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AAO Exhibitors ORTHO TRIBUNE | APRIl 201016 C one-beam radiography is steer- ing orthodontists in the right direction — leading straight to the most effective diagnosis for the patient. Treatment planning can only begin if the practitioner has a true picture of all of the facts, and cone-beam radiography provides those details that may be missed on 2-D images. For diagnostics and treatment planning, 3-D images can be sliced and rotated to discover such vital information as precise tooth posi- tions and bone dimension and quality. Many orthodontists report extraordinary findings that alter the original perception of necessary treatment. The scope of informa- tion gained from a 3-D image is not available with 2-D radiography. The opportunity to capture these dental structures with such preci- sion is also invaluable for a range of dental practitioners — oral sur- geons, periodontists and general dentists. Here are some eyewitness exam- ples of how cone-beam scans uncov- ered the “truth” of the patients’ dental mysteries, avoiding the pos- sible “consequences” of alternative treatments. Bradford Edgren, DDS, MS, (Orth- odontic Associates of Greeley, PC, Greeley, Colo.) “In this case [Fig. 1], before starting phase II treatment, we were waiting patiently for the second permanent molars to erupt. Between finish- ing phase I treatment and the time at which the other three second molars erupted, we acquired our Truths and consequences of orthodontic diagnostics 3-D cone-beam scanner (i-CAT® ) and took an EFOV [extended field of view] scan as part of our progress records. “The scan showed that an impacted third molar was imped- ing the eruption of the maxillary right second molar. The fourth third molar was not evident on previous pan X-ray because of its perfect superimposition palatally to the sec- ond molar. This second molar may never have erupted, or worse yet, could have been presumed to be ankylosed. To date, all four thirds have been extracted and the right second molar has fully erupted.” John Graham, DDS, MS, (Graham Orthodontics, Litchfield Park, Ariz) “This patient [Fig. 2] was referred to my office for an orthodontic evalu- ation by her general dentist. Her 2-D panoramic X-ray demonstrates an impacted maxillary right cuspid located horizontally above the inci- sors. CBCT cross-section images reveal the relationship between the impacted and adjacent teeth, as well as any associated root involvement. “While the 2-D pan shows the impaction as a mere superimposi- tion, with the i-CAT scan, it is pos- sible to discern the exact location of the tooth relative to the surround- ing teeth and bone as well as the pre-existing apical root resorption. This vital information allowed for a less-invasive surgery and guided me to the most appropriate treatment plan.” Edward Y. Lin, DDS, MS, (Apple Creek Orthodontics, Appleton, Wis.) “This patient [Fig. 3] lived with an abscess that had gone undetected for some time. I received this 2-D panoramic image from the patient’s pediatric dentist. If you look really closely, you can see what appears to be a radiolucency under the LR5, LR4 (mandibular first molar and second premolar), but the same could be said for his LL5, LL4 area. “However, a year later when we took the i-CAT scan, it is clearly evident that there is a large radio- lucency. With a cone-beam scan, the condition would probably have been detected and treated much more quickly.” All of these cases underscore the importance of utilizing precise and detailed 3-D images in orthodontics. This truth in imaging can save the patient from unforeseen conse- quences — the pain of unnecessary surgery, undiagnosed conditions and more. CBCT puts the most con- cise information at the orthodon- tist’s fingertips and on the computer screen. OT AD I f you are going to the Ameri- can Association of Orthodontists Annual Session in Washing- ton, D.C., you’ll want to stop by the OrthoBanc booth (No. 2535). OrthoBanc, a payment drafting and management company, always creates a buzz at the AAO with its city-themed booth activities. Last year, OrthoBanc’s Boston Tea Parties were standing room only. Clever giveaways and atten- tion to detail landed OrthoBanc’s Marla Merritt an All Star Award in Exhibitor Magazine, a national publication directed at the trade show industry. Merritt says D.C. promises to be even more exciting and infor- mative as she delivers campaign promises in a political rally setting. “OrthoBanc can provide real change for a practice looking to become more efficient and profit- able. We love telling our story in a fun setting, and we have some great plans for our D.C. rallies in the ‘Choose OrthoBanc’ booth.” At the AAO For a presentation schedule and to reserve a space at one of the rallies, call OrthoBanc at (888) 758-0585, then be sure to stop by the booth, No. 2535, during the AAO. OT Tell us what you think! Do you have general comments or criticism you would like to share? Is there a particular topic you would like to see more articles about? Let us know by e-mailing us at feedback@dental-tribune.com. If you would like to make any change to your subscription (name, address or to opt out) please send us an e-mail at database@dental-tribune. com and be sure to include which publication you are referring to. Also, please note that subscription changes can take up to six weeks to process. Get rallied up for OrthoBanc at AAO For more information on the i-CAT, stop by the Imaging Sciences booth, No. 2645, during the AAO. At the AAOOT Fig. 1: Edgren Fig. 2: Graham Fig. 3: Lin (Photos/Provided by Imaging Sciences)