Our Technology

 

iTero Scanner

Gone are the days of messy, uncomfortable dental impressions. The iTero digital scanning system revolutionizes the way we capture detailed images of your teeth and bite. With iTero, we can obtain highly accurate 3D digital models in just a few minutes. This advanced technology eliminates the need for traditional molds, enhancing patient comfort and improving diagnostic accuracy.

During your visit, the iTero scanner uses a small, handheld wand to capture thousands of images of your teeth and gums. These images are then pieced together to create a comprehensive 3D model of your mouth. This digital model allows our orthodontists to plan treatments with precision, whether it’s for Invisalign aligners, braces, or other orthodontic appliances.

One of the unique features of the iTero system is its ability to simulate the outcome of your treatment. You can see a virtual representation of your new smile before you even begin, helping you understand the benefits and set realistic expectations. Additionally, the digital models facilitate better communication between our office and the manufacturers of your orthodontic devices, ensuring a seamless and efficient treatment process.

Damon Ultima Braces

We work with Damon Ultima self-ligating brackets, which are most advanced braces available. Damon braces differ from traditional braces because they use a self-ligating mechanism, meaning the memory wires slowly slide and adjust to the brackets. This leads to a more natural progression of the teeth’s movement because the wires are tightening little by little as opposed to regular braces, which are manually adjusted. Instead of using traditional rubber bands to hold the brackets together, Damon braces use a sliding technique to hold the wire in place.

Traditional braces often require the use of palatal expanders as well as the removal of teeth to create space. With self-ligating braces, treatment time is often shorter, and fewer appointments are required. Thus, saving you time from your busy schedule. Also, Damon braces are known to provide some of the best looking smiles!

CBCT

Our commitment to precision extends to our diagnostic capabilities with the use of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) technology. CBCT provides high-resolution, 3D images of your entire oral and maxillofacial structure, offering unparalleled insight into your dental anatomy. This advanced imaging system is indispensable for diagnosing complex cases and planning intricate treatments.

The CBCT scan involves a quick, painless procedure where you sit in a comfortable position while the scanner rotates around your head. In less than a minute, the machine captures comprehensive images of your teeth, jawbone, sinuses, and surrounding tissues. These detailed images allow our orthodontists to assess impacted teeth, evaluate jaw disorders, and plan surgeries or other complex orthodontic procedures with remarkable accuracy.

The ability to view detailed cross-sections and 3D reconstructions of your facial structure enables us to customize treatments to your unique needs, leading to better outcomes and shorter treatment times. For instance, CBCT imaging is crucial for placing Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) and planning laser treatments, as it provides precise information about bone density and anatomical structures.

Propel V-PRO

Temporary Anchorage Devices, or TADs, are miniature titanium screws that play a crucial role in modern orthodontic treatments. These devices provide stable anchor points for moving teeth with exceptional precision and control. Unlike traditional methods that rely on adjacent teeth for anchorage, TADs are placed directly into the jawbone, offering a fixed point from which to apply force.

The placement of TADs is a minimally invasive procedure performed under local anesthesia, ensuring patient comfort. Once positioned, TADs serve as temporary support structures to facilitate complex tooth movements, such as closing large gaps, correcting severe bite issues, or repositioning teeth that are otherwise difficult to move. The use of TADs can significantly reduce treatment times and improve the predictability of results.

One of the primary benefits of TADs is their versatility. They can be used in various orthodontic scenarios, allowing for more efficient and effective treatment plans. Additionally, because TADs eliminate the need to rely on other teeth for support, they minimize unwanted movements and enhance overall treatment outcomes. Once their purpose is fulfilled, TADs are easily removed, leaving no lasting impact on the jawbone.

TADs

Propel vPro is an innovative device designed to accelerate orthodontic treatment and enhance patient comfort. This FDA-cleared technology uses gentle vibrations to stimulate bone remodeling, allowing teeth to move more efficiently into their desired positions. By incorporating Propel vPro into your treatment plan, we can significantly reduce the time needed to achieve optimal results.

The device is simple and convenient to use. Patients use Propel vPro for just five minutes a day, holding the lightweight mouthpiece in place while the device delivers gentle vibrations. These micro-pulses increase the efficiency of aligners or braces, making them more effective in less time. The result is faster treatment progress and reduced overall treatment duration.

In addition to speeding up treatment, Propel vPro also helps alleviate discomfort associated with orthodontic adjustments. The gentle vibrations promote better blood flow and reduce inflammation, resulting in a more comfortable experience for patients. Propel vPro is particularly beneficial for those undergoing Invisalign treatment, as it enhances the fit and effectiveness of each set of aligners.

Laser Treatment

Laser technology has revolutionized orthodontic care by offering a range of minimally invasive procedures with faster healing times and reduced discomfort. At Orthodontics LA, we utilize laser treatment for various applications, including soft tissue management and frenectomies.

Laser frenectomy is one of the most common procedures we perform using laser technology. This involves the precise removal or modification of restrictive tissue in the tongue or lips, commonly known as tongue-tie or lip-tie. The laser allows us to perform these modifications with minimal bleeding, swelling, and discomfort, enhancing mobility and function almost immediately. Patients benefit from quicker recovery times and a more comfortable experience compared to traditional surgical methods.

In addition to frenectomies, lasers are used for other soft tissue procedures such as contouring gums, treating periodontal pockets, and facilitating the eruption of impacted teeth. The precision of laser technology ensures that only targeted tissues are affected, preserving healthy surrounding tissue and promoting faster healing. The reduced need for sutures and anesthesia also contributes to a more pleasant patient experience.