The dental industry—like other health care sectors—has benefited significantly from cutting-edge technology. Cosmetic dentists tout same-day restorations. Oral surgeons improve the patient experience with no-needle anesthesia. More and more practices are offering no-drill dentistry.
Orthodontic treatment is no exception. There have been a plethora of improvements in materials, techniques, and teeth-straightening systems.
How do orthodontic patients experience the latest dental technology?
Digital X-Rays
Digital X-Rays require far less radiation exposure and are easier to store and access. Real-time digital images help Doctor Lee make a precise diagnosis and know exactly what’s going on during the course of treatment.
Digital models may be virtually manipulated to section and analyze specific teeth, arch form, amount of crowding or spacing, and type of malocclusion.
CAD (computer-aided design) and CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) are used for many procedures at Burlingame Smile Studio. CAD/CAM is also used in dental laboratories to fabricate crowns, bridges, implants, veneers, and ceramic braces.
Intraoral mapping based on different non-contact optical principles and technologies is now possible without the negative aspects of dental impressions such as discomfort for the patient, imprecision, and lab work. https://www.intechopen.com/books/issues-in-contemporary-orthodontics/3d-scanning-imaging-and-printing-in-orthodontics
Metal Alloys
For decades, archwires for braces were made with stainless steel. Several additional metal alloys are now used because they have properties ideally suited to orthodontia. The most common are copper-titanium, nickel-titanium, chromium, and beta-titanium alloy (mainly titanium and molybdenum).
“These metal alloys are temperature-sensitive and tighten when exposed to the mouth’s warm temperature. The pressure on the teeth using archwires made of these metals is more moderate, which means less pain at the beginning of treatment and during adjustment. Further, these metals are more durable, meaning fewer trips to the orthodontist.” – Colgate.com
Orthodontics is rapidly embracing new materials and advanced technologies, making the fully equipped 3D orthodontic office a reality. Recent developments and introduction of intraoral and facial scanners, digital radiology, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and additive manufacturing improved the efficiency, accuracy, consistency, and predictability of the treatment outcomes. 3D Scanning, Imaging, and Printing in Orthodontics, Taneva, Kusnoto, Evans
How has this technology improved orthodontia for patients?
- Patients have more choices in braces systems
- No messy impressions needed
- Many procedures that used to be finished in a lab can be done in an orthodontist’s office
- More accurate diagnoses and monitoring throughout the course of treatment
- Shorter appointments
- Fewer adjustments and office visits are needed during the course of orthodontic treatment
- Braces cause less pain and irritation and are more comfortable to wear
- Low or zero-radiation X-Rays
- Braces systems that are less visible (or 100% hidden!)
- Digital models can be quickly sent to an orthodontic lab for appliance fabrication
The latest technology combined with the expertise and experience of Doctor Lee, enables us to provide superior service to our patients. The future of orthodontia is here today at Burlingame Smile Studio.
Contact Burlingame Smile Studio:
650-231-2680
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1740 Marco Polo Way Ste 12
Burlingame, California
940101
