Advantages of Large FOV CBCT in Orthodontics
Benefits of a large field of view Cone Beam CT in Orthodontics, and the downsides that are addressed by Ray America's CBCT line-up.
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) has revolutionized various aspects of dental care, particularly in orthodontics. The use of large Field of View (FOV) CBCT scanners offers numerous benefits that are transforming orthodontic diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient care. This article explores these advantages in detail.
Enhanced Diagnostic Capabilities
Large FOV CBCT scanners provide orthodontists with comprehensive three-dimensional images of the craniofacial structure. This holistic view is crucial for accurate diagnoses, especially in complex cases involving impacted teeth, asymmetries, or craniofacial anomalies. Unlike traditional two-dimensional radiographs, large FOV CBCT images allow for a more precise assessment of bone structures, tooth orientation, and spatial relationships.
Improved Treatment Planning
The detailed imagery from large FOV CBCT scanners enables orthodontists to plan treatments with greater precision. This is particularly beneficial for planning orthognathic surgeries, complex tooth movements, and aligner therapies. The ability to visualize the complete dental and skeletal structures in three dimensions helps in creating more effective and individualized treatment plans.
Enhanced Patient Communication and Education
The clear and detailed images produced by large FOV CBCT scanners are excellent tools for patient education. They help in explaining the diagnosis and proposed treatment plans more effectively. Patients gain a better understanding of their orthodontic issues and are more likely to be engaged and compliant with their treatment plans.
Reduced Risks and Improved Safety
Large FOV CBCT imaging can help in identifying potential risks and anatomical limitations early in the treatment process. This proactive approach can reduce the likelihood of complications during orthodontic procedures. Additionally, modern CBCT scanners often have lower radiation doses compared to traditional medical CT scanners, making them a safer option for patients.
Better Outcome Prediction and Monitoring
Large FOV CBCT allows orthodontists to predict treatment outcomes more accurately and monitor the progress throughout the treatment. This leads to more predictable results and can reduce the duration of treatment. It also aids in timely identification and correction of any deviations from the expected treatment course.
Integration with Digital Orthodontics
The rise of digital orthodontics, including computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), has been greatly supported by the use of large FOV CBCT. The detailed 3D data from CBCT scans can be integrated with digital orthodontic systems for designing custom appliances, aligners, and surgical guides.
Limitations and Considerations
While large FOV CBCT offers many advantages, it's important to balance these benefits with considerations such as radiation exposure, cost, and the need for specialized training to interpret the images accurately.
Radiation exposure is a significant concern in dental imaging. To address this, Ray America's CBCT lineup presents a solution that limits the patient's exposure to radiation while still maintaining the benefits of a large FOV. This is achieved through a freely adjustable field of view (FOV) feature. For instance, the RAYSCAN S offers an adjustable FOV ranging from 4x3 to 20x20, the RAYPreMiere ranges from 4x3 to 18x16, and the RAYSCAN α+ offers a range from 4x3 to 16x10. This flexibility allows clinicians to tailor the FOV to the patient's immediate needs, ensuring that they receive only the necessary amount of radiation for the specific diagnostic or treatment requirement.
Orthodontists judiciously decide when and for whom CBCT scans are necessary, adhering to the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle regarding radiation exposure. Additionally, the cost of CBCT technology and the necessity for specialized training to accurately interpret the images are important considerations.
The ability to adjust the field of view with Ray America’s CBCT scanners represents a significant step in balancing the need for detailed imaging with patient safety concerns. It exemplifies how technological advancements can be directed towards safer and more efficient patient care without compromising the quality of the diagnostic information.
The adoption of large FOV CBCT in orthodontics represents a significant leap forward in dental imaging technology. It enhances diagnostic capabilities, treatment planning, patient communication, and overall treatment outcomes. As technology continues to evolve, it is likely that its applications in orthodontics will expand, further elevating the standard of patient care in this field.
