iTero is an intraoral 3D scanner developed and sold by Align, a US-based global leader in orthodontic and restorative dental devices.
iTero provides 3D scans of the teeth which are used for the fabrication of orthodontic models, customized archwires, and customized fixed appliances. This saves time and effort in orthodontic procedures and reduces the number of patient visits to the dental clinic. The company’s goals were to enable a complete dental scan within
... read moreiTero is an intraoral 3D scanner developed and sold by Align, a US-based global leader in orthodontic and restorative dental devices.
iTero provides 3D scans of the teeth which are used for the fabrication of orthodontic models, customized archwires, and customized fixed appliances. This saves time and effort in orthodontic procedures and reduces the number of patient visits to the dental clinic. The company’s goals were to enable a complete dental scan within 60 seconds, to monitor dental changes over time, and to allow the patients to see a 3D image of their scan on spot.
Taga was asked to study the market and to provide Industrial design, UX/UI design, and mechanical engineering of the scanner itself and the working station that includes a touch screen.
We started with a thorough study in dental clinics on the West Coast, observing the scanning procedure with intraoral scanners. Our team interviewed the dentists and learned that the time of the procedure and its complexity are key factors.
One of the main issues found in the study was cross-contamination: In order to check the 3D scan on the screen and manipulate it (requires several times during the scanning process), the dentist has to remove the gloves (so no germs are transferred to the screen), remove the disposable cap from the scanner and return it to the cradle, leave the scanner and approach the screen. This makes the process extremely lengthy and complicated.
Taga has developed a unique physical-digital solution: integration of a touchpad on the scanner itself, allowing the dentist to manipulate the 3D scan on the screen from the scanner itself, while it is in the patient’s mouth.
We have searched for a better user experience and following a creative thinking process we came up with an innovative physical-digital solution: integration of a touchpad on the scanner itself, allowing the dentist to manipulate the 3D scan on the screen from the scanner itself, while it is in the patient’s mouth. This feature was patented by the company. It helped to reduce the procedure time and complexity and to give the product a real competitive advantage.
In 2019 the iTero’s turnover was $380 Million and it won the MedTech Breakthrough Award in the “Best New Technology Solution for Dentistry” category.
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Creating a dental 3D scanner that improves the scanning time, reduces complexity, and allows patients to be more engaged in their treatment.
By solving a major challenge – cross-contamination – Taga managed to create a winning feature that helped iTero to win the competition. iTero’s turnover in 2019 was $380M and it won the MedTech Breakthrough Award.
