3D Orthodontics
ORTHODONTICS IN 3D IS NOW STANDARD OF CARE AT SCHER ORTHODONTICS
Our office is committed to ensure utmost patient comfort and exquisite results with the least amount of treatment time possible. 3D diagnosis is now Standard of Care at Scher Orthodontics through the use of Cone Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT) or Cone Beam Volumetric Imaging (CBVT). As a great philosopher once said, "to see is to know" and excellent treatment must begin with excellent diagnostics.
If you're a 3D patient, shouldn't your orthodontic treatment be also? We have proudly taken our practice to new heights by combining our newly acquired CBCT scanner (Next Generation iCAT TM) with advanced imaging software from Anatomage Corp. (Invivodental TM) . All records are taken right in our office for your convenience. This revolutionary approach reveals unparalleled 3D diagnostic imagery of your case. The diagnostic process should be a discovery process and what better way of meeting your anatomy then by literally, looking inside your head? Remember, teeth and jaws form an integral part of a larger and greater craniofacial system.
There are three steps towards receiving orthodontic treatment at our office:
1. Initial Consultation
2. 3D Records Session
3. Treatment Consultation
Step 1: The Initial Consultation
The purpose of the first visit to our office is for you and Dr. Scher to become acquainted, to see our office, meet our staff, and receive an initial orthodontic examination. This initial exam is complimentary, meaning THERE IS NO CHARGE for this part of the examination.
Step 2: 3D Records- A Diagnostic Session
This may be at the same session as the initial consultation.
Comprehensive treatment begins with a complete understanding of your case through collecting the best diagnostic information. Historically, orthodontic specialists take records, which consist of at least 2D X-rays, photos, and models of your teeth. Our office records session now consists exclusively of 3D (Three Dimensional) diagnostic information. Study models in our office are now made without impressions because they are made directly from the CBCT data. More informative than stone or digital models, these fully interactive and dissectible CBCT digital models also include accurate root formation in 3D and bone levels for the first time ever. Having straight teeth is nice, but more important is having straight teeth, straight roots, and healthy bone levels that are well positioned in an attractive face.
When your case qualifies for treatment, we start your comprehensive records session by taking a low dose, 4.8 second or 8.9 second CBCT image using our iCAT® scanner along with digital facial and intraoral photographic pictures. If indicated, 3D orthodontic records also known as a diagnostic records session can be scheduled for a separate day (usually takes 15-20 minutes) in our office or if you are ready and we have time on our schedule, records can be taken the day of your initial visit. So if you think you may want records the same day of your initial visit, please be prepared for payment of the records that day. THERE IS A CHARGE FOR THE 3D RECORDS OR DIAGNOSTIC SESSION.
STEP 3: Treatment Conference
Your orthodontic treatment is a big investment in many ways and requires careful thought and study of the diagnostic records by your orthodontist. We have found that if proper time and attention to detail are spent upfront in analyzing the records and designing your or your child's treatment, then the actual execution of treatment will flow much more efficiently and predictably. This information will be summarized for you during a one-on-one session with Dr. Scher in a separate appointment called a TREATMENT CONFERENCE. The treatment conference is typically around one hour long and usually takes place one-two weeks after 3D records are taken and processed.
A well informed patient makes a great patient, which is the key not only to a successful result, but to a positive patient experience throughout treatment. During the treatment conference, case details will be discussed as well as the risks, benefits, and alternatives to orthodontic treatment. We will discuss treatment costs and payment options at this time. We encourage one or both parents to be present for the treatment conference. THERE IS NO SEPARATE CHARGE FOR THIS VISIT.
Furthermore, our systematized 3D imaging approach is consistent throughout your orthodontic treatment in our office. All of your interactive CBCT data can be displayed on our privately viewed monitors at all times during each of your orthodontic appointments so that treatment decisions are always accurately executed in 3D!