Can orthodontic treatment be done without extracting teeth?!
It’s located in Ashiya City, but almost right on the border between Ashiya and Nishinomiya. Shachomi went to check out “しんたに歯科医院”, where they recently introduced the latest 3D scanner, “iTero Lumina(Aitero Lumina)”.
目次
What does “orthodontics without extractions” actually mean?
We asked Director Shintani all about it.
At our clinic, we mainly offer clear aligner orthodontics such as Invisalign, and our policy is to avoid tooth extractions as much as possible while improving tooth alignment. Of course, depending on the case, extractions may be necessary, but by introducing the latest 3D scanner, “iTero Lumina,” it has become even easier to create more accurate treatment plans. Please take a look!
What?! I’m sure it doesn’t mean “you’ll never need a tooth pulled,” but it’s really reassuring that they try to make treatment possible without extractions whenever they can. And they even have high-tech equipment?! Now I’m seriously curious〜〜
What is the latest 3D scanner, “iTero Lumina”? No clay-like impressions needed
About the iTero Lumina introduced at しんたに歯科医院 last autumn.
This is the iTero Lumina, a high-performance intraoral scanner equipped with advanced technology. Instead of using traditional clay-like impression material, it can quickly photograph your teeth with a camera and create highly accurate 3D data.
Wow, amazing! I hated those cold impressions that make you gag, haha. I heard this can be done in about 1 to 3 minutes?
That’s right. The patient just opens their mouth wide, and we move the dedicated handheld camera inside the mouth. It’s easy for us to operate too, so it also greatly reduces the burden on patients.
I see〜. I’d like to see it actually scanning a patient, but today we’re just getting a quick look (as a demo only), right?
Yes, this time it’s just a demo. Using this kind of camera and monitor, you can clearly display data on tooth alignment.
The 3D image on the monitor… Does this make your tooth alignment completely visible?!
A dental model is displayed huge on the screen… This is just a demo sample, but it looks incredibly realistic!
Exactly. We can check your current tooth alignment in 3D, and analyze tooth crowding and bite alignment. The simulation function can also estimate how your teeth may move in the future, but there are significant individual differences, so please think of it only as a visual guide.
Interesting. I’ve heard clear aligners can be less painful than braces, and if your teeth can be aligned without extracting any, I bet lots of people would want to try it.
※For more details, please visit the official website!
“Is non-extraction orthodontics really okay?” Patient Concerns Q&A
Well, I got excited after seeing the latest 3D scanner (iTero Lumina), but when it comes to actually starting treatment, there are still a lot of things to worry about. So I’m going to ask the doctor about the concerns I have!
Q1: Is it really possible without extracting teeth?
Of course, depending on the case, extractions may be necessary. However, Invisalign is designed to move teeth while making good use of jaw space, so it increases the possibility of improving alignment without extracting teeth whenever possible. Considering long-term dental health, I think it can be a strong option for people who want to keep as many of their natural teeth as possible.
Q2: What about pain, and how is it different from braces?
It is said to involve less pain and discomfort than wire braces. Since no metal is used, it is less likely to hurt the inside of the mouth. That said, orthodontic treatment involves moving teeth, so you may feel some pain or discomfort. There are major individual differences, but treatment can proceed with support from the dental clinic.
Q3: What about eating and brushing?
You can remove the aligners when eating, so you can enjoy meals normally. Brushing your teeth is also much easier than with braces. The one thing to be careful about is that your teeth won’t move properly unless you wear the aligners for the required amount of time.
Q4: Is it true you can be checked remotely?
Recently, we have also introduced a service that uses a system called Dental Monitoring, where patients send images of their tooth alignment so we can check them remotely. However, it does not mean you never need to visit the clinic; regular visits are still necessary. Think of it as a way to reduce the burden for busy patients.
Q5: If someone is concerned about their tooth alignment, when should they start orthodontic treatment?
- Elementary school students (mixed dentition period)
This is the stage when baby teeth are being replaced by permanent teeth, and the teeth and jaw are still growing.
Starting orthodontic treatment at this stage may, in some cases, increase the possibility of avoiding extractions in the future. - Junior high to high school students
This is when tooth alignment is almost complete. However, since some growth remains, it can still be easier to move the teeth and jaw significantly.
Schedules may be challenging due to club activities and entrance exams, but compared with braces, aligners are less noticeable
