Technology

If you are new to orthodontic treatments and the technology that accompanies those treatments, don’t worry. We are here to help. As an orthodontic dentist in Norton, OH, we want to make sure you completely understand everything before deciding on which treatment is best for you.

What Is Orthodontic Technology?

Orthodontic technology is a type of dental technology that deals with the design and manufacturing of dental appliances such as the different kinds of braces (active, passive, and functional). All these types of braces can be fixed or removable.

What Are Orthodontic Digital Impressions?

Orthodontic digital impressions are the digital scans the orthodontist takes of your mouth. These scans create a map of your teeth and gums. This map makes it easier for the orthodontist to see a three-dimensional picture of your teeth on a computer screen. A 3D scan of your teeth is more accurate than a traditional mold or X-ray.

What Is Orthodontic 3D Printing?

Dentists and orthodontists can now use three-dimensional (3D) printers along with digital scanners for orthodontic treatments. The scanners create a map of your mouth, and the 3D printers will manufacture a dental appliance by crafting sequential layers of dental material placed one on top of the other to form the object they are trying to create for their patient.

Three-dimensional printing can be used to create exact replicas for dental devices, instruments, implants, and more. In fact, the 3D scanning and printing processes are frequently used to make a patient perfectly fitting teeth or braces. The dentist simply creates a digital model of your tooth/teeth and will then use the 3D printer to form a physical replacement tooth or braces for you. The 3D teeth and braces are often less expensive than using traditionally made products. So talk with your dentist in Norton, OH about the possibility of using 3D tooth/teeth/braces for your particular situation.

What Are Orthodontic 3D X-Rays?

Orthodontic 3D X-rays are the images that are taken of your mouth, teeth, and jaw using an X-ray device. It moves around your head, detailing the structures of your teeth in sections. A 3D X-ray scan works similar to how a CT scan does.

The orthodontic 3D X-ray scanner, sometimes referred to as a CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) scan, captures multiple images from different angles and takes about 20-seconds to complete. This machine gives the dentist/orthodontist more information about your situation using much less radiation than traditional X-rays.

What Are Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs)?

TADs are mini titanium screws that a dentist will use in oral surgery. An orthodontist uses them to control how the teeth move in your mouth. The TADs help secure an anchor in your jawbone for your teeth and this is what helps restrict movement while the orthodontist is working. The TADs can be easily removed once he or she is done with your orthodontic treatment.

What Is CAD/CAM Technology?

It used to be difficult for dentists and orthodontists to install the wires and brackets on the backs of patients’ teeth when placing lingual braces. Now, robotic wire-bending along with CAD/CAM technology and a digital scanner makes it much easier to install lingual braces. Additionally, this method is more effective and improves the patient’s experience.

What’s Next?

If you want more information about orthodontic treatments in Norton, OH, or the surrounding areas, please Contact Hockenberger Orthodontics today. Our office is outfitted with state-of-the-art technology to ensure we can provide our patients with the best one-on-one care possible.