Needless to say, the world is evolving faster than ever before. In the 90s and early 00s, for example, only the very rich had cellphones, and now, everyone is practically given a smartphone in the crib that is hundreds of times more powerful than those old devices. Thankfully, this type of progress can be seen in orthodontics as well. Modern-day orthodontics is truly amazing, and an orthodontist in Powell is here to share a few of the latest advancements you might have missed.
Intraoral Scanner
Back in the day, if a person needed braces, the first step in the process was to take an impression. This involved the patient biting into a mold filled with dental putty, which would be used to create a physical model of the teeth. As you can imagine (particularly if you had to do this yourself), this process could be messy, uncomfortable, and inaccurate.
Now, impressions only take a few minutes and involve 100% less goop because of something called an intraoral scanner. A small device is moved around the mouth, and it captures thousands of data points that software then pieces together to form a perfect impression. This digital model shows much more detail compared to old physical ones, and the process is so accurate and consistent that retakes are basically unnecessary.
Smile Preview
It’s now possible for a patient to see what their smile will look like after completing orthodontic treatment before starting braces or Invisalign. An orthodontist can use a digital impression to map out a patient’s treatment plan, determining the best paths for the teeth to move, and then show a patient the end result.
This image can be tremendously motivating for a person who is still on the fence about getting orthodontics, plus it can help a child become excited about their treatment instead of confused and upset, ensuring that everything starts on the right foot.
Smaller, More Comfortable Braces
Even though Invisalign is incredibly popular these days because of its discreet appearance, for young children and patients with severe orthodontic issues, traditional metal braces are still the most reliable, effective, and affordable treatment option.
Fortunately, the braces of today are significantly smaller compared to ones from 10-20 years ago, meaning the days of “metal mouth” are long gone. In addition to being less noticeable, today’s braces are shaped in a way that makes them gentler on the lips, cheeks, and gums, plus they require fewer adjustments and follow-up appointments.
So, if you’ve been thinking about having your teeth straightened, or your child’s dentist has said they need braces, know that your treatment options are better, faster, and more comfortable than ever before. The bulky braces of your youth are a thing of the past, and now it’s easier than ever to ensure that you or your little one will have a beautifully straight smile in the future.
About the Author
Dr. Jeffrey Shirck is an award-winning orthodontist in Powell who can provide braces and Invisalign for patients of all ages. He works hard to stay on top of the latest breakthroughs in orthodontics, which is why he and our team only use the latest, proven technology in our practice (including an intraoral scanner). If you have any questions about orthodontic care for yourself or your child, we invite you to schedule a FREE consultation today at Shirck Orthodontics.