At San Diego Smile Pros, we leverage cutting-edge orthodontic and dental technology so our patients can receive the most advanced care available. Digital orthodontics and dentistry enhance treatment outcomes, patient comfort, precision and efficiency — all good things when it comes to professional care for your teeth.
Wondering about the technology we use? Let’s cover the latest technological advances and highlight how your San Diego orthodontist and pediatric dentist use them and touch on how they benefit our patients.
Digital X-Rays
Digital X-rays have revolutionized dental technology, offering a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional film X-rays. Like traditional X-rays, digital X-rays allow your dental professionals to see between and inside your teeth, below the gums, and what’s happening with your jaw bones. However, unlike traditional X-rays, the images are available almost immediately, appearing on the screen for you and your dental team to view.
You’ll be reassured to know that digital X-rays also emit 80%-90% less radiation than film X-rays. They also have more precise image quality so Dr. Durschlag and Dr. Hayes can provide even more specific and personalized diagnoses and treatments.
iTero Element™ Intraoral Scanner
In the past, the only option for taking your teeth impressions was a goopy mold that felt strange and tasted unpleasant. Today, tech-forward dental care practices like San Diego Smile Pros use digital dental impressions. The iTero Element™ scanner enables us to take highly accurate impressions of your teeth and oral structures that render into quickly-processed 3D images. These digital dental impressions with the iTero scanner help make treatment planning faster and even more personalized.
Using optical scanner technology (no radiation!) in a small, handheld scanning wand, the iTero scanner only takes about 3-5 minutes to take your digital dental impressions. Then they’re rendered into 3D images immediately onto the computer screen.
Dr. Durschlag can use these scans to plan your orthodontic treatment directly from the digital 3D model of your mouth, visualizing each tooth movement from beginning to end. It’s also a time machine for Invisalign patients—the Invisalign Outcome Simulator can show them what their future smile will look like.
3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Machine
It’s a mouthful to say, but the 3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) machine is an invaluable digital tool that provides detailed 3-D images of your dental structures, soft tissues, oral and facial bones together. Your dental team is then able to see the real-life relationships among all your facial and dental structures. Using a focused beam, CBCT scanning reduces radiation exposure when compared to CT scans and is comfortable and quick (about 9 seconds); the images it produces allow for exact visualization of the teeth position and the surrounding structures without the guesswork required with 2D images.
In-House 3D Printer
San Diego Smile Pros utilizes in-house 3D printing to create highly customized orthodontic appliances and models efficiently out of medical-grade, clear, BPA-free plastic. Patients enjoy a perfect fit and predictable outcomes, increased comfort, and reduced wait time between the planning and start of their treatment. Another perk of in-house 3D printing in orthodontics and dentistry is that we can offer replacements for lost or damaged appliances or retainers with a fast turnaround — so your treatment or lifestyle isn’t interrupted.
This technology also allows Dr. Durschlag complete control over the process of creating orthodontic appliances and additional customization of retainers.
Propel VPro for Accelerated Orthodontics
For our orthodontic patients, Propel® VPro can be a game-changer for experiencing faster orthodontic treatment. An at-home device, you can safely add it to your braces or Invisalign treatment to achieve your smile results more quickly, without compromising the quality of your treatment. This small device that you bite on helps speed up orthodontic treatment with just 5-minute sessions every day. How does it work? Simply put, the Propel tool for orthodontics produces high-frequency vibrations that stimulate and accelerate the natural bone remodeling process.
The High-Tech Approach for Beautiful Smiles in San Diego
At San Diego Smile Pros, integrating the latest advancements in dental technology allows us to provide superior care. By embracing these advanced technologies, our patients experience improved treatment efficiency and effectiveness while also enjoying more comfortable care. Whether you’re considering Invisalign clear aligners or self-ligating braces with Dr. Durschlag, or are coming in for pediatric dental care with Dr. Hayes, you can have confidence you’ll receive world-class, modern oral care. A combination of attentive, expert service and the best in dental and orthodontic technology in one location sets us apart.
Contact us to experience orthodontics or pediatric dentistry in San Diego that’ll leave you smiling big!
