In today’s orthodontic world, advanced technology is making it possible to deliver not only straighter smiles but also healthier, more stable, and functional results. One tool we rely on in our practice is CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography), a sophisticated 3D imaging technique that allows us to gain a complete, three-dimensional view of your dentofacial structures. Not only is this technology invaluable for creating custom, whole-health treatment plans, but having a CBCT machine in-house also means our patients enjoy the convenience of comprehensive care under one roof—something that sets us apart from many other orthodontic and dental practices.
What is a CBCT Scan?
A CBCT scan is essentially a high-powered X-ray that creates a detailed 3D image of your entire head, including the teeth, jaw joints, airway, and sinuses. Think of it as a complete blueprint of your skull, capturing information traditional X-rays can’t provide. This advanced imaging allows us to look at the “big picture” and understand not only how your teeth are positioned but also the health and function of the supporting structures.
Why We Use CBCT in Treatment Planning
In our practice, we view each patient as a whole person rather than just a set of teeth. Our goal is not only to give you a beautiful smile but also to provide a healthy, stable, and functional bite that enhances your health and wellness. We prioritize airway health and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) care, aiming to leave every patient better than we found them.
Whenever we treatment plan a case, we usually recommend CBCT imaging because it allows us to create a comprehensive, customized treatment plan that takes into account all aspects of your oral and overall health. The radiation exposure is minimal—about the same as a round-trip flight from Los Angeles to New York—and we use protective equipment to safeguard surrounding structures.
Key Reasons Why CBCT is Essential Before Orthodontic Treatment
Here are a few reasons why CBCT can be so important before beginning any type of orthodontic treatment:
- Visualizing Crowded or Impacted Teeth: CBCT helps us identify the precise positions of crowded or impacted teeth, especially in children who still have baby teeth. This is crucial for adult canines, which develop near the eye sockets and must travel a long way to their final positions. Along this journey, other permanent teeth may block their path. Without intervention, these canines could cause irreversible damage to other teeth, potentially resulting in the loss of permanent front teeth. CBCT enables us to see these positions in 3D, allowing us to plan how to safely guide the canines into place—often noninvasively, if we catch them early.
- Assessing the Airway: In our whole-health approach, we view each patient as more than just a set of teeth. Airway health is critical, especially in children where airway issues can be catastrophic, and in adults where they can severely impact health. CBCT allows us to visualize the full skull and the oropharyngeal airway, nasal airway, and sinuses. If we detect a narrow nasal airway, for example, this may indicate a need for an expander. Expanding the palate can increase nasal airway space, encouraging healthier nasal breathing. If chronic sinus congestion is present, CBCT can also point to larger health concerns, which we can address through referrals to medical professionals to optimize health.
- Ensuring Joint Health (TMJ): As Roth-Williams philosophy orthodontists, one of our main goals is to ensure that every patient has a healthy and stable jaw joint. Many people don’t realize that it’s extremely contraindicated to move teeth when there’s active inflammation in the joint, as this can worsen osteoarthritis. We’ve seen these changes in children as young as 11 or 12, though it’s rarer in younger kids. With CBCT, we can thoroughly assess the TMJ and make sure the joints are healthy before beginning orthodontic treatment.
- Understanding Tooth Position within the Bone: Orthodontic treatment moves teeth through bone, so it’s essential that a qualified professional oversees this process to avoid long-term issues like gum recession, loose teeth, or even tooth loss. CBCT helps us accurately visualize where each tooth sits within the bone. This is particularly important for DIY aligner treatments, which can cause severe issues if teeth are moved out of their bone housing structure. We use CBCT to carefully plan and monitor tooth movements, ensuring that each tooth is positioned optimally within the bone to prevent gum issues and ensure a stable smile.
What to Expect During a CBCT Scan
We’ve made the CBCT process quick and easy for patients of all ages. With our machine in-house, there’s no need to travel elsewhere for this essential imaging. The entire scan takes just about 30 seconds, and we’ve even had young patients as young as 4 or 5 tolerate it comfortably. This quick, efficient process ensures that our patients can receive the best diagnostic care without hassle.
How We Use CBCT Results to Tailor Treatment Plans
After we complete our diagnostic process, our doctors spend significant time analyzing and assessing each patient’s CBCT images along with other records. During a follow-up consultation, we sit down with patients and families to provide a step-by-step breakdown of our findings and discuss the best treatment options. Our goal is for you to feel fully informed so that you can make the best decision for your or your child’s health.
Why CBCT is Worth the Investment in Your Health
If you’re wondering whether CBCT is necessary, consider this: the information we gain from CBCT is simply invaluable. It allows us to see potential issues that could impact your health and well-being, now and in the future. With minimal radiation exposure and a comprehensive, whole-health approach to treatment planning, CBCT is a tool we trust to deliver the highest standard of care to every patient.
If you’d like to learn more about how CBCT can benefit you or your child, don’t hesitate to reach out or ask us at your next appointment. We’re here to provide the most thorough, individualized care to support lifelong health and wellness.