CBCT Scanning

The last two decades have seen rapid advances in medical imaging. When it comes to

orthodontics, CBCT scanning provides a wealth of information to better guide treatment.

What Is A CBCT Scan?

CBCT stands for “Cone Beam Computed Tomography”.

Computed Topography (CT) is a method of generating x-ray images. Conventional x-ray machines use a fixed tube to create a 2D image on film. But CT machines rotate around the patient, providing narrow beams of x-rays through the body from all angles. Digital detectors receive the x-rays and relay them to a computer as a cross- sectional image or “image slice”. CT software can then stack the slices to create a 3D image of the scanned area. Cone Beam refers to the cone-shaped x-ray beams used “to create detailed 3D images of dental structures, soft tissues, and bone.”

What Is A CBCT Scan Like?

Getting a CBCT scan is quick and easy! A staff member will help you sit upright and rest your chin on a soft piece of plastic. (This space is not enclosed like an MRI, so don’t worry if you’re claustrophobic.) The staff member will step outside to operate the scan. The machine quietly rotates around your head as it works. You will be instructed to relax your tongue and jaw to get the best results. CBCT scans take up to 20 seconds, depending on how many images are being taken. There is no special preparation or follow-up required.

Why Do I Need A CBCT Scan?

CBCT imaging provides much more information than the 2D scans you get at your regular dental check-ups. 2D x-rays only show limited information. CBCT creates a highly detailed 3D image showing bone, teeth, airway, and more. Because the scan is made up of many individual slices, it also allows for a dynamic in-depth analysis of the state of your dental health. This means we have much greater precision in planning your orthodontic treatment.

CBCT can also reveal other issues, such as:

 Dental anomalies

 Impacted teeth

 Problems with the Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

 Tumors, cysts, and other soft tissue abnormalities

What Are The Risks Of A CBCT Scan?

CBCT scans are very low risk. While all x-ray imaging creates ionizing radiation, CBCT uses highly focused x-ray beams that are narrower than the x-rays used in conventional 2D or CT imaging. That means there is a significantly lower amount of radiation for the patient. We also adjust machine settings to use the minimum viable amount of radiation.

What Do You Do With My CBCT Scan?

In our practice, every patient’s CBCT records are thoroughly analyzed by both of our orthodontists. They form a crucial element of cephalometry: in-depth analysis of growth patterns and calculations of the angles of the teeth, jaws, and bones of the face and skull. This is key to identifying the root causes of the issues we need to address, just like how a blood test can reveal the root cause of symptoms like fever or pain.

Cephalometric calculations provide precise information regarding:

 Facial proportions

 Tooth position in the jaw

 How the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible) work together

 How teeth and bones affect surrounding soft tissue and vice versa

Not all orthodontists take the time to perform these calculations. But while there is a typical range of measurements, every person is unique. And we believe that improved diagnosis means improved outcomes. Taking the time to assess the cephalometry of each patient is part of our dedication to providing as effective treatment as possible.

Throughout treatment, we will refer to CBCT images as necessary to guide your care. We may also take images more than once during treatment. This is most common when children start Phase One treatment, typically at 6 to 11 years old. Phase or Stage One treatment focuses on creating an environment for proper eruption of adult teeth and normal muscle function as well as eliminating harmful oral habits. We often take CBCT scans at the beginning of Phase One treatment and again during adolescence to assess the patient’s development once all adult teeth have erupted. CBCT records can sometimes provide health information relevant to other specialties (ex. assessing airways and respiratory difficulties). We are always happy to share our findings with other members of your healthcare team.

Early Investment, Continuing Results

In 2008, Saini Orthodontics became the first dental practice in Maryland to invest in CBCT technology because we recognized the strong advantages it provides when it comes to better serving our patients. We remain committed to using it to its fullest potential. Our doctors have been invited to lecture on this technology across the world and collaborate to this day with residents at several orthodontic residencies to assist with their where CBCT is involved.

Find out what CBCT technology can do for you! Give us a call to schedule your valuation today!