Digital X-rays

Digital Xrays

At Brazos Valley Orthodontics in College Station, we use digital X-rays. Using the most advanced orthodontic technology possible is just as important as staying up-to-date on the latest treatment techniques. Because our practice is dedicated to providing you with the safest and most convenient treatment options available, we utilize advanced digital X-ray technology in our office.

Digital X-rays provide several advanced imaging options designed to save time, provide clearer dental photos to the orthodontist, and expose patients to less radiation than traditional X-ray technology.

Our practice is focused on making your orthodontic experience as comfortable as possible. At your next braces appointment, we'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Taking a digital X-ray is very similar to taking a traditional X-ray but that’s as far as it goes. The sensor for the digital x-ray is electronic and connected to a computer. The X-ray can be projected to a screen immediately for the orthodontist and patient to view.

The benefits of digital X-rays are:

  • Less radiation: digital X-rays use up to 90% less radiation than film X-rays, which makes them considerably safer.
  • Higher quality images: once on the screen, digital X-rays can be enlarged or magnified for a better visual of the tooth and bone. Brightness, contrast, and color can also be adjusted. If a hard copy is needed, digital images can be printed off.
  • Digital images can be emailed to specialists for immediate review.
  • Digital X-rays are better for the environment! No chemicals are used to develop the film.

The Value of X-Rays

The treatment the orthodontist provides will affect patients’ mouths for decades to come. It’s a very intricate process, and it requires a lot of information about the structures of the individual patient’s mouth before beginning. This is why we take X-rays.

Panoramic X-Rays

The panoramic X-ray is the wide shot that lets us see the entire dental arch in one image. It shows not only erupted teeth but also incoming adult teeth and wisdom teeth, which is great for being able to see if there will be enough room for them or if they are going to run into crowding issues or are impacted. Panoramic X-rays also help to identify dental cysts, tumors, and abscesses that develop below the gumline in the dental roots and jaw bones.

Bitewing X-Rays

To get a closer look at an individual region of the dental arch, we use bitewing X-rays. These are the ones where you have to bite down on a piece of plastic to hold the X-ray film in place, then wait for the beep. Normally we’ll take four in total, one for each quadrant of the mouth. These are better than the panoramic shots at showing the gaps between teeth.

Periapical X-Rays

If we ever need an extreme close-up of a tooth, we might take a periapical X-ray. These are only necessary when it already looks like there’s a problem with that tooth and we need to see it in greater detail, and we can take these X-rays alongside the bitewings.

Better Treatment Diagnostics at Brazos Valley Orthodontics

We look forward to addressing your orthodontic concerns and helping you achieve your straight smile goals. You can learn more about the technology we use at our practice on our business page, and make sure you check the map for directions before you head our way.