Orthodontist and dental training is intense and relies so much on the ability of the professional to see the problem and make rational changes. Adding in some enhanced technology gives them a whole new field of vision that makes their job more in-depth and your visit better!
Digital X-Rays and 3D Dental Imaging
To make changes that will impact your life and your teeth in the best way possible, orthodontists need to be able to see the detailed structure of your mouth. With the advance of digital x-rays and 3D dental imaging, they can more accurately see and diagnose the problems you may be experiencing! Relying on digital rather than film for x-rays means your orthodontist can access the images immediately and provide a solution quickly and efficiently.
Digital Impressions with an Itero Scanner
If you’re the one in the orthodontist’s chair, getting braces may have felt like way too many sessions of impressions and molds before the final fit is found. With the Itero scanner, your orthodontist can create impressions of your teeth digitally instead of manually creating your perfect fit in just a few minutes. These digital impressions are also more accurate so you’ll spend less time getting fittings and more time doing things you love!
Nickel and Copper-Titanium Wires
Rather than fight the fit against stainless steel wires as orthodontists have done in the past, new types of wires made of nickel and copper-titanium are being used. These respond to the heat in the mouth and tighten naturally as teeth shift.
Robotic Wire Bending Technology and CAD/CAM
Making sure your brackets and wires are in the right place is a challenge and it used to be that only a few orthodontists could make it happen. With new robotic wire-bending assistance, it’s become a lot easier to manage and get right! Rather than bounce from orthodontist to orthodontist looking for the right fit, you’ll be able to get everything done in one place.
Invisalign Aligners
Braces used to be the only option and a rite of passage for many in middle school and high school. But with newer technologies available, clear braces like Invisalign have reduced the need for metal braces and are created for your comfort. They are much less visible than the old style of braces and they can be removed for short periods. Instead of worrying about how clean you’ll be able to get your mouth as you would around metal braces, you’ll be sure to get a good clean each time you brush and floss!
Six Month Smiles
Your smile is your best feature and accessory and making sure you’re confident with that smile is a big reason why orthodontists operate. Six Month Smiles corrects only the teeth that show when you smile! While it won’t correct your bite or more serious issues, it will straighten out your smile and give you more confidence as you go through the world. This procedure only takes six months as opposed to the 2-3 years that traditional braces take.
Takeaway
Through the years, orthodontists have been perfecting and pursuing better practices for their patients. With the resultant technology, getting braces is far less scary, time-consuming, and uncomfortable than it has been in the past!
