the diagnostic process
what is 3d imaging?
Referred to as cone beam scans, this diagnostic tool produces accurate three-dimensional imaging of structures including the teeth, jaws, and airway anatomy.
Unlike medical 3D imaging, cone beam scans utilize a different type of scanning process, meaning the radiation exposure is incredibly low.
Dr. Parikh has been utilizing 3D imaging in patient diagnosis and treatment planning for close to 10 years. Its value is enormous - from the vast information available for diagnosis, to the ability to surface map and move structures to create treatment simulations, 3D imaging produces powerful images that are easy to understand.
diagnosis
Diagnosis (the analysis of the cause and nature of a condition) is only as good as the information available. By utilizing 3D images, a great deal of information in regards to measurements and spatial relationships of jaw structures, teeth, and airway are available.
Major concerns with traditional 2D orthodontic imaging include the superimposition of structures (making landmark identification less precise) and magnification (making measurements inaccurate). 3D cone beam scans are 1:1, meaning the data we retrieve from the scan is an exact representation of the patient.
By carefully investigating the issues at hand, a reliable diagnosis is formed. Once we understand the issues precisely, we can formulate a functional treatment plan.
treatment planning
Treatment planning is the process of figuring out step-by-step how to address each of the issues discovered during the diagnostic process.
Treatment is individual - a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work well! Dr. Parikh meticulously creates virtual treatment setups as seen in the video for each patient.
Virtual treatment setups allow Dr. Parikh not only to understand the mechanics of tooth movements, but also determine which appliances are the best option - we want treatment to be as short and predictable as possible.
