3D teeth scan in Sheffield - a friendly, expert guide from Lateral Dental
If you’ve heard about a 3D teeth scan and wondered what it actually involves, you’re in the right place. At Lateral Dental, we use an iTero™ digital scanner to capture a precise 3D scan of teeth in minutes — no messy impressions, no gagging, and no radiation. You’ll see a lifelike digital model of your mouth on screen straight away, which we use to plan care, monitor changes, and show you options clearly.
This guide explains what a 3D oral scan is, how the iTero scanner works, when we recommend it, and what to expect during your visit. We’ll also show how 3D scanning supports aligner treatments such as Invisalign in Sheffield, crowns, bridges and more. If you’re ready to book, you can contact the team here: Get in touch.
What is a 3D teeth scan?
A 3D teeth scan is a digital impression of your teeth and gums taken with a small, handheld camera. As the dentist gently moves the scanner around your mouth, it stitches thousands of images together to create a detailed 3D model. We call this a 3D oral scan or 3D scan of teeth.
A few important points:
- No radiation. iTero scanning uses light, not X-rays. (We still take X-rays separately when they’re clinically useful.)
- Quick and comfortable. Most scans take just a few minutes.
- Super-accurate. The model captures fine detail for a precise fit.
Traditional putty impressions still have their place, but many patients prefer the cleanliness and speed of a 3D teeth scan — especially if they’ve struggled with gagging in the past.
How the iTero scanner works (and why we use it)
You’ll see us reach for the iTero in lots of everyday situations:
- Clear aligners and braces – planning and tracking tooth movement; learn more about our Invisalign treatments in Sheffield.
- Crowns, bridges and veneers – designing restorations that fit accurately and look natural.
- Implant dentistry – capturing the shape of your bite before and after implant placement.
- Monitoring wear or gum changes – comparing scans over time to spot small changes early.
- Emergency and repair visits – when something chips or breaks, a quick 3D oral scan can speed up solutions.
If you’re not sure whether you need a 3D teeth scan, we’ll tell you straight. We only scan when it adds value to your care.
Your appointment: step-by-step
Here’s what to expect when you come to us for a 3D scan of teeth:
- Welcome and history
We check your medical details and listen to your goals — whether that’s a straighter smile, a better bite or fixing a chipped tooth. If you’re exploring aligners, you might like to read about Invisalign in Sheffield before you arrive. - Quick clean, then scan
We’ll dry the teeth lightly and begin the 3D teeth scan. The scanner is about the size of an electric toothbrush head. We rotate it gently to capture all angles; you can breathe normally and pause whenever you like. - See your mouth in 3D
The full model appears on screen. We’ll rotate and zoom to show areas of interest — crowding, wear, chips, or gum contours. Many patients say this is the first time their mouth has really made sense. - Discuss options
Depending on your goals, we’ll talk through suitable treatments: from subtle alignment to repairing edges or refreshing old work. If aligners are a good fit, we’ll guide you to our Invisalign page to see examples and typical timelines. - Plan and next steps
You’ll leave with a clear plan — timings, fees and what to expect. If you’re ready to book, it’s easy here: Contact Lateral Dental.
Why patients love 3D scanning
- Comfort: No trays, no putty, no gag reflex.
- Speed: A 3D oral scan is usually complete in minutes.
- Clarity: It’s easier to understand your options when you can see them.
- Precision: Better data in means better results out — helpful for fit and longevity.
- Greener process: Digital files reduce shipping and single-use materials compared with many traditional impressions.
3D scanning for Invisalign in Sheffield
Clear aligners rely on precise digital models. With iTero, we capture a highly accurate 3D scan of teeth at the start, and we can scan again during treatment to check progress. You’ll often see a visual simulation that shows how teeth may move across the months ahead. This is purely a planning tool, but it makes the journey easier to picture.
Thinking about aligners? Explore our dedicated page here: Invisalign – Sheffield. If you prefer to chat first, send us a message via Contact and we’ll get back to you promptly.
Digital impressions vs traditional impressions
| Feature | 3D teeth scan (iTero) | Traditional impression (putty) |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | High - small camera, no gagging | Variable - some patients struggle |
| Speed | Minutes | Similar chair time, plus set-up |
| Accuracy | Excellent, with instant checks | Good, but errors are harder to see right away |
| Cleanliness | Dry, tidy and simple | Messy, requires tray removal |
| Repeats | Easy to re-scan a section | Often requires a full new impression |
| Sharing | Instant, secure digital file | Physical model to post/courier |
Safety, privacy and cleanliness
- Radiation-free: A 3D teeth scan uses light, not X-rays. If you need X-rays for diagnosis, we’ll take them separately and explain why.
