iTero

Cadent Inc., now operating as iTero, a subsidiary of Align Technology, has established a significant position in the dental and orthodontic markets through its development of 3D digital imaging solutions. The company was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Carlstadt, New Jersey, with a development center in Israel.

The firm's core business revolves around providing advanced digital scanning technology to dental professionals. This technology, embodied in the iTero intraoral scanner, is designed to replace traditional, often uncomfortable, dental impression methods. The scanner employs a wand to capture detailed 3D images of a patient's teeth and gums, creating precise digital models in minutes. These models are then utilized for a variety of restorative and orthodontic procedures, including crowns, bridges, veneers, implants, and the fabrication of Invisalign clear aligners. The business model enables dental practices and laboratories to improve treatment accuracy, reduce procedure time, and enhance the overall patient experience.

A pivotal moment in the company's history was its acquisition by Align Technology, the creator of Invisalign, in 2011 for approximately $190 million. This strategic acquisition integrated iTero's scanning technology directly into the Invisalign workflow, strengthening Align's market position and accelerating the adoption of digital solutions in dentistry. Prior to the acquisition, Cadent had already made significant strides, launching the first iTero scanner in 2007 and achieving full-arch scanning capabilities by 2008. The technology has continued to evolve, with newer models like the iTero Element and iTero Lumina offering faster scanning speeds and improved visualization.

The company serves dental and orthodontic practices, as well as dental laboratories, by offering a system with an open architecture. This allows for flexibility and seamless integration with various third-party systems and software, including CAD/CAM solutions for restorative dentistry. The iTero platform also includes a suite of software tools, such as the Invisalign Outcome Simulator and myiTero.com, a cloud-based platform for data storage and case management. These tools aid in patient communication by visualizing potential treatment outcomes and tracking progress over time, which can lead to higher treatment acceptance rates.

Keywords: 3D digital imaging, intraoral scanner, orthodontic solutions, dental technology, CAD/CAM dentistry, digital impressions, Align Technology, restorative dentistry, Invisalign workflow, dental imaging software, clear aligners, dental practice efficiency, patient communication tools, digital orthodontics, dental models, crowns and bridges, dental scanner, digital workflow, dental laboratories, treatment planning