X-rays have always been critical tools for orthodontists, and this is predominately because orthodontists need to know intricate information in terms of what’s going on below a patient’s gum lines. X-rays are one of the only ways for orthodontists to properly see a patient’s jaw bones and tooth roots, which is crucial in terms of preparing a patient for orthodontic treatment.
On this page we’re going to go over everything you need to know when it comes to x-rays and their usage within orthodontics, and answer some important questions that are common amongst our patients!
What’s Dental Radiography?
Dental radiography is another term for an x-ray, which utilize low radiation levels to capture essential images of a patient’s gums, teeth and bones. These images are important in helping orthodontists properly assess a patient’s oral health, and begin necessary treatment strategies.
Pre-Treatment X-Rays
X-rays have always been a very important aspect of dental evaluation processes, and it’s one of the most important tools that orthodontists still utilize frequently. Every patient’s treatment plan is decided upon a whole assortment of information, including data recorded via x-rays, 3d scans or plaster models, photos, a clinical exam and other data.
One of the most important parts of pre-treatment x-rays is determining whether or not a patient is experiencing any kind of underlying issues. This can include symptoms of gum disease that would be best to properly treat prior to beginning an orthodontic treatment journey.
These days orthodontists utilize 3D x-rays that are more comprehensive in terms of the data they’re capable of collecting. Properly assessing things like unerupted teeth, jaw joint issues, and other less recognizable issues is crucial for orthodontists in preparing treatment strategies that properly correct serious issues like jaw structure difficulties.
X-Rays Throughout Treatment
It’s not uncommon for orthodontic patients to undergo another series of x-rays when they’re approaching the end of their treatment process, and these x-rays are specifically useful in assisting orthodontists with verifying crucial teeth and root positioning information.
The final stages of a patient’s treatment is when they’ll undergo some small adjustments that ultimately help perfect their smile for the rest of their life, which is why orthodontists will again utilize x-ray information in order to check up on positioning and properly make those final adjustments. These final adjustments are very important as a patient enters their last 6-9 treatment months.
Post-Treatment X-Rays
Evaluating results is something that orthodontists will always want to do for each patient, and taking x-rays is the best way to do so. This is especially the case when a patient still has any unerupted wisdom teeth, because monitoring the progress of these teeth is important for a patient’s post-treatment future.
Keeping up with dental checkups and x-rays are how an orthodontic patient will ultimately maintain their beautiful, new smile into adulthood and beyond!
What X-Rays Tell Us
Orthodontists always utilize x-rays for a variety of information, including the following:
- Wisdom teeth size and eruption timelines
- Jaw growth
- Early detection of potentially impacted teeth
- Teeth positioning, and any unseen issues
- Oral disease symptoms and signs of tooth decay
Common Questions Associated With X-Rays
The following are some common questions pertaining to the use of x-rays within orthodontic treatments:
Are X-Rays Dangerous?
No, and this is primarily because dental x-rays utilize a very small level of radiation. Although pregnant women have been advised to limit their exposure to dental x-rays, it’s considered safe for everyone else.
Do the X-Rays Decide if Tooth Extractions Are Necessary or Not?
Yes, tooth extractions prior to the beginning of orthodontic treatment are common and x-rays help decipher if these types of procedures are necessary or not.
Are X-Rays Covered By Private Dental Insurance?
Yes, most dental insurance providers will cover the costs of dental x-rays, and we can also assist you in specific item numbers that you can quote to your insurance provider just in case you’d like more specific clarification.
Reach Out to Dr. Karpac and Our Team and Schedule Your Initial Consultation at Our Dublin or Gahanna Offices!
Undergoing x-rays is simply a part of orthodontic treatment, and we hope this page helps clarify why we utilize this type of technology.
Reach out to Dr. Karpac and the rest of our team by scheduling an initial consultation for you or your loved one today!