If your child's dentist has said they need braces, the dentist will send your child to an orthodontist, such as Next Level Orthodontic Lab. On the first visit, the orthodontist will evaluate your child's teeth to determine what type of problem they are having, such as gaps in teeth, an overbite, an underbite, and crooked teeth. Instead of using the traditional process of getting braces, new 3D technology is changing how the process is done. Keep reading to learn more about this so you can decide if this is something you would like for your child.

3D Orthodontics

Ask the orthodontist if they use 3D treatment in their office. This is a device that gives the orthodontist a 3D picture of your child's teeth bone structure and the skull bone. This device will also show the orthodontist soft tissue around the teeth, such as veins, nerves, and muscles.

Because the doctor can see exactly where your child's teeth sits from their crown to the root, they can use this technology to create custom made braces just for them. Each bracket on the braces is precisely calculated so that it properly affects the teeth movement in the best way possible. This results in faster treatment time and less frequent office visits. In many cases, your child will not have to wear their braces as long also.

How it Works

The 3D scanner looks much like a traditional X-ray machine you see in a dentist office and works in much the same way. The orthodontist will use a scanner to make digital images of your child's teeth and facial bones. These images are then sent to a computer. There is software installed on the computer that will assemble the image to create a 3D image, which will show on the computer screen. The orthodontist can then send the 3D image to a lab where it can be printed on a 3D printer, if desired.

The End Result

One great benefit of this 3D technology is that the orthodontist can show you what your child's teeth will look like after the end of their treatment. While the orthodontist is developing the treatment plan, they will use the 3D image of your child's teeth into the position they should be, and you will be able to see this image when they are finished.  This may also help your child feel much better about getting braces if they can see how good they will look.

Talk to your orthodontist about this technology, as they can give you much more detailed information on how this works.