Can you buy a custom night guard with an iTero scan?
Yes—you can order a custom night guard using your iTero scan.
If your dentist or orthodontist has already created a digital 3D scan of your teeth, you can usually request the scan files and use them to order a professionally made custom night guard online. That means no messy impression putty, no retaking molds, and a much faster process.
Many people who already have an iTero scan are looking for relief from teeth grinding, jaw clenching, or TMJ-related discomfort. If your dentist recommended a night guard as part of your treatment plan, our guide on night guards for TMJ explains how custom appliances can help protect your teeth and reduce stress on the jaw.
If you're still deciding which type of night guard is right for your needs, our Complete Guide to Custom Night Guards compares soft, hard, hybrid, and daytime guards to help you choose before ordering.
What Is an iTero Scan?
An iTero scanner is a digital intraoral scanner used by thousands of dental offices.
Instead of filling your mouth with impression material, the dentist uses a handheld scanner that captures thousands of images every second to create an extremely accurate 3D model of your teeth.
These scans are commonly taken for:
- Invisalign treatment
- Retainers
- Crowns and bridges
- Night guards
- Orthodontics
- General dental records
Once completed, the scan exists as a digital model that can often be exported into standard file formats.
Do You Own Your iTero Scan?
In most cases, yes.
Your dentist owns the original patient record, but you generally have the right to obtain a copy of your dental records, including digital intraoral scans.
Simply contact your dental office and ask for the following files:
- Upper arch (.STL or .PLY)
- Lower arch (.STL or .PLY)
- Bite registration if available
Many offices can email the files within minutes.
Which File Types Work?
Most dental labs—including Sentinel—accept standard digital scan formats.
| File Type | Accepted |
|---|---|
| STL | ✅ Yes |
| PLY | ✅ Yes |
| OBJ | Sometimes |
| Proprietary iTero files | Usually require export |
If your office only has proprietary iTero files, simply ask them to export the scans as STL or PLY files.
Why Order with a Digital Scan Instead of an Impression Kit?
There are several advantages to using existing digital scans.
Faster turnaround
Since your impressions are already complete, production can begin immediately after the files are reviewed.
More comfortable
No putty trays.
No gagging.
No waiting for impression material to set.
Extremely accurate
Digital scans eliminate many of the common issues that occur with home impressions, such as:
- Air bubbles
- Distortion
- Incomplete molars
- Movement during setting
Save money
Because no impression kit needs to be manufactured, shipped, or returned, using an existing digital scan helps reduce the overall cost of the process. At Sentinel, we pass those savings along by offering $20 off when customers upload their digital scans. If you're curious about what goes into the cost of a professionally made appliance, learn why custom night guards cost more in our in-depth pricing guide.
How to Buy a Night Guard Using Your iTero Scan
The process only takes a few minutes.
Step 1
Choose your preferred custom night guard.
Step 2
At checkout, select:
"Upload My Digital Scan"
instead of requesting an impression kit.
Step 3
Complete your purchase.
Step 4
You'll receive an email with a secure upload link.
Step 5
Drag and drop your STL or PLY files into the secure portal.
Once your files are reviewed, fabrication begins.
Once your digital scan files are reviewed, our technicians use them to fabricate your custom night guard in our St. Petersburg, Florida lab. If you're curious about what happens after you upload your files, see how we manufacture custom night guards in our behind-the-scenes guide.
Which Night Guards Can Be Made from an iTero Scan?
Digital scans can be used to manufacture nearly every Sentinel custom appliance, including:
- Comfort Night Guard
- Hard Night Guard
- Hybrid Night Guard
- No-Show Day Guard
- Custom Retainers
- Whitening Trays
- Tongue & Cheek Guards
The manufacturing process is identical to one created from traditional impressions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Invisalign scans?
Usually, yes.
If your orthodontist is willing to export your Invisalign scans as STL or PLY files, they can typically be used to fabricate a custom night guard.
Do I need another appointment?
No.
If your dentist already has current scans, they can usually email them to you without taking new impressions.
How old can my scans be?
If your teeth haven't changed significantly, recent scans are often suitable. However, if you've had orthodontic treatment, crowns, implants, extractions, or noticeable tooth movement since the scan was taken, new scans will be recommended.
What if my dentist won't release the files?
Some offices have internal policies about digital file distribution.
Ask whether they can export STL or PLY files, or whether they would be willing to send the files directly to Sentinel on your behalf.
Are digital scans more accurate than home impressions?
Professional intraoral scanners generally produce highly detailed digital models and eliminate many of the variables involved with taking impressions at home.
Skip the Impression Kit and Order with Your Existing Scan
If you've already invested the time to have your teeth professionally scanned, there's no reason to start over.
By uploading your existing iTero scan, you can skip the impression kit, save $20, and have your custom night guard manufactured directly from your digital dental files.