At Paschen Orthodontics, we are dedicated to upholding the highest standards in patient care and satisfaction.  Our practice utilizes advanced technologies to maximize patient comfort and to safely capture data for diagnosis and treatment planning.

Digital Xrays

 

Digital x-rays provide improved image quality and minimal radiation compared to traditional x-ray methods.  The chart below provides helpful information on x-rays we might utilize and their radiation equivalent compared to other sources of background radiationWe strive to keep exposure at the dental office as low as reasonably achievable.

 

Sources:

Radiation Sources and Doses | US EPA

Full-mouth series x-rays vs. cone-beam computed tomography: What dental hygienists need to know | Registered Dental Hygienists

Radiation doses in dental radiology – FAQs for health professionals | IAEA

Radiation-Equivalencies-Chart-August-8-2022-Update.pdf

3D Cone Beam Technology

A cone beam CT constructs a three-dimensional image of the teeth, jaws, bone, and airway.  Advanced technology has made these images extremely safe–radiation exposure is comparable to a flight from New York to Los Angeles.  The information a cone beam provides is incredibly valuable for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.  We may recommend a cone beam for several reasons:

  • Visualizing the position and orientation of unerupted or impacted teeth in three dimensions
  • Planning for implants in conjunction with orthodontic treatment
  • Checking for bone lesions or tumors which may impact our course of treatment
  • Evaluating the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
  • Evaluating the tonsils and adenoids when patients present with signs of airway restriction
  • Measuring the airway volume

Digital Impressions and Models

Digital scanners allow us to capture impressions quickly while optimizing patient comfort.  This technology replaces the need for traditional orthodontic impressions, results in highly accurate orthodontic models, and yields appliances with superior fit.  Our iTero Lumina gathers real-time video of your teeth and tissue to construct a 3D digital model, allowing us to simultaneously evaluate for any dental concerns that appear on the scan.