Digital Tech in Orthodontics
How Technological Advances Can Improve Your Orthodontic Treatment!
Technological advances have transformed many industries in the past two decades. It’s arguable that orthodontics has gone through some of the most drastic changes. Advances in orthodontic appliances have made sleeker, smaller, and some nearly invisible designs to provide a treatment that’s pain-free and always in style.
Upgrades with in-office technology have created an environment that’s more efficient and effective for everyone involved. Yang Orthodontics prides itself on staying ahead of the curve to provide you with the best treatment possible. Below we’ll highlight how the advancements in the orthodontics industry are being used in our own office!
3D Dental Printing
Although 3D printing has been around for a while, there may still be some confusion about what the process of 3D printing looks like. A quick summary of this process is:
- A 3D digital model is created within the printer’s computing system.
- The 3D printer’s software then interprets this data.
- The printing process begins by layering on the material until the product is completed.
3D printing in orthodontics has many different uses. The biggest use is with creating clear aligners. At Yang Orthodontics, we print aligners in-house and also are one of the largest Invisalign providers in the Bucks County area.
3D printing aligners allow for a quick turnaround and a precise fit that makes your journey to a new smile comfortable and quick!
3D Scanning/X-Ray
Teeth scanning and x-rays have been used in orthodontics for a while. Previous ways of “scanning” teeth included using the messy pink goop you may remember having used as a child. 2-D X-Rays were also used as a way to see a more in-depth look at the teeth and the entire structure of the mouth.
Many orthodontic offices have made the switch over to 3D scanning and X-Rays. 3D scanning works in tandem with 3D printers to feed the most accurate information on the shape and structure of the teeth to be able to provide the most accurate fit.
3D x-rays have a lot of benefits over the standard 2D x-rays including:
- Higher accuracy
- Shorter time to scan
- Faster image processing
- Pain-free for the patient
- Provides an easier analysis for doctor
Clear Aligners
When it comes to technological advances with orthodontic appliances, clear aligners are at the forefront. Clear aligners work the same way traditional braces do to create the smile of your dreams. By applying carefully controlled forces to teeth, the aligners are able to move them into a better position. There are many upsides to using clear aligners, including:
- A discrete look
- Improved oral hygiene
- More dietary choices
- Comfort
- Teeth grinding protection
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are another great evolution in orthodontic appliances. Lingual braces offer the most discrete option out of all orthodontic treatments since the brackets, wires and bands are all placed on the inside of the teeth.
Lingual braces can correct, adjust and shift teeth the same way braces would, except with the added benefit of no one knowing you’re working towards the smile of your dreams!
Communication
When going through your journey to a new smile, communication is key. With technological advances over the years, there are more channels of communication offered than ever before.
Whether you have questions before, during or after the treatment, issues/emergencies arising during the treatment or just scheduling appointments, it’s important you have a convenient way to reach your orthodontic office.
At Yang Orthodontics, we have adopted all forms of communication including: email, text, call, web chat and social media direct messaging to make connecting with us as easy as possible!
If you’re interested in seeing all the treatment options that are available to you, schedule a free consultation here or give us a call at 215-757-0864.