Digital Scanning

The Midlands Orthodontic Specialists in Birmingham

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Forming an accurate model of the contours
of your teeth and gums is vital to planning
effective orthodontic treatment.

This requires having impressions made, a process that is messy and that for some feels invasive.

Although we still use impressions for some processes (such as the construction of retainers), many patients will be glad to know that modern technology has allowed us to reduce the use of the technique by replacing it with 3D digital scanning.

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As well as doing away with the messiness of impressions, digital scanning has other advantages. It’s quick — the process only takes a couple of minutes — and you can see the results on screen immediately, which makes it easier to understand what your specialist orthodontist is discussing with you.

Once the image has been formed, we can get it to outside laboratories very quickly — it takes just 30 minutes from sending the information to the lab receiving it. This shortens the timescale for lab-based treatments. If we are working in collaboration with your dentist, the image will give them the information they need to plan any implants or restorative work as part of your treatment.

As well as digital scanning, we are currently working towards implementing in house 3D printing as an integral part of our treatments. An example of how we can use digital scanning and 3D printing in tandem to make treatment more efficient is in the construction of jigs, models of your teeth that we can use to get bracket placement and the shape of your appliance right before we transfer them to your teeth.

Once we’ve completed the scan we can use the virtual image to print an exact replica model of your teeth. We can use the jig to get perfect placement of the brackets and transfer brackets in multiples rather than individually, making treatment quicker
and more accurate. We currently do this by outsourcing 3D printing to leading laboratories.

 

How we use 3D printing

Why choose One
Devonshire Place
for orthodontics?

  • More than 10,000 cases completed
  • Specialist orthodontists have extra training and experience
  • More choice with our full range of systems
  • Private treatment = no waiting lists
  • Pay as you go
  • Free onsite parking
  • Open 6 days a week
  • Trusted by 200 referral dental practices across the Midlands

What To Expect

A much cleaner and more comfortable experience
than you may have had in the past with impressions.
Quicker and more accurate treatment.

 

Learn about our patient journey

Pros of digital
scanning

  • Reduces the need for messy and uncomfortable impressions
  • You can clearly see the structure of your teeth onscreen
    from any perspective
  • Expedites treatment and makes dialogue with outside labs
    and dentists more efficient
  • Your specialist orthodontist can demonstrate virtually how
    your treatment will work
 

Elaine's Story

‘I wasn’t going to see anybody other
than Rob…I’d seen enough
orthodontists…the minute I walked in
I liked him.’

 

Eloise's Story

‘It’s definitely helped my confidence.
I don’t mind smiling normally
instead of having to smile awkwardly
with my mouth closed.’

 

Hugo's Story

‘The maximum amount of time was
2 hours and then I could just come here
straight away, so within the day of breaking
my brace I could get it fixed.’

 

Sarah's Story

‘He listened to what it was
exactly I wanted. What was best
for me as well.’

 

Pauline's Story

‘I know I can ask him
anything… I always feel very
comfortable coming and I enjoy
my visits.’

Meet our specialist

Dr Rob Slater

GDC No. 65931

BDS FDSRCS MOrthRCS MSc, Specialist in Orthodontics

  • Pioneering founder and former chairman of the British Lingual Orthodontic Society
  • Worked as an examiner, trainer, noted publisher and international lecturer
  • Began his career as a dental technician, creating orthodontic appliances

Find the answers to your questions here