Imaging
CBCT Imaging (or 3-D x-rays) is making traditional 2-D X-rays fall flat on their diagnostic ability.
Digital Imaging with CBCT
What is CBCT?
CBCT (or Cone beam computed tomography) scanning is the latest breakthrough in dental imaging. It allows our team to view the jaws and skeletal structures in all three dimensions and us to better diagnosis issues that may be going on under the bone. With 2D imaging, a flat view of a 3D image is created which can show distortion and uncertainty at times. With our CBCT, we can see how the teeth fit in the bone in all 3 dimensions, which aids in developing your individualized treatment plan.
Why CBCT?
CBCT allows for many advantages over conventional X-Rays which include:
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3D evaluation of impacted teeth
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Growth Assessment
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Pharyngeal Airway Analysis
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Assess the Temporomandibular Joint in 3 dimensions
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Orthognathic Surgery planning
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Fabricate custom orthodontic appliances
This detailed scientific journal article reviews these in detail
Our CBCT
Why did we choose the Planmeca imaging unit. We like the best! Its as simple as that. We reviewed all the CBCT scanners on the market and hands down the Planmeca came out on top. It provides the best resolution with the lowest amount of radiation possible. To deliver the best treatment, we have to use the best, and we never want to disappoint.
We cannot treat what we cannot see, and we don't know what may be going on inside the bone that may affect your treatment. Village Orthodontics has the technology for us to see more than what is under the surface of the bone, both safety and effectively.
Real World Example
One common problem that we witness is orthodontic treatment are impacted teeth. Maxillary canines are the most common impacted teeth besides the 3rd molars. The traditional panoramic x-ray below shows us these canine teeth. With this image it is impossible to tell if these overlapping, impacted canines are positioned in front or behind the incisors. Because of this, we used to be unable to effectively plan the treatment without sending you first to an imagining center or oral surgeon. This resulted in more time out of school and work for our patients and an additional expense that was not necessary if we incorporated new technology into our office- so we did.
In the images taken with our 3d xray we can accurately decipher where these teeth are positioned relative to the other teeth in all 3 planes and give you, our patients, an accurate plan and treatment time estimate during the consultation visit. More information gathered from these images translates to better knowledge of the surrounding teeth and bones and more efficient treatment.
