Intraoral Scanner in Wheaton, IL

Q: Is intraoral scanning comfortable?

Yes. The scanner is a small, pen-sized wand that glides over your teeth without touching your gums. There is no gagging, no messy impression material, and no discomfort. Most patients find it far more pleasant than traditional impressions.

Q: How long does a digital scan take?

A full-arch scan typically takes two to three minutes. The entire process — including both arches and the bite registration — is usually completed in under five minutes.

Q: Is the digital scan as accurate as a traditional impression?

Digital scans are actually more accurate than traditional putty impressions. The 3D model captures thousands of data points, producing a precise replica that results in better-fitting restorations with fewer adjustments.

Q: What procedures use the intraoral scanner?

We use the scanner for crowns, veneers, bridges, clear aligners, night guards, sports guards, and treatment planning for dental implants. It is also used for monitoring tooth wear and gum recession over time.

If you have ever dreaded biting down on a tray of cold, gooey impression material, you will appreciate the intraoral scanner at 20/32 Dental Co. in Wheaton, IL. This handheld digital scanner captures a precise 3D model of your teeth and gums in minutes — no putty, no gagging, and no do-overs. Dr. de la Fuente uses this technology for patients from Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Carol Stream, and across DuPage County.

What Is an Intraoral Scanner?

An intraoral scanner is a compact, wand-shaped device that uses a rapid series of optical images to build a real-time 3D map of your teeth, gums, and bite. As the scanner moves across your mouth, a detailed digital model appears on screen instantly. This model replaces the physical impressions that were once needed for crowns, veneers, clear aligners, and other custom restorations.

Benefits of Digital Scanning

No More Putty Impressions

Traditional impressions require you to bite into a tray filled with impression material and hold still for several minutes. The intraoral scanner eliminates this entirely. The wand simply glides over your teeth while you breathe normally.

Superior Accuracy

The scanner captures thousands of data points per second, creating a model that is more detailed and dimensionally accurate than any physical impression. This means better-fitting crowns, aligners, and other restorations — often with fewer adjustments at delivery.

Instant Visual Feedback

You can see your own teeth rendered in 3D on the screen as the scan happens. Dr. de la Fuente uses this model to explain treatment options and show you exactly what she sees, making it easier to understand your care plan.

Faster Turnaround

Digital scans are transmitted electronically to our in-office milling unit or dental lab. There is no shipping of physical impressions, which means your restorations can be fabricated and delivered faster.

Reduced Retakes

Traditional impressions sometimes need to be redone if the material does not set properly or misses an area. Digital scans can be reviewed immediately and touched up on the spot, virtually eliminating the need for retakes.

How We Use the Intraoral Scanner

Crowns and Bridges

The scanner captures the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth so a perfectly fitted crown or bridge can be designed digitally.

Same-Day Crowns

Combined with our CEREC milling technology, the intraoral scan feeds directly into the crown design software — making a permanent crown in a single visit possible.

Clear Aligners

Digital models are used to plan clear aligner treatment and simulate your projected results before the first tray is even made.

Custom Dental Guards

Night guards and sports mouthguards are fabricated from digital scans for a precise, comfortable fit that outperforms boil-and-bite alternatives.

A Better Experience From Start to Finish

The intraoral scanner is just one example of how 20/32 Dental Co. uses technology to make your dental visits faster, more comfortable, and more precise. From the moment the scan begins to the delivery of your final restoration, digital workflows reduce chair time, improve accuracy, and create a better overall experience.