TECHNOLOGY
Cosmetic dentists are, without exception, progressive and innovative in the practice of dentistry, seeking out every new tool and technique to help them do an even better job. When you walk into the office, you see a significant investment in leading-edge equipment that immediately separates the cosmetic dentist’s practice from the norm. Computers and intra-oral cameras are in every operatory, and modern laser technology is everywhere in evidence.
In recent years, dentistry has experienced a surge in innovative technology that might accurately be described as revolutionary. New products, new techniques, new precision machinery and new, improved treatment breakthroughs are being introduced at such a rapid pace that many practicing dentists simply can’t keep up. Only the most dedicated dentists are willing to invest significant funds in the newest, state-of-the-art dental equipment and technology. And only a few are willing to sacrifice their leisure time to long hours in continuing education classes learning about innovative new dental procedures. Dr. Ron VanWechel is one of the dedicated few.
Throughout his 30 years of dental practice, Dr. VanWechel has embraced leading-edge dental technology and the new avenues of superior treatment it opens for his patients. His patients are the beneficiaries both in terms of the administrative efficiency of his practice and the diagnostic and clinical advantages of the innovative technology he provides.
Here are some examples of how the newest advances in dental technology can benefit you:
LASERS
Dr. VanWechel has used four different types of lasers in his practice since 1997. Why? Because when compared with more traditional scalpel surgery, lasers have been found to cause less bleeding and considerably less pain for patients. Lasers also promote faster healing.
The Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) using the Periolase laser is easily the most dramatic laser breakthrough in recent years. It is an alternative to painful scalpel surgery for gum disease. LANAP is the only laser gum therapy that has received FDA clearance, and Dr. VanWechel has used it since 2006. With this “scalpel-free” advance in the treatment of gum disease, it is no longer necessary to “cut and stitch” the patient’s gums.
See more about LANAP and Periolase in the LASER GUM THERAPY section.
ITERO DIGITAL IMPRESSIONS
The highest level of precision dentistry often requires laboratory fabricated restorations of porcelain or glass. In the past, it was necessary to make a model of the patient’s teeth and to send that model to the laboratory for fabrication. Now with ITero Digital Impressions, the shipping delay has been eliminated. We take a computer scan of your teeth using CAD/Computer technology and electronically send it to the lab in a matter of minutes. For the patient, this means faster completion of your treatment and a more precise-fitting restoration.
TEKSCAN
Many dentists today still “guess” the efficacy of a patient’s bite by means of a quick “tap-tap-tap” on a piece of carbon paper. Because Dr. VanWechel believes the way your teeth fit together is critical to the long-term success of your dentistry, he uses TekScan technology to provide a more accurate measurement of the way your teeth meet. TekScan is a new, computer-aided bite analysis in which your “bite” is graphically displayed on a large computer screen, allowing for easy, minute adjustments until the desired alignment is achieved.
DIGITAL X-RAYS
Because we have computers in every operatory, patients can view film images of their teeth on a screen. You cannot diagnose what you can’t see. And it’s much easier seeing an image on a large screen than on a one-inch film negative. When patients can actually see visible decay, they can more easily understand the recommendations to treat it. Digital X-rays use far less radiation, and they also facilitate electronic transmittal to other specialists for collaborative interpretation.
INTRA-ORAL CAMERAS
Intra-oral cameras (in every operatory) show patients exactly what Dr. VanWechel and his staff see. Patients can view magnified images of the decay, cracks, leaks, etc. with their own eyes and understand and discuss the treatment recommendations for remedies.
DIGITAL PHOTOS
Now the recommended method of documenting clinical situations before and after treatment, digital photos enable the patient to observe their teeth and overall smile as others do. Most patients don’t realize, for instance, how their “old” dentistry may be seriously mismatched, or how their smile actually looks from up close. These photos are especially helpful when discussing a patient’s goals for his or her smile.
DIGITAL CHARTING OF YOUR DENTISTRY
Your current dentistry and your Treatment Plans are entered directly into your digital chart. We also track treatment provided by other specialists such as orthodontists or oral surgeons. This “at-your-fingertips” record-keeping makes it easier to answer insurance questions and track your dental health and pharmacy records. And, of course, we are better able to discuss your specific issues with you during your appointment or over the phone.
DIGITAL PERIOCHARTING
We measure your gums at each visit to determine whether or not you are developing gum disease, which is currently reaching epidemic proportions in America. Your readings are entered directly into our software rather than transcribed so our computers can made immediate comparisons with readings from your last visit. Any changes in your gum measurements will be immediately apparent.