Orthodontics is growing in popularity among adult patients thanks to the wide variety of rapid treatments available. Digital orthodontics offers the perfect option for adults who want to straighten their teeth with absolute precision and in less time. It involves using advances in orthodontic technology to help you achieve a straighter and healthier smile.
In fact, many practices have noticed a shift from ancient 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, more even smile faster.
What Exactly Is 3D Orthodontic Technology?
There are a number of digital scanners that orthodontists can use for 3D orthodontic modeling. Scanners allow your orthodontist to take high-quality impressions to use for your treatment options.
3D technology provides numerous advantages for both you and your orthodontist. Your orthodontist can now get rid of messy impressions, making you more comfortable, and greatly improving accuracy while reducing your seat time. With the help of digital imaging, your scan is transferred to interactive treatment planning software. This means your tooth movement can be adjusted digitally and guided in real time directly on the screen.
Another main benefit of digital orthodontics is the computer generation of unique appliances. With special devices, orthodontists can improve accuracy and precision. For patients, this means better results and faster treatments.
What You Need to Know About Digital Orthodontics
So, what are the important points you should know about this innovative orthodontic method? Digital orthodontics provides numerous benefits, including:
3D Imaging
With no cold metal trays and sticky paste for taking your measurements, digital scanning provides a cleaner method. The orthodontist deftly uses a 3D scan stick in your mouth and is unlikely to develop offensive tastes, retching or chalky residue.
Digital Orthodontics Is Faster
Digital dentistry is much faster. With real-time scanning, images are immediately available for your orthodontist to review and design your unique treatment plan.
Previously, the orthodontist had to wait long enough for it to harden and dry to examine the putty molds. The waiting time could be hours and sometimes they had to be remade for cleaner patterns. Today, the orthodontist can scan and upload a full-size digital model in minutes.
More Accurate and Reliable
Thanks to advances in computer imaging, orthodontists can diagnose and treat a range of conditions. Highly detailed images can capture every contour of your teeth with incredible accuracy.
This accuracy creates a trickle effect in other treatment areas. For example, misdiagnoses are a thing of the past. And your orthodontist will be able to detect rarer conditions right away and allow treatment to begin before it progresses.
What’s more, the digital software takes into account any irregularities in your tooth enamel, giving a higher quality image of your mouth. Your orthodontist will also capture images that make identifying tooth and gum structures easier than ever before. The clinic will then save and back up digital data so there is no possibility of losing scans or the patient’s history.
Increases Efficiency
Digital dentistry can make your orthodontist visit so much faster. In fact, computer imaging makes the entire review process much faster. This allows other elements such as diagnostics to pass faster than ever before. For orthodontists, this means being able to devote more time to each case, focusing heavily on treating problems rather than just diagnosing them.
Increased Comfort
One of the best things about digital orthodontics is that it is completely non-invasive in image processing. Your orthodontist can take images quickly and easily without disturbing their patients.
Digital Scanning with Invisalign
Orthodontists can even use digital scanning with Invisalign products. In some cases, an orthodontist will connect a scanner to Invisalign software to create aligners directly from the scans. Images greatly simplify the process by creating tailored treatment plans for each patient.
Different Types of Digital Orthodontics
There are several different elements that fall under digital orthodontics:
Digital Records and Computer Mapping
Orthodontists can now record with the help of digital photography. From digital scanning to eliminating the need for film-based x-rays, recordings can be used immediately for treatment planning, significantly simplifying the entire orthodontic process.
In digital dentistry, all patient files are completely digital. So instead of waiting for staff to sort through the various charts, your information is available in a matter of seconds.
Digital Treatment Plans
When digital photography becomes available, your orthodontist can review the recordings and monitor each digital X-ray to determine the relationship between your facial bone and the position of your tooth. This helps you design a preliminary treatment plan and create a treatment plan customized just for you. Your orthodontist will then monitor the progress and monitor any necessary changes to your digital chart.
Digital Orthodontics Makes Life Easier
Digital orthodontics is designed to facilitate almost every part of the orthodontic process. There are many benefits that can be obtained, from short office visits to more accurate treatments.
