Dental technology has come a long way from its humble beginnings decades ago, and today’s customers have access to advanced procedures they could only dream of a few years back. Dental professionals in general and orthodontists in particular have witnessed the way their techniques and dental equipment have evolved firsthand.
These technological advances allow orthodontists to provide their patients with cutting-edge treatment and an overall better experience. Here are five technological advances and techniques that are used everyday at the Clinique d’orthodontie F. Lavoie and that will surely improve the orthodontic practice in general in the near future.
Clear, Self-Ligating and Invisible Braces
The more conventional elastic ligatures dual brackets that are used in traditional braces have to rely on a certain amount of force to get a patient’s teeth into the desired place, which may cause some level of discomfort or even pain. Plus, these orthodontic appliances are not known for their aesthetic. Thankfully, modern orthodontic solutions such as clear (or even invisible) braces are far more efficient, effective and of course discreet. If this is something you would like to look into, check out your particular state/area for the best clear aligner options for you.
If you choose to use one of the many self-ligating systems available, your teeth will be straightened without the use of elastic bands. Clear aligners and ceramic braces such as Invisalign are almost invisible. Even the more traditional metal braces are now more comfortable and sleek than they used to be.
CBCT Scanning
In light of the fact that they provide 2-dimensional images that are quite hazy, traditional mouth X-rays have serious limitations when it comes to display a person’s teeth structure. On the other hand, using CBCT (or cone beam CT) scanners, an experienced orthodontist can easily view 3-dimensional pictures of the jaw or even of the entire face structure of their patient.
CBCT scanning’s technology provides detailed and clear pictures that can be easily viewed and manipulated from several angles, which makes it a lot easier to detect and diagnose symptoms of issues with your teeth, before recommending a custom orthodontic treatment.
Temporary Anchorage Devices (known as TADs)
Temporary anchorage devices (or TADs) are technologically-advanced, tiny little screws made in titanum that are generally used to perform oral surgery. Nowadays, orthodontists also use these appliances to help control teeth’s movement in a patient’s mouth. Plus, these devices offer the benefit of a secure anchor placed in the bone of the jaw to control your molars or other teeth, which reduces undesired movement.
Furthermore, the process required to place TADs in your mouth is painless and fairly easy : indeed, it only takes a small quantity of relevant anesthetic, and it has to be applied to your gingiva. Plus, they are easily removed at the end of an orthodontic treatment.
Customized Smile Design Systems
Orthodontists and dentists have access to a 3-D planning software that they can use to create a smile for each of their patient, nowadays. In order to do that, they use their patients’ facial and dental features. This technology also has the advantage of making it possible for patients to see the final results of the procedure before undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Thanks to the use of 3-D planning software that allows for the impression of an individual’s teeth, dental professional can create three-dimensional models of their patient’s dental structure. Brackets and wires are also customizable based on the specific needs of each patient.
PROPEL For A Quicker Orthodontic Treatment
One of the main shortcomings of orthodontic procedures is that they usually take a certain amount of time. Changes in orthodontics helped make procedures more efficient and comfortable, but they don’t always help when it comes to shorten treatment time. No one wants to wear aligners or braces for months. Thankfully, PROPEL will help to make sure you don’t have to.
It’s a non-invasive orthodontic technology that’s designed to speed up treatment, and that without impacting the comfort or the safety of the patient. PROPEL works by getting the bone structure around teeth stimulated in order to help them shift into their ideal position in an easier and quicker manner.
As you can see, orthodontic-related technologies are going forward and you should take advantage of that trend!
