(Issued Winter 2018-19) — Dr. Andrew Chase of ARCH Orthodontics says the introduction of 3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) at the practice’s Bridgewater office makes possible a higher level of diagnosis, treatment and outcomes. He says, “3D CBCT technology provides us with the opportunity for the best decision-making and outcomes.”
Simply put, 3D CBCT is a medical imaging technique in which the X-rays are divergent, forming a cone. During imaging, the scanner rotates around the patient’s head, obtaining some 600 distinct images. Dr. Chase says,” This displays the anatomic truth. You don’t know what you can’t see.” A 3D rendering provides an undistorted visualization of erupted and non-erupted teeth, tooth root orientation, and anomalous structures. Conventional 2D radiography cannot give the same pictures.”
Dr. Chase says, “Once we discover the complete situation and analyze diagnostics, we can explain and visualize findings with the patient and co-manage conditions with colleagues, even for the most challenging cases. 3D CBCT technology is one of the best ways to help doctors evaluate for challenging teeth that are impacted and risk damage to healthy teeth. It also provides a realistic view of airway obstruction which plays a significant role in sleep apnea. Quality sleep is key to improving overall health and well-being, while it drastically enhances performance in school, work and sports. Early diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea can forestall afflictions related to chronic fatigue including heart disease, hypertension, memory loss and other serious conditions.”
ARCH operates 9 offices between Boston and Hyannis. Dr. Chase says patients may be referred to the Bridgewater office from other ARCH offices and area colleagues when 2D radiography doesn’t provide the full picture or when target areas are indistinct, distorted, or don’t show up at all — leading to incomplete diagnoses: “The cone beam shows in 3D what the doctor sees, what needs to be done, and how and why we recommend a particular approach. It illustrates to those without technical knowledge the issues they face and solutions. CBCT diagnoses are extraordinary, enabling us to provide the finest individualized care. It can also help find undiagnosed problems, sometimes after patients have seen other experts. Patients value this and the peace of mind we provide.” Along with Orthodontic assessments, CBCT imaging can better show airway abnormalities, periodontal structures, endodontic problems, placement sites for temporary anchorage devices, and sources of TMJ pain.
ARCH Orthodontics offers free consultations – a $500 value – and no-interest financing. The practice offers a courtesy discount to those currently serving in the military, veterans and members of their immediate families, as well as to municipal employees and their immediate families. For more info or to request a free consultation, contact us at (781) 209-6776.
– By Stanley Hurwitz / 508-269-0570 / stanhurwitz@gmail.com
Sources: Dental Economics, OrthoPracticeUS, National Institutes of Health
