3D tech and your smile

February 6, 2018

3D tech and your smile

How 3D imaging helps us upgrade your smile.

Staying on the forefront of technology is a big deal around here! Not only can the technology we have on-site make our lives a little easier, but it also allows us to provide you with better results and a more comfortable experience – two things we care a lot about. That said, complex dental technology can be hard to grasp, so we’ve put together a really simple look at how 3D imaging technology helps us help you when it comes to restoring missing teeth.

What is 3D dental imaging?

In dentistry, 3D imaging allows us to create a digital 3D image of your mouth and jaw. This is a big improvement on a 2D X-ray, which only allows your dentist or lab technician a limited view of the full picture. It’s also faster, more convenient, more accurate, and more comfortable for you.

How we use 3D imaging technology to replace and repair your teeth

If you have damaged or missing teeth that you’re looking to replace or repair with dental implants, our 3D imaging technology will play a big part in repairing your smile.

Intra-oral scanning
We’ll use our high-tech intra-oral scanner to capture a 3D image of the area in need of restoration. The dentist will pass the small wand-like portion of the scanner around the affected area inside your mouth, and the scanner will relay this information back to the software, which will quickly render an accurate 3-dimensional image.

Why it’s better
Intra-oral scanning replaces the need for conventional analog impressions. Besides being messy and uncomfortable, taking these impressions requires multiple steps, and many different factors can affect the outcome – everything from the temperature of the room to the precision with which the material was poured into the tray. There’s a lot more time needed up-front in preparing the impression, and if anything goes wrong, you’ll need to come back to take a second impression. With the intra-oral scanner replacing this entire process, you’ll save both time and discomfort.

CBVT digital X-rays
The 3D image resulting from the intra-oral scanner will be combined with a CT scan from our CBVT machine, and your dentist and lab technician will use these to optimize the placement of a dental implant, in order to restore your tooth. CBVT stands for cone beam volumetric tomography – cone beam technology was specifically designed for the dental profession in order to provide accurate and multiplanar 3D images.

Why it’s better
CBVT scans have a much lower dose of radiation than conventional X-rays – about 65% less. They also produce more accurate 3D images than conventional CT images.

You should love your smile!

If there are any gaps in your smile that are bothering you, it’s really never been easier or safer to replace missing teeth, and bring back your smile. Check out our Guide to Replacing Missing Teeth, and book a consultation – we’d love to talk to you about your options.