iTero Scanner
At Haltom Orthodontics, we use the latest technology to provide our patients with the best possible care, and the iTero scanner is a key part of that commitment. The iTero scanner is a state-of-the-art digital scanning device that allows us to capture highly accurate 3D images of your teeth and bite, offering a more comfortable and efficient alternative to traditional impressions.
The iTero scanner provides several advantages for both you and our team:
- No Messy Impressions — Say goodbye to the discomfort of traditional putty impressions. The iTero scanner uses a small, handheld wand to take precise digital scans of your teeth, making the process quick, easy, and mess-free.
- Enhanced Accuracy — The high-resolution 3D images produced by the iTero scanner ensure that your orthodontic treatment plan is based on the most accurate data. This level of precision allows for better fitting appliances and more predictable results.
- Real-Time Visualization — During your scan, you can see a 3D model of your teeth on the screen in real time. This visual representation helps you understand your treatment plan better and see the projected outcomes of your orthodontic care.
- Improved Treatment Experience — The detailed scans from the iTero scanner enable us to create customized appliances, such as clear aligners and retainers, that fit your teeth perfectly. This results in a more comfortable fit and a smoother treatment process.
- Faster Treatment Planning — The digital scans are instantly available, allowing us to start your treatment planning immediately without the delay of sending physical impressions to a lab.
Digital X-Rays
At Haltom Orthodontics, we utilize advanced digital X-ray technology to provide a comprehensive view of your teeth, jaw, and surrounding structures. Digital X-rays are a critical tool in diagnosing and planning your orthodontic treatment, allowing us to deliver the most effective care with a focus on safety and precision.
Digital X-rays offer numerous advantages over traditional film X-rays, including:
- Digital X-rays significantly reduce radiation exposure — up to 90% less than traditional X-rays — making them a safer choice for patients, especially children and those who require multiple scans.
- Digital X-rays produce high-resolution images that can be enhanced and enlarged, allowing for a more detailed and accurate assessment of your dental structures. This clarity aids in diagnosing issues such as impacted teeth, tooth decay, bone loss, and other conditions that may affect your orthodontic treatment.
- Unlike traditional X-rays that require time to develop, digital X-rays provide instant images that can be viewed on a computer screen immediately. This allows us to discuss your diagnosis and treatment options during your appointment without delay.
- Digital X-rays eliminate the need for chemical processing and film, making them an environmentally friendly option that reduces waste.
- The digital format allows us to easily share X-ray images with other dental specialists, your general dentist, or insurance providers, streamlining the communication process and ensuring coordinated care.
At Haltom Orthodontics, your safety and comfort are our top priorities. Our use of digital X-rays ensures that you receive the highest standard of care with the most accurate diagnostic tools available.
CBCT
At Haltom Orthodontics, we are committed to using the latest technology to provide the most precise and effective treatment for our patients. One of the advanced tools we use is Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), a cutting-edge imaging technology that produces detailed 3D images of your teeth, jaws, and surrounding structures. CBCT provides a comprehensive view that goes beyond traditional X-rays, allowing us to thoroughly evaluate your dental anatomy and plan your treatment with unparalleled accuracy.
CBCT offers numerous advantages that enhance the quality of orthodontic care:
- Detailed 3D Images — Unlike conventional X-rays, CBCT captures 3D images that provide a complete view of your teeth, bone structure, nerves, and soft tissues. This level of detail allows for a more thorough assessment and precise treatment planning.
- Enhanced Diagnosis — CBCT scans help identify complex issues such as impacted teeth, jawbone abnormalities, airway restrictions, and other conditions that may not be visible with standard X-rays. This comprehensive diagnostic capability ensures that no aspect of your orthodontic needs is overlooked.
- Accurate Treatment Planning — With CBCT, we can create highly accurate digital models of your dental structure, which are invaluable for planning treatments like braces, aligners, and surgical interventions. This precision leads to better fitting appliances and more predictable outcomes.
- Efficient and Safe — The CBCT scan is quick, typically taking less than a minute to complete, and uses a lower dose of radiation compared to traditional CT scans. This makes it a safe option for patients of all ages.
- Improved Patient Communication — The 3D images produced by CBCT allow you to see exactly what the orthodontist sees, making it easier to understand your diagnosis and treatment options. This transparency helps you feel more informed and confident in your orthodontic care.
TADs
Temporary Anchorage Devices, or TADs, are small titanium screws that orthodontists use as a reliable anchorage system to facilitate specific tooth movements. At Haltom Orthodontics, TADs provide additional support when braces alone aren’t sufficient to achieve optimal results. These devices are carefully placed into the bone surrounding the teeth, usually with minimal discomfort and under local anesthesia. They serve as a stable anchor point, allowing for more controlled and efficient movement of teeth, which can often shorten treatment time and enhance the overall outcome.
TADs are typically removed once they have fulfilled their purpose, and the removal process is quick and painless. They are a versatile tool that can assist in correcting complex bite issues, closing gaps, or repositioning teeth that might otherwise be difficult to move. We customized every treatment plan to deliver the best possible smile with precision and artistry, and even the technology behind tiny appliances like TADs helps us to achieve this.
Diode Laser
At Haltom Orthodontics, we use advanced technology like the diode laser to enhance the efficiency and comfort of your orthodontic treatment. The diode laser is a high-tech tool designed to gently reshape gum tissue, improving both the aesthetics and functionality of your smile. This laser is commonly used for procedures like exposing impacted teeth, contouring the gum line for better bracket placement, or reducing excess gum tissue for a more balanced appearance.
The diode laser procedure is quick, minimally invasive, and typically involves little to no discomfort. It promotes faster healing by sealing blood vessels and nerve endings as it works, which also helps to reduce swelling and the risk of infection. With the diode laser, we can often expedite the progress of your treatment, allowing for a more seamless orthodontic experience. At Haltom Orthodontics, our use of diode laser technology reflects our commitment to providing state-of-the-art care that prioritizes both your comfort and the quality of your results.
