minutes. There is no unpleasant taste, no material to bite into, and no waiting for material to set. ## Useful related pages [Orthodontic Treatment Records UK](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/orthodontic-records-uk) [CBCT vs OPG X-ray UK](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/cbct-vs-opg-xray-uk) [Orthodontic Treatment Planning](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/orthodontic-treatment-planning-process-uk) [Digital Orthodontics UK](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/digital-orthodontics-3d-planning-uk) [How Many Aligners Will I Need UK](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/how-many-aligners-will-i-need-uk) This guide is for general information only. It is not a diagnosis, treatment plan, or substitute for advice from a registered dentist or orthodontist. ### Compare next steps [Orthodontist Near Me](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations/orthodontic-treatment-near-me) [Clear Aligners Near Me](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/clear-aligners-near-me) [Invisalign Near Me](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations/invisalign-provider-near-me) [Browse Locations](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations) ### Ready for a clearer starting point? Upload guided photos and receive an indication of likely treatment options and pricing before booking appointments. [Get an Online Quote](https://virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) ### Frequently Asked Questions What is an iTero scan? An iTero scan is a digital intraoral scan taken using the iTero Element scanner — the most widely used digital scanner in Invisalign-providing practices in the UK. The scanner creates a precise three-dimensional model of your teeth that is used for treatment planning, Invisalign aligner manufacture, and the Outcome Simulator which shows a preview of your projected result. The scan takes around five to ten minutes and is comfortable, with no impression material or gagging trigger involved. Are digital scans more accurate than impressions for braces? For clear aligner treatment, digital scans are more accurate and produce better-fitting trays with fewer early tracking problems. For fixed brace treatment, the difference is smaller — impressions of good quality remain clinically sufficient for most purposes. For retainer fabrication, either method works well when properly handled. The comfort and convenience advantage of digital scanning applies regardless of treatment type, and most patients strongly prefer scanning to traditional impressions. Do all orthodontists in the UK use digital scanners? No. While uptake is growing, many orthodontic practices in the UK — particularly NHS practices and smaller independent practices — still use traditional alginate impressions. The scanner equipment is expensive and practices must balance the investment against patient volume. If digital scanning is important to you, it is worth checking before booking a consultation. Will I gag with a dental impression? Gagging is the most common complaint about traditional impressions. The upper arch impression in particular places material near the back of the mouth which triggers the gag reflex in many patients. Techniques to reduce this include tilting the head forward slightly, breathing through the nose, and applying a small amount of topical anaesthetic spray. Patients with a strong gag reflex should ask specifically about digital scanning as an alternative, as it is a genuinely much more comfortable experience for most people. Can a digital scan predict what my teeth will look like after treatment? The iTero Outcome Simulator and similar tools use the digital scan to run a visual simulation of how the planned treatment will move your teeth. This gives a rough indication of the projected outcome and is a useful consultation tool. It is a computer simulation based on the planned tooth movements, not a guarantee — the actual result depends on case complexity, compliance, and any refinements needed during treatment. Do digital records cost extra for patients? Practices that have invested in intraoral scanners sometimes charge a small additional fee for digital scanning — typically £50 to £150 as a standalone charge, though many practices absorb this into the overall treatment fee. NHS orthodontic patients are not charged separately for impressions or digital scans, as records are included within the NHS treatment charge. When comparing private treatment quotes, it is worth asking whether digital scanning is included and which scanner system the practice uses. Explore your options Quick links Not sure where to start? Use these quick links to explore orthodontic treatments, typical costs, and helpful guides that explain what different options involve. Whether you're researching braces or clear aligners, comparing pricing, or just getting a feel for what comes next, you can browse at your own pace and come back when you're ready to request a quote. Explore [Get Quote](https://virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) [Costs](https://virtualconsultant.online/costs) [Browse Treatments](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments) [Teeth Straightening](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/teeth-straightening) [Browse Problems](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems) [Locations](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations) [Near Me](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations/orthodontic-treatment-near-me) [NHS Eligibility Checker](https://virtualconsultant.online/about/do-i-qualify-for-nhs-treatment) [IOTN Score Checker](https://virtualconsultant.online/about/iotn-score-checker) [How To Take Orthodontic Photos](https://virtualconsultant.online/about/process/how-to-take-orthodontic-photos) [Online Orthodontist](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/online-orthodontist-uk) [Research Papers](https://virtualconsultant.online/research) [Social Channels](https://virtualconsultant.online/social) ## Ready for a personalised answer? Upload guided photos and get a tailored recommendation for your teeth and bite. [Start Photo Assessment](https://virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) [Find an Orthodontist](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations) Citation details Title Digital Scan vs Impressions UK | iTero and 3Shape Guide Publisher Virtual Consultant Online Published 2026-05-28 Updated 2026-08-17 URL [https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/guides/digital-scan-vs-impressions-orthodontics-uk](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/guides/digital-scan-vs-impressions-orthodontics-uk)