Technology

This is a questions people often ask – and in most cases, the answer is no. Here’s some information you’ll want to read.

When someone needs braces. If you think you or your child needs braces, you may be surprised to learn that most, and maybe all, dental insurance plans do not require a referral. You can make an appointment with an orthodontist any time to discuss your orthodontic needs and set up a treatment plan. At the same time, if your dentist does provide a referral, you do not need to choose that particular orthodontist. You’re free to see anyone you feel can do the best job for you.

The role of your dentist. That doesn’t mean, however, that your general dentist has no role to play in your care. Your dentist is an important part of the process. Before you visit a specialist, your dentist should make sure your teeth and gums are healthy enough for orthodontic treatment.

Consultation with an orthodontist. With or without a referral, you should bring your child for an orthodontic consultation by age 7, as the American Association of Orthodontists recommends. Examining young children before all the permanent teeth have erupted may enable an orthodontist to correct problems that would be more difficult and costly to address later.

Requesting a second opinion. If your dentist hasn’t recommended an orthodontist or you would like a second opinion, how do you find a certified orthodontist? Here are some suggestions.

• Ask friends who have had positive, successful experiences with their orthodontist – and check their smiles.
• Ask other specialists, such as an oral surgeon, who work with many orthodontists, for a recommendation. 
• Check out a prospective orthodontist’s website and read the information it provides.
• If you need financing, find an office that provides payment plans for patients who do not have insurance or whose insurance does not cover their full cost. 
• Ascertain that the orthodontist uses up-to-date digital technology.
• Ask about treatment options – the orthodontist should typically be able to offer more than one, such as traditional braces and Invisalign.
• Visit the office and “listen to your gut.” You will spend a lot of time in this environment with this staff. Make sure you trust the practice and you feel comfortable with them.

Above all, remember that you are in charge. It’s important that you make sure you will get the best treatment for your smile. In the end, the effort you put into finding the right orthodontist will pay off. 

To make an appointment with the Baltimore Orthodontic Group please call one of our convenient locations! Remember, our consultations are free! We look forward to seeing you soon!

If you had braces as a child, you might think that give or take a few improvements, the braces your child will get today are basically the same. In truth, dental and orthodontic technology is rapidly advancing. Even those of us in practice today have seen the evolution of orthodontics firsthand. Technology is largely responsible for a better patient experience for anyone – child, adult or senior citizen. Here are some of the latest technologies in the field of orthodontics.

Digital Scanning. Orthodontists use digital scanners to replace the messy traditional molds. This scanning technology, (see Baltimore Orthodontic's use of the Itero® Digital Impression System) provides highly accurate scans of the teeth and jaws. Equipped with the data, a precise treatment plan can be designed for each patient. 

Advanced Appliance Systems. The newest braces, aligners and anchoring devices are all the result of newer technology. The outcome for the patient includes easier and more comfortable braces, more precise planning and potentially shorter treatment times. Take a look at the types of appliances we use at Baltimore Orthodontic Group.

Artificial Intelligence and Orthodontics. You hear so much about AI – how bad it is, how wonderful it is – how it’s use makes all the difference in so many professions. AI does improve care and treatment, but in orthodontics, your human orthodontist makes all the difference! AI is currently being used mostly with regard to the imaging that’s done when you go to the orthodontist. AI reviewed x-rays can predict the results of certain treatments. And by streamlining the review of x-rays, your orthodontist has more time to design your particular treatment plan.

3D Printing. Though you’re not likely to see this in action during your orthodontic visit, 3D technology is used to create custom appliances like clear aligners and retainers.

Eco-Friendly Practices. Sustainability is important to most orthodontic practices. The materials used in orthodontic appliances are more environmentally friendly, including biodegradable aligners, recyclable brackets and even eco-friendly packaging. Orthodontic practices are also greener as we build on our digital record keeping to reduce paper use.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration. While not strictly related to technological advances, orthodontic care has become more integrated with other areas of dental and medical care. The idea is to look at all aspects of the patient’s health so that outcomes are improved and the treatment plan is customized to the patient.

What Will the Future Bring? New technologies are constantly emerging in our field. You can expect even greater advances in all of the areas we’ve covered above, including more flexibility and more customization. Appliances will continue to improve and more uses for AI will emerge. As imaging technology improves, digital measurements will become even more reliable. All of this may lead to accelerated treatment plans. But don’t wait for these advances! Instead, schedule a consultation with us now and enjoy a happier, healthier smile for years to come!