Taking Your Child To The Orthodontist: New Technologies You Should Know About
When it comes to taking your child to the orthodontist, you want to do everything possible to make the situation as easy and comfortable as possible. While you may not think that there are many differences between orthodontists, the various technologies that they use may make all the difference in the world. So, get to know some of the newer technologies that orthodontists may be able to use in their practice to make things go more smoothly for your child's trips to the orthodontist. Then, you can be sure to select an orthodontist that uses all of the best technologies.
Digital Scans To Get The Best Image
When most children go to the orthodontist, their doctor takes molds of their teeth using a sticky, putty-like substance. This can be incredibly uncomfortable for your child, not to mention messy. Additionally, these molds may not provide an entirely accurate image of your child's mouth.
Today, orthodontists can use a different method to get an image of your child's teeth, jaws, and entire head and throat structure. Digital scans that take only minutes can give your child's orthodontist a full 3-D image of your child's entire skull.
This means that they will be able to see if your child has any issues beyond their teeth crowding or growing in crooked. Instead, they will be able to get a full picture of any overbite or underbite issues, or if the structure of their jaw or teeth will be likely to cause them sleep apnea in the future. This provides a more comprehensive image to work with and can help the orthodontist to provide the best care possible to your child.
Devices To Speed Up Tooth Movement
When your child goes to the orthodontist, they most likely do so because they need braces. Most children are not thrilled about getting braces because they fear the social stigma associated with them.
However, to make matters easier, there are now devices that can be used to speed up the movement of your child's teeth into the desired position. The method is quite simple. Your child uses a handheld device that has a mouthpiece attached to it.
Your child places the mouthpiece over their teeth and braces, and turns it on. The device sends tiny vibrations through your child's teeth and those vibrations are meant to help their teeth move into the position their braces are moving them towards.
Now that you know a few of the ways that new technologies can help to make your child's orthodontic work easier and faster, you can contact orthodontists in your area like John C. Matunas D.D.S., PA to ensure they are using the newest technologies to treat your child.