If you’ve ever had dental impressions taken the traditional way, you know the experience isn’t exactly pleasant. Bulky trays filled with goopy impression material, triggering your gag reflex while you wait for the putty to set—it’s an outdated process that many patients dread. At Red Oak Dentistry in Raleigh, North Carolina, Dr. Michael King has invested in modern technology that eliminates this discomfort entirely: the Medit i700 intraoral scanner.
This advanced digital scanner is transforming how we capture the precise measurements needed for crowns, bridges, Invisalign® clear aligners, dental implants, and other restorative treatments. The result? A faster, more comfortable, and more accurate digital impressions experience for our patients.
What Is the Medit i700 Intraoral Scanner?
The Medit i700 is a state-of-the-art digital imaging device that creates highly detailed 3D models of your teeth and gums in real time. Instead of using messy impression materials, Dr. King or a specially trained team member simply moves a small, wand-like scanner around your mouth, capturing thousands of images per second. These images are instantly processed into a precise digital model that appears on a chairside monitor.
This technology represents a significant leap forward from traditional impression methods, offering benefits that improve virtually every aspect of your dental care experience.
Say Goodbye to Messy Impressions
One of the most immediate improvements you’ll notice with the Medit i700 is the elimination of traditional impression trays and materials—no more gagging on putty or dealing with unpleasant taste and texture. The scanning process is completely non-invasive, with a compact, comfortable wand that easily maneuvers around your mouth without causing discomfort.
Most patients find the experience far more tolerable, especially those with a sensitive gag reflex or dental anxiety. For parents bringing children to our practice, the Medit i700 makes procedures much less intimidating, as kids are often fascinated watching their teeth appear on the screen in real time. This turns what could be an anxious moment into an educational and even entertaining experience.
Faster Appointments, Quicker Results
Traditional impressions required time for the material to set, then additional time for the impression to be sent to a dental lab. With the Medit i700, the entire scanning process typically takes just a few minutes, and the digital file is available immediately.
This efficiency means shorter appointments for you and faster turnaround times for your treatment. When planning for Invisalign® clear aligners, dental crowns, bridges, or implant-supported restorations, the digital scans can be transmitted electronically to our lab partners or used immediately for in-office treatment planning. This streamlined workflow often reduces the time between your initial appointment and receiving your final restoration.
Enhanced Accuracy for Better Outcomes
Precision matters in dentistry. The Medit i700 captures incredibly detailed 3D images with accuracy that surpasses traditional impression methods. Traditional impressions can be affected by various factors—air bubbles, distortion during removal, material shrinkage, or impression material that doesn’t fully capture fine details.
Digital scanning eliminates these variables. The Medit i700 provides consistent, highly accurate data every single time, which translates to:
- Better-fitting crowns and bridges that require fewer adjustments
- More predictable Invisalign® treatment with aligners that fit precisely
- Improved planning for dental implant placement using our Guided Implant Surgery technology
- Reduced need for retakes or adjustments
When your restoration fits properly the first time, you experience less discomfort and achieve optimal results more quickly.
See Your Smile in Real Time
One of the most remarkable features of the Medit i700 is that it allows you to see exactly what Dr. King sees—as the scan progresses, a detailed 3D model of your teeth builds on the monitor right before your eyes. Dr. King can use the digital model to show you precisely where problems exist, explain why certain treatments are recommended, and even demonstrate what your smile could look like after treatment.
For cosmetic procedures and Invisalign® treatment planning, being able to visualize the potential outcome creates realistic expectations and builds confidence in your treatment plan.
Supporting Advanced Treatment Technologies
At Red Oak Dentistry, the Medit i700 works seamlessly with our other advanced technologies. When Dr. King performs Guided Implant Surgery, the digital scans from the i700 are integrated with 3D CBCT imaging to create precise surgical guides. This combination allows for minimally invasive implant placement with exceptional accuracy.
For Invisalign® patients, the digital scans are used to create your custom treatment plan and design your series of clear aligners. The precision of the Medit i700 ensures your aligners fit comfortably and move your teeth as intended throughout your orthodontic journey.
Ready to Experience the Medit i700 Difference?
We invite you to experience how modern technology makes dental care more comfortable than ever. Call us today at (919)-781-8984 to schedule your appointment and discover the Red Oak Dentistry difference for yourself.