- Infection control: The scanner tip is sterilised or single-use according to the manufacturer’s guidance.
- Data security: Files are stored securely and shared only with trusted partners (for example, our lab or aligner provider) as part of your agreed treatment.
- Consent first: We’ll always explain the purpose of a 3D scan of teeth before we start.
How our iTero 3D teeth scan works
We use a small handheld camera to capture thousands of images and stitch them into a precise 3D scan of teeth. It’s clean, quick and radiation-free.
You’ll see your mouth on screen within minutes. This 3D oral scan helps us plan Invisalign treatment, crowns and more with confidence — and you can follow along at every step.
Results you can feel and see
Good dentistry is about precision. When a crown, veneer or aligner fits beautifully, it’s more comfortable and more likely to last. By capturing the details of your bite with a 3D oral scan, we give your laboratory team better information to work with. That often means less time adjusting and more time enjoying the result.
- Comfort: small camera, no impression trays.
- Clarity: explore your mouth in real-time 3D.
- Precision: better fit often means better longevity.
See Invisalign in Sheffield or contact us to book your scan.
Why our scanning workflow is trustworthy
- Our clinicians perform iTero scans every week, for a wide range of cases — from simple repairs to comprehensive smile improvements.
- We’re trained in digital workflows and aligner planning, and we calibrate our systems to manufacturer guidance for accuracy.
- We provide written plans and consent, and we explain how your 3D oral scan informs each decision. You can explore our services on the Lateral Dental website.
- Infection prevention, data security and plain-English explanations are built into every appointment. We only recommend scans and treatments that genuinely help you reach your goals.
Who benefits most from a 3D oral scan?
- Adults considering aligners who want a clear picture of the starting point and potential outcome.
- Patients replacing older dental work (crowns, bridges, veneers) where precision matters.
- People with a gag reflex who dislike traditional impressions.
- Anyone tracking wear or gum changes over time — scans make comparison simple.
If any of these sound like you, a 3D teeth scan could make your visit smoother and your results more predictable. You can book a friendly consultation here: Contact us.
How we use your scans behind the scenes
- Treatment planning: The model helps us measure spacing, tooth widths and bite relationships.
- Communication with labs: We send secure files to our partner laboratory so your restoration is crafted to fit your mouth precisely.
- Progress checks: Mid-treatment scans confirm everything is moving as planned.
- Before/after comparisons: We can show your improvement with like-for-like images.
This is where a 3D scan of teeth really shines — it keeps everyone on the same page.
Tips to make your scan even smoother
- Arrive well-hydrated and avoid very cold drinks just before your appointment (they can make teeth a little sensitive).
- Let us know about any gag reflex — we’ll show you a breathing trick that helps.
- Bring your questions about aligners, repairs or whitening. Seeing your 3D oral scan on-screen makes answers clearer.
Ready to see your mouth in 3D?
Whether you’re planning aligners, need a precise crown, or simply want a modern experience without the mess, our iTero 3D teeth scan makes it easy to get started. Take a look at Lateral Dental, read about Invisalign in Sheffield, or go straight to Contact and we’ll find a time that suits you.
Final thought
Modern dentistry should be clear, comfortable and precise. A 3D teeth scan brings all three together, giving you a clean experience in the chair and a confident result at the end. If you’re curious to see your smile in high-definition 3D, we’d love to show you. Start at lateraldental.co.uk, explore Invisalign in Sheffield, or contact us to book your 3D oral scan today.
Frequently questions our patients ask
A 3D oral scan (like iTero) is an optical impression — no radiation — great for teeth and gums above the surface. A dental CT (CBCT) is an X-ray that shows bone, roots and nerves in 3D; we reserve CBCT for specific surgical questions. For most restorative and aligner cases, a 3D scan of teeth is perfect.
Yes. The scanner records whatever is present in your mouth — natural teeth, crowns, bridges and implants — which makes planning and replacement work more accurate.
Often, yes. For aligner assessments we can generate a simulation based on your 3D teeth scan. It’s a guide, not a guarantee, but it helps you picture the journey. Read more about aligners here: Invisalign – Sheffield.
Most people find a 3D oral scan far easier. The scanner is small and we can pause at any time. We’ll talk you through a nose-breathing technique that keeps you comfortable.
Message us through Contact Lateral Dental or call the practice. We’ll arrange a convenient time, carry out your 3D scan of teeth, and discuss options with a written plan, timings and fees. If aligners are right for you, we’ll guide you through next steps on our Invisalign pathway.
