When we plan and implement treatment for smiles of all ages, we want to do so with comfort and precision. Which means when possible, we use advanced dental technology and custom oral appliances. In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO, dentist talks about how we protect smiles with dental technologies.
Digital X-Rays
Instead of traditional dental x-rays, we have a digital alternative. Digital x-rays use 90% less radiation, and we take them without the need for uncomfortable bitewings. The images will be available instantly on a chairside monitor, so we can make a diagnosis with precision and you spend less time waiting in the chair. They allow us to plan treatment as well, and we can transmit them easily to specialists as needed.
iTero® and Intraoral Cameras
When we need to create custom aligners or appliances, or even restorations or dental prosthetics, we first need to obtain an impression of your bite. Instead of using physical molds filled with gooey materials, we will take a digital approach. The iTero® system uses a digital camera at the end of a thin wand to quickly and comfortably gather multiple images of your smile from different angles. We then combine them to create a detailed and accurate 3D model.
If we need to examine the surfaces of your teeth and gums, we can use intraoral cameras, which obtain these quickly and provide high-definition images we can zoom in on to make a diagnosis with better accuracy. We can display these images on our chairside monitors for instant images of your teeth, gums, and oral structures, all in real time. Again, this offers better accuracy when planning treatment.
CBCT Imaging
With cone-beam computed tomography, our team can obtain detailed x-rays and 3D images of your smile, including your teeth, roots, jaw, and oral structures. This allows us to better plan complex treatments like tooth extraction and even dental implant placement or grafting and sinus lifts.
Sleep Apnea Appliances
Sleep apnea is a disorder in which you stop breathing multiple times a night as soft tissues collapse and block airways. This leaves you exhausted, and even strains your heart health and immune system. We want to ensure you can sleep well and without interruption, so you feel more rested the next day. With the Cirona 3D imaging system, we capture very detailed digital x-rays of your smile, which we then use to create a 3D model of your bite. Our team can then use these to design and craft an oral appliance, which fits comfortably and helps shift your jaw and tongue to keep airways open and free of obstruction, so you can rest easy again. The oral appliance will be easy to use and clean, and can travel with you too during the holidays. For many, this is a preferable alternative to the CPAP machine.
Laser Dentistry
Our team can also implement soft-tissue dental lasers as part of your treatment. These can be used to correct gummy smiles by removing excess issues and reshaping the gum line. We can also treat gum disease by removing diseased tissues, and can shrink cold and canker sores. The laser means there is no need for scalpels or sutures, so the area heals quickly and you may return to your normal routine in as little as 24 hours. The lasers also limit the risk of bleeding, infection, swelling, and soreness. They make treatment possible in only one visit and often, there is little to no need for anesthesia.
Sports Guard
If you play full contact sports, you run the risk of ending up with chipped, cracked, or even knocked out teeth. To help protect your smile, our team can create a sports guard. While store bought options are available, this will be custom-made to ensure a proper fit and a greater layer of protection. If you want to learn more about the technology we use to improve your oral health and plan care with precision, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to help you end 2024 and start 2025 with a brighter and healthier smile, one that looks good and makes you feel confident. A visit now means we can start care before the holiday season gets too hectic, and you can use your 2024 dental insurance benefits before they expire at the end of the year.
Schedule An Appointment for Improving Your Smile
We want to help you enjoy treatment with precision and accuracy. To schedule an appointment with the team at Delightful Dental Care in Kansas City, MO, call our office today at 816-942-7669.