Digital Orthodontics – Everything You Need To Know
Orthodontics is growing in popularity among adult patients, thanks to the wide rage of fast and discrete treatments available. Digital orthodontics provides a perfect option for adults looking to straighten their teeth with absolute precision and in less time. It involves the use of advancements in orthodontic technology to help you achieve a straighter and healthier smile. In fact, many practices have noticed a shift from older dental treatments to the use of modern technology and advanced methods.
Digital dental treatments are more effective and can save orthodontists a great deal of time, shortening your treatment time and achieving a healthier, straighter smile faster.
What Exactly Is 3D Orthodontic Technology?
There are a number of digital scanners that orthodontists can use for 3D orthodontic modelling. The scanners allow your orthodontist to make high-quality impressions to use for your treatment options.
The 3D technology provides numerous advantages for both you and your orthodontist. Your orthodontist can now do away with messy impressions, you will be more comfortable and while chair time is decreased, accuracy is greatly increased. With the help of digital imaging, your scan is transferred to interactive treatment planning software. This means your tooth movement can be digitally adjusted and guided right on the screen, in real-time.
Another main benefit of digital orthodontics is the computer-generation of unique appliances. With custom appliances, orthodontists can increase accuracy and precision. For patients, that means better results and faster treatments.
What You Need to Know About Digital Orthodontics
So, what important points do you need to know about this innovative orthodontic method? Digital orthodontics provides a myriad of benefits, including:
3D IMAGING
Without cold metal trays and sticky paste to make your impressions, digital scanning provides a cleaner method. An orthodontist will expertly wield a 3D scanning wand in your mouth and there’s no likelihood of uncomfortable tastes, gagging or chalky residues.
DIGITAL ORTHODONTICS ARE FASTER
Digital dentistry is simply faster. Thanks to real-time scanning, images are available right away for an orthodontist to review and devise your unique dental treatment plan.
Previously, an orthodontist would need to wait to examine putty moulds until they had enough time to harden and dry. The wait time could be hours, and sometimes they’d have to be redone for the sake of cleaner moulds. Today, an orthodontist can scan and upload a full impression digital model in just minutes.
MORE ACCURATE AND RELIABLE
Thanks to advancements in computerised imaging, orthodontists can diagnose and treat a range of conditions. The extremely detailed images can capture every contour within your teeth with incredible accuracy.
This accuracy creates a trickle-down effect across other areas of treatment. For instance, mis-diagnoses could well become a thing of the past. And your orthodontist will be able to spot rarer conditions right away, allowing treatment to begin before they progress.
What’s more, the digital software accounts for any irregularities in your tooth enamel, giving a higher quality view of your mouth. Your orthodontist will capture images in, too, making it easier than ever before to identify tooth and gum structures. The clinic will then save and back up the digital data so there’s no likely-hood of losing scans or a patient’s history.
IMPROVED EFFICIENCY
Digital dentistry can make your visits to the orthodontist much quicker. In fact, computerised imaging is making the entire examination process a whole lot faster. This ensures other elements, like diagnosis, pass by faster than ever before.
For orthodontists, that means the ability to spend more time on each individual case, putting a great deal of focus on treating issues rather than just identifying them.
INCREASED COMFORT
One of the best things about digital orthodontics is that there is nothing at all invasive about the image processing. Your orthodontist is able to take images quickly and easily, without any discomfort to their patients.
CUSTOMISED CARE
The latest orthodontic technologies allow orthodontists to create a more highly personalised plans for each patient. Both a dental professional and their patients can better track treatment and make sure the results are on track to a happier, healthier smile.
DIGITAL SCANNING WITH INVISALIGN
Orthodontists can even use digital scanning with Invisalign products. In some cases, an orthodontist will link a scanner to the Invisalign software to create aligners directly from the scans. The images create custom treatment plans for each and every patient, streamlining the process greatly.
Different Types of Digital Orthodontics
There are several different elements that fall under the digital orthodontics umbrella:
DIGITAL RECORDS & COMPUTERISED CHARTING
Orthodontists can now take records with the help of digital photography. From digital scanning to eliminating the need for film-based X-rays, records are available right away for treatment planning, significantly streamlining the entire orthodontic process.
In digital dentistry, all patient files are completely digital. So, your information is available within a matter of seconds, rather than having to wait for staff to sort through various charts.
DIGITAL TREATMENT PLANS
Once the digital photography is available, your orthodontist can study the records and trace each digital X-ray to determine the relationship between your facial bone and tooth positioning. This helps to devise a pre-treatment plan and create a customised treatment plan just for you. Your orthodontist will then track progress and monitor any necessary changes within your digital chart.
Digital Orthodontics Makes Life Easier
Digital orthodontics has been designed to streamline just about every part of the orthodontic process. From short office visits to more accurate treatments, there are many benefits to be had.
Talk Dr. Geoffery Wexler today about your individualised digital orthodontic treatment plan.
