Digital Advancements in Orthodontic Technology
The digital age is here, but what does that really mean for orthodontics? If you are straightening your teeth, you still need to wear metal or clear braces or plastic aligner trays, and visit the orthodontist regularly to check your progress and make adjustments. The digital age has not passed dentistry by, though. From start to finish, orthodontists use digital technology to improve care and make your office visits faster and more comfortable. Following are some digital advancements in orthodontic technology and what they can mean for you.
Digital Impressions
When you use Invisalign® plastic trays to straighten your teeth, you need to get a new set of trays every two weeks. That requires your orthodontist to know the exact shape of your teeth and bite to be able to custom-make your new aligners. While taking an impression to make a mold is one approach, digital impressions using a 3D scanner are an alternative. Digital impressions are faster, more accurate, and far more comfortable, since it doesn’t use “goopy” impression material.
Cone Beam CT
CT scanning is a great improvement over traditional X-rays because of better picture quality. The image lets orthodontists get a more accurate idea of the status of your mouth and what needs to be done to straighten your teeth. The 3D image lets orthodontists see your mouth from all angles, not just from a single angle as with regular X-rays.
Digital Advancements outside the Orthodontic Office
Some of the advancements come outside the clinical aspect of our office in the form of convenience. If you have read our website for information, made online appointments, or emailed our staff with questions, you have taken advantage of these digital opportunities. Also, digital advancements in record keeping allow us to use less paper, helping the environment along the way. - See more at: http://www.sesamecommunications.com/ppnarticles/digital-advancements-in-orthodontic-technology/#sthash.S4HPxh1B.dpuf
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