Although many concepts and treatments in dentistry have remained steady and consistent over the years, dental technology and tools have modernized and transformed rapidly over the past 20 years, with the introduction of high quality intraoral cameras, digital x-rays, 3D dental imaging (CBCT) and intraoral scanning.
Intraoral cameras are very thin high-definition cameras that allow us to photograph the most intricate details of the teeth. These cameras allow us to capture the smallest cracks, cavities, and defects in the mouth in clear images, which we then use to explain our findings to every patient. At Miracle Dental, our doctors use intraoral cameras at every single exam in order to make sure that patients have a full visual understanding of every finding and diagnosis. This way, patients may enter treatment with confidence.
Digital x-rays have the ability to sharpen the details and intricacies of teeth during imaging. The older film x-rays were used for many years and still are by many offices. However, they are far more blurry than digital x-rays, and have minimal contrast. The greater contrast of newer digital x-rays allow clinicians to detect cavities and various abnormalities found in teeth with greater precision and accuracy. They are extremely helpful in diagnosing and treating all dental emergencies, determining your periodontal health, and finding cavities to treat with fillings, crowns and bridges.
Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanners allow clinicians to view 3-dimensional radiographic images of teeth and features of the head and neck. Unlike x-rays which are 2-dimensional, CBCT scans allow us to see the full anatomy of the teeth in 3D, which can aid in making more accurate diagnoses and performing more precise surgeries and procedures. For example, CBCT’s can help identify the origin of various infections, help determine whether you would be a good dental implant candidate, and aid in planning our orthodontic treatment such as Invisalign and braces. Our CBCT machine is extremely advanced in technology and emits a relatively lower amount of radiation than the vast majority of other CBCT machines on the market.
Our intraoral scanner allows us to scan and interact with 3D models of the mouth. Scanning the teeth helps give patients a visual of what their teeth look like, and what improvements can be made. It is useful for examining the smile and discussing the potential for orthodontic treatment such as braces and Invisalign and explaining how a patient’s smile can be improved. Additionally, the detailed technology of the scanner allows us to create restorations such as crowns and bridges, veneers, and onlays with great precision. This also allows patients to skip taking the sticky impressions of their teeth, making for a much more pleasant patient experience.