Technology in the orthodontic and dental fields has advanced a ton in the past couple of decades. It’s designed to make treatment quicker and easier for patients, as well as the staff. Dr. Linda Hallman of Fit Bite Orthodontics, an orthodontist in Chevy Chase, MD, discusses the technology available at her office and how it helps you.
CBCT 3-D X-Rays
For orthodontic work, it’s essential to get a clear image of all of the structures of your mouth. Having a 3-D machine in the office allows us to get digital imaging quickly of these structures. We won’t have to refer you to a specialist to get a detailed image of your mouth. Dr. Hallman will use these to create a treatment plan for you. This machine also has lower radiation than other x-ray machines.
Digital Dental Impressions
Impression trays are gooey, messy, and uncomfortable for patients. It can be hard to get a clear impression, particularly if the patient has a bad gag reflex and struggles with the impression. Digital impressions provide a much better alternative. We use the i-Tero chairside digital impression machine. A handheld wand is used to scan the mouth, immediately giving the orthodontist digital images to analyze.
TruDenta
TruDenta allows Dr. Hallman to identify and treat problems like chronic pain in the face or TMJ and other bite problems. Combined with her extensive education, this helps her detect something like a misaligned bite that could be putting pressure on your joints and causing you pain and discomfort.
TruDenta is able to tell how the pressure from your bite is distributed. It’s non-invasive and you don’t have to take any medication. TruDenta can also provide treatment for the problems it discovers, using ultrasound, muscle therapy, and low-level light therapy (photobiomodulation).
Dental Monitoring App
This is an easy way that Dr. Hallman can monitor the progress of your orthodontic treatment. You download the app on your cell phone and attach the phone to a special smilebox. When it’s in motion, the smilebox helps you scan your teeth and takes high-resolution images of them. Dr. Hallman can use them to monitor your progress and decide further steps in your treatment plan.
3-D matching technology is used with the images in the app so every time you get pictures, you get updated on the progress of your treatment. Being able to remotely monitor your progress helps you have fewer appointments and a faster treatment time for getting the smile you want.
Technology at Your Chevy Chase, Maryland Orthodontist
We stay up to date with the latest orthodontic technology to make sure you get the best possible treatment. Call us or contact us online to make an appointment!