You may have heard the words “digital scan” and “3D scan” used as if they mean the same thing. In an orthodontic office, they can describe different tools.
A surface scan records the visible shapes of your teeth. A cone-beam CT scan, often called CBCT, uses X-rays to create three-dimensional images of structures such as teeth and bone.
Knowing the difference helps you ask the right questions about a recommendation.
What question would the image answer?
The purpose of imaging is to answer a clinical question. One example is locating a tooth that has not come in. Another is understanding the relationship between tooth roots and the surrounding bone when that information is needed for a particular plan.
The useful question is specific: what does the orthodontist need to know, and how could the answer affect your care?
If you have had recent dental imaging elsewhere, tell the team. Sharing suitable existing records may help them determine what additional information is needed.
Why we use Planmeca Ultra Low Dose imaging
At SmileMaker, we use Planmeca Ultra Low Dose 3D imaging to obtain information about teeth, roots and supporting bone while limiting radiation exposure. This protocol reduces exposure compared with the equipment’s standard CBCT settings.
For certain scan settings and areas of coverage, the effective dose can be comparable to or lower than a standard panoramic X-ray. Planmeca’s Ultra Low Dose information explains this capability. The comparison depends on the equipment, scan area and exposure settings; it is not the same for every 3D scan or every panoramic machine.
Do I need a separate 2D X-ray first?
Not automatically. Dr. Burton considers your examination, the information needed for treatment planning and any suitable existing images. When a 3D study is the appropriate choice, it can be selected at the outset without first taking a separate panoramic X-ray simply as a preliminary step.
That approach can avoid unnecessary duplicate imaging. Different views reconstructed from the same CBCT scan do not require new X-ray exposures. Whether any other images are needed depends on the clinical question.
How is the imaging choice made?
The goal is useful diagnostic information with the lowest exposure that adequately answers the question. Dr. Burton weighs the expected benefit, your age and the details of your case when selecting the study and settings.
The ADA’s current dental imaging guidance emphasizes a clinical examination and individual need before imaging. Lower-dose technology supports that decision; it does not make every scan necessary. You can ask what the study will show and how it could affect your care.
How will you use the results?
Ask the orthodontist to show you the finding that matters to your plan. It may help explain a treatment choice that would otherwise seem puzzling, such as why a tooth needs a different path of movement or why another specialist should be involved.
Hear Dr. Burton explain 3D imaging
For a closer look at the ideas behind this approach, explore two of Dr. Burton’s recorded presentations:
- 3D Imaging: Becoming the Standard of Care in Orthodontics — Is Your 2D “Just Ok”?, hosted by Henry Schein Dental, discusses individual anatomy, treatment planning and reviewing 3D findings.
- Differentiate with 3D in a DIY Ortho World, from Viva Learning, covers anatomy-based planning, low-dose imaging and the role of professional evaluation.
These presentations were prepared for dental professionals and include clinical terminology. They offer background on Dr. Burton’s experience; your own imaging and treatment recommendations depend on your examination. Our Education & Innovation page also links to his teaching and published articles.
At a visit to our Hendersonville office, you can ask the SmileMaker team to explain the purpose of any recommended imaging and how the results relate to your options. Contact us to discuss an orthodontic evaluation.