Samurai Smiles uses the latest technologies. We employ digital x-rays for periapical, cephalometric and panorex x-rays, high-definition digital photography to capture patients’ images, the iTero digital scanner to replace the use of putty-based impressions, and electronic charting for thorough and secure patient treatment information.
Digital X-Rays
We offer one of the latest technological advances in orthodontics with digital radiography, also known as digital X-rays. A wireless sensor is placed in the mouth, and a computer generates an image in 30 seconds as opposed to the general 4-6 minute wait time for images taken on dental film. These X-rays can also be enhanced on the computer and enlarged.
Not only are they friendly to the environment, they are much safer than traditional X-rays. Digital radiographs reduce a patient’s radiation exposure by 90 percent!
Digital Photography
We use high-resolution digital photography to capture detailed images of your mouth, thus enabling us to maintain sharp, accurate records and keep you thoroughly informed of your treatment progress.
iTero
Our office uses the most state-of-the-art technology available to help create the smile you want, which is why we use the iTero® digital impression system, by Align Technology. Our digital impression system replaces the uncomfortable, unpleasant-tasting, messy and sometimes inaccurate traditional putty impressions. No bulky trays or sticky putty needed!
Using a digital scanner, we will take three-dimensional (3-D) digital images, or impressions, of your teeth and bite. These impressions will help us formulate a personalized treatment plan that meets your specific orthodontic needs and desires. We can also use them to visually show you your treatment options and help us keep you up-to-date on your treatment progress.
After your specific treatment plan has been chosen, the digital impressions allow us to create customized bracket trays that we use to place your brackets onto your teeth, all at one time, with increased efficiency and overall effectiveness.
Some benefits of iTero digital impressions over traditional putty impressions include:
- Accuracy: They capture the exact contours of your teeth.
- Efficiency: They require less time in the treatment chair.
- Comfort: Taking the digital images is less invasive. No putty is used, and patients are more at ease without fearing they will gag on the impression putty.
- Customization: They provide a digital plan and allow for trays that are tailored to meet the individual needs and desires of each patient.
- Visualization: They provide each patient with a definite picture of what their teeth will look like before, during and after orthodontic treatment.
- Innovation: They use the most advanced 3-D video technologies.
Electronic Charting and Treatment Planning
To give you the healthy, beautiful, straight smile you’ve always wanted, we utilize innovative digital treatment planning. Using this digital technology, we can create an orthodontic treatment proposal that is specifically customized for you.
Each patient’s orthodontic condition is unique, which is why we develop each patient’s treatment plan based on his/her specialized diagnosis. The treatment planning process involves taking digital X-rays and photographs.
The digital X-rays and impressions are sent to a lab that will create a model of the patient’s mouth. All of these diagnostic records help us formulate a personalized treatment plan that meets the patient’s precise needs and desires.
We also use the digital X-rays and digital impressions throughout your orthodontic treatment to visually show you your progress. You can stay up-to-date on your treatment progress by comparing your mouth to what it looked like before your treatment began.