Records with revolutionary 5D diagnostics

To make sure your treatment leads to the best possible dream smile with the greatest possible safety, we first have to carry out precise planning. This takes more than a digital scan. Just imagine trying to move a dental implant: that would be painful. Or a baby tooth (yes, adults can still have them too): it would fall out. Or overlooking wisdom teeth that have not yet erupted ... Get the picture?

"Planning makes perfect", as the saying goes. And orthodontic treatment is no different. That is why you need a good overview of the initial situation before straightening teeth. We are particularly thorough here and have developed our 5D diagnostics. The five dimensions of our diagnostics are:

• Digital scan
• Digital panoramic X-ray
• Digital cephalometric X-ray
• Digital extraoral and intraoral facial photos
• 3D cone beam CT (CBCT)

Digital panoramic X-ray

With the help of the panoramic X-ray we assess, on the one hand, your teeth and tooth roots, your jaw joints, your sinuses and the general condition of your bones, as well as how your teeth are positioned in the jaw.

On the other hand, the X-ray also gives us clues about possible difficulties during treatment: is there perhaps a tooth hidden in the jaw that has not yet erupted (in other words, become visible) and therefore has to be removed before teeth are moved there? Are there abscesses, cysts or tumours (rare, of course, but they have to be checked for too)? Are there teeth that we must on no account move, such as implants, bridges or baby teeth? Do we see risks to your tooth roots, which could die off during treatment?

This information gives us another good basis for planning your treatment. But we still need considerably more information. The cephalometric X-ray, for example.

Digital cephalometric X-ray

When teeth are moved through the bone into a new position with orthodontic treatment, we need to know beforehand how your teeth are anchored in the bone. Teeth may only be moved to where there is a healthy periodontium and, above all, sufficient bone. After all, even after the braces, the teeth should once again be securely surrounded by bone in order to prevent gum recession and ensure the long-term preservation of the teeth. 

For this, we rely on the second X-ray, the so-called lateral cephalometric X-ray (FRS).

Using this lateral, two-dimensional X-ray, we assess how your jaws are positioned in relation to each other and how your front teeth sit in the bone when viewed from the side. This allows us to estimate how thick the layer of bone is, for example around your incisors. We also deduce in which direction your teeth may – or, above all, may not – be moved. We must absolutely avoid your teeth being moved outside the safe jawbone. Otherwise your gums could recede, your periodontium could be damaged and, in the worst case, you could even lose some of your teeth.

Digital intraoral and extraoral facial photos

Photographs of your face (extraoral photos) help us plan your treatment. While the photo from the side provides information about your profile, your lip closure, your lip position and your facial type, the frontal photo is used to examine disproportions and shifts in symmetry. In other words: we look for the actual reason why your smile is not yet ready for Hollywood. For example, to make teeth end at the same level, we can move some teeth up. Or others down. These are decisions we have to make.

Photos of the mouth (intraoral photos), on the other hand, document the initial situation and will later show you how your treatment is progressing.

3D cone beam CT

With the help of a 3D cone beam CT scanner (CBCT), the final position of your tooth roots in the bone can be planned three-dimensionally for the first time, which means damage to the periodontium can be avoided.

Incidentally, this device also makes us one of the first orthodontic centres in Europe able to simulate operations in advance and to show the changes to the face. Particularly in combination with jaw surgery, this gives us a depth of diagnostic planning that is unique.

Planning and analysis consultation

Based on the data collected from the digital scan, photos, cephalometric and panoramic X-rays and, if needed, the 3D CBCT, our orthodontists draw up a precise treatment plan. This is where the entire expertise of our team of doctors comes into play.

We discuss the result of our planning in the so-called analysis consultation or ClinCheck. Using a computer animation, we show you how your teeth will change and how we will enhance your smile with Invisalign® or AngelSmile® aligners or with SureSmile® therapy. The animation is in 3D and we can view your jaw from every side. 

For aligner therapy and fixed braces

Almost unique in Austria: we can carry out this simulation both for aligner therapies such as Invisalign® and for fixed treatments with SureSmile® technologies. As a result, around 90% of our patients see their dream smile before their orthodontic treatment even begins.

Next step: your treatment begins

After our thorough analysis and planning comes the next step: we start your treatment. Here you can find out all about our own treatment philosophy – the New York technique – and the advantages it brings. Find out more

Don’t leave your dental health to chance – take advantage of the revolutionary 5D diagnostics at the Eltz Institut

Your consultation with us is free of charge and without obligation. We look forward to your online booking!