What Is A Digital Impression?
Digital impressions are digital scans of the mouth that create a map of your teeth and gums. The scan allows your dentist or orthodontist to view your teeth on a computer screen in a 3-D model, which is more accurate than an X-ray or traditional mold.
Digital impressions, or 3-D intraoral scans, are captured by your dentist’s assistant, who moves a small wand around the inside of your mouth. As the dental assistant runs the wand along your teeth and gums, the wand captures photos and takes measurements, then stitches countless small images together instantly to form a precise image and map of your mouth.
How Are Digital Impressions Used For Braces And Orthodontia?
Digital impressions help an orthodontist create a more accurate map of your teeth, making it easier to examine your teeth and bite from different angles. This improved visualization allows them to better plan the most efficient and stable treatment plan for moving your teeth. It also helps to determine the best way to place braces and whether additional appliances will be needed. Having a digital impression means that you will have more precise measurements on tooth sizing and spacing. This allows for a more accurate care plan for braces, retainers, and aligner trays.
A digital impression coupled with a 3-D panoramic X-ray help to guide treatment and care in the most accurate way possible.
Digital impressions are also better for patient comfort because there are no gooey impression materials. Patients find the scanning process far more enjoyable than traditional impressions. The other benefits are that the digital models don’t require physical storage space, don’t chip or break, and can be reprinted with a 3-D printer as needed. They offer a very accurate alternative to traditional plaster casts. They also allow for faster turnover with the lab because you can send a file to a lab and they can instantly print the model with a 3-D printer, rather than having to physically transport a delicate model to the lab.
They are also a fun tool to show patients their teeth and bite. It is also much easier to alter a digital cast and show patients how their teeth might look if you have to remove a tooth or something similar.
Digital Impressions At NEWTON BROOK Dental
At Newton Brook Dental, we use digital impressions for a wide range of specialties, from braces to placing dental implants. This technology provides an accurate map of the mouth that many practitioners didn’t have access to just a few years ago. We pride ourselves in being able to provide our clients with top-level care using cutting-edge technology.
Digital impressions provide many benefits for you including the following:
- Comfort: the 3-D scanning is often much more comfortable for patients than traditional impressions. Those who have sensitive gag reflexes or teeth that are sensitive to cold material will be able to relax since the impression is all-digital and doesn’t involve trays or “goop.”
- Quality: digital impressions limit the margin for error and distortion compared to traditional impressions. This means that your crown, bridge, or other appliance will fit better in your mouth since the information it was made from is very detailed. When combined with digital X-rays dental implants can be placed in a more ideal position than when using regular X-rays alone.
- Cost-effective: there is no increase in cost for a digital impression; traditional impressions and 3-D scanning costs the same for the patient. We regularly use digital impressions in conjunction with our 3-D panoramic X-rays to help guide our oral surgeons in placing dental implants. 3-D panoramic scans allow the dentist to see your entire jaw and move the image on the screen to inspect from different angles.
What is Accelerated Orthodontics?
Accelerated orthodontics sounds like something all orthodontic patients would agree to. Getting your braces off as fast as possible to reveal an amazing smile, what’s not to love? Find out what accelerated orthodontics is and whether you’re a good candidate.
What is Accelerated Orthodontics?
Accelerated orthodontics, also known as accelerated orthodontic treatment or rapid orthodontics, is a technique that aims to expedite the process of tooth movement and reduce the duration of orthodontic treatment. It involves using various methods to accelerate tooth alignment and achieve desired results in a shorter time frame compared to traditional orthodontic approaches.
Here are a few common methods used in accelerated orthodontics:
- Microosteoperforations (MOPs): This technique involves creating tiny perforations or small holes in the bone surrounding the teeth. These perforations stimulate localized inflammation and increased bone remodeling, which can accelerate tooth movement.
- Photobiomodulation (PBM): Also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), PBM involves using specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular activity and promote faster tooth movement. It is believed to enhance the cellular response in the bone and surrounding tissues.
- Vibrational devices: Vibrational devices or orthodontic accelerators are used to apply high-frequency vibrations to the teeth and surrounding bone. These vibrations are thought to enhance cellular activity and stimulate bone remodeling, leading to accelerated tooth movement.
- Corticotomy-assisted orthodontics: This technique involves making small cuts or incisions in the bone to allow for controlled tooth movement. By creating a more favorable environment for tooth repositioning, corticotomy-assisted orthodontics can speed up the overall treatment process.
It’s important to note that accelerated orthodontics may not be suitable for everyone and is typically reserved for specific cases. The suitability of these techniques depends on factors such as the individual’s orthodontic needs, overall oral health, and the recommendation of an orthodontic specialist.
If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, it’s best to consult with an experienced orthodontist who can evaluate your specific situation and provide guidance on the most appropriate treatment options for you, including whether accelerated orthodontics may be a viable choice.
Pros of Accelerated Orthodontics
There are a number of benefits associated with accelerated orthodontic treatment.
Faster Treatment Time
Most patients are keen to reduce the time they wear braces or Invisalign and accelerated orthodontics is one of the few ways a shorter treatment time can be achieved.