iTero Element 5D Plus - Working with Near Infra-Red Imaging (NIRI); Figure 6: Visible Light Spectrum Showing NIRI on the 850 Nm Wavelength; Figure 7: Reflective Concept - Healthy Enamel Is Translucent While Dentin and Caries Are Reflective

1.5 Working with near infra-red imaging (NIRI)
NIRI is a method of spectroscopy that uses the near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum (850nm).
Figure 6: Visible light spectrum showing NIRI on the 850nm wavelength
When the wand is positioned above the tooth, NIR images are captured.
The translucency of the structure translates to the brightness level in the NIRI image – the higher the translucency,
the darker the object, and vice versa. Tooth enamel is translucent to NIRI and will appear dark. Dentin and any
interference in the enamel, e.g. caries, are reflective and cause the light to scatter, and therefore will appear brighter
and opaque.
A Wand positioned on the tooth
surface
B Tooth enamel is translucent
C Dentin and caries are reflective
Figure 7: Reflective concept – healthy enamel is translucent while dentin and caries are reflective
iTero Element® 5D Plus User manual
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