Dental Technology in Vancouver
Modern dentistry is a collaboration between dental professionals and patients, involving the implementation of techniques and technology to ensure that smile issues are effectively addressed. Patient happiness is the most important part of any treatment, and the Cambie Broadway Dental team understands this well. We know that non-invasive, comfortable care can help with this, so we integrate high-quality dental technology into our services. Please contact our local clinic if you have any questions. We’ll connect you with one of our dentists near you.
What We Offer
Along side traditional dental x-rays, our practice also utilizes the following pieces of technology to accurately identify and treat oral health problems:
iTero Scanner
The iTero scanner is a digital impression system used in dentistry to create detailed 3D images of a patient’s teeth and gums. It is particularly useful for orthodontic treatments, restorations like crowns, bridges, and implants, as well as for general dental assessments. Here’s a simplified explanation of how it works:
1. Introduction to the iTero Scanner
- The iTero scanner is a handheld device that captures detailed, high-resolution digital images of the inside of a patient’s mouth. Unlike traditional molds that use impression material, the iTero scanner takes digital impressions, meaning no messy, uncomfortable materials are used.
2. How it Works
- Scanning Process: The dentist or dental professional moves the iTero wand inside the patient’s mouth, scanning the teeth and surrounding areas. The wand uses a small camera to take thousands of images of the teeth and gums. These images are processed in real-time and stitched together to create a complete 3D model.
- Instant Results: The images are instantly displayed on a computer screen, allowing the dentist to view detailed, high-quality 3D models of the patient’s mouth, which can be rotated and zoomed in for a more accurate assessment.
3. Benefits
- No Messy Impressions: Traditional dental impressions often involve a gooey, uncomfortable substance that patients have to bite into. With the iTero scanner, patients don’t have to deal with this mess or discomfort.
- Fast & Accurate: The iTero scanner provides instant feedback, enabling quicker diagnoses and treatment planning. It also produces more precise results compared to traditional impressions.
- Better Communication: The 3D models generated by the iTero scanner can be shared easily with labs, specialists, or even patients, making communication about treatment plans clearer.
- Improved Treatment Outcomes: The accuracy and speed of digital impressions help ensure that restorations (like crowns, bridges, and orthodontic aligners) fit perfectly, reducing the need for adjustments and reworking.
4. Applications
- Orthodontics: It’s frequently used for creating digital impressions for clear aligners like Invisalign.
- Restorations: Dentists use the iTero scanner to plan treatments for crowns, bridges, veneers, and dentures, ensuring a precise fit.
- Implants: It helps in planning for dental implants, providing accurate measurements for optimal placement.
- Regular Checkups: Dentists can use it to monitor the condition of a patient’s teeth over time and identify issues early.
5. Patient Experience
- The iTero scanning process is quick, comfortable, and non-invasive, making it easier for patients to tolerate compared to traditional methods. Most patients find the process simple, with no discomfort or gagging typically involved. In summary, the iTero scanner is a modern, digital solution that replaces traditional dental impressions with a more comfortable, precise, and efficient way to capture 3D images of the mouth for various dental procedures.
CBCT
A CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) machine is a specialized type of X-ray imaging technology used primarily in dental and medical fields to produce 3D images of the structures inside the body. It provides more detailed and accurate images compared to traditional 2D X-rays, making it a valuable tool for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Here’s how you can explain a CBCT machine:
1. Basic Concept:
- A CBCT machine uses a cone-shaped beam of X-rays to scan the area of interest, such as the teeth, jaw, or bones, in three dimensions (3D). This allows for highly detailed images of internal structures, unlike traditional X-rays, which only capture images in two dimensions (2D).
2. How It Works:
- The patient typically sits or stands still while the CBCT machine rotates around their head or targeted body area.
- The machine emits a cone-shaped X-ray beam and takes multiple images (called “projections”) from different angles.
- A computer then reconstructs these images to create a 3D model of the area scanned, which can be viewed from various perspectives on a screen.
3. Why It’s Useful:
- Detailed Images: Unlike traditional X-rays, CBCT provides high-resolution 3D images, allowing for better visualization of bone structures, soft tissues, and even airways.
- Accuracy: It helps dentists plan treatments more precisely, such as in dental implants, root canals, and oral surgeries.
- Reduced Radiation: While CBCT does use radiation, it typically delivers lower doses compared to traditional CT scans, making it safer for patients.
- Quick Process: The scan only takes a few seconds to a minute, making it fast and efficient.
Book an Appointment Today
Looking for a reliable dental clinic to bring your loved ones? Cambie Broadway Dental welcomes you! From routine services like cleanings to advance treatments like tooth extractions and root canal theory to contemporary dental technology near you, we are happy to provide whatever you and your family requires to enhance or preserve your oral health.
You deserve to enjoy your smile instead of worrying about it! Call or email us today to set up a session. We look forward to meeting you.
