Increase Position Accuracy for Orthodontic Patients

OP300 Maxio for Optimal Results in Orthodontics

Cindy Adelstein, DMD, MAGD

Figure 1 | Cindy Adelstein, DMD, MAGD, is in private practice in Succasunna, New Jersey. In addition to general dentistry, she has focused her scope of practice on orthodontics, temporomandibular disorders, and sleep apnea. She has lectured throughout the country on incorporating these disciplines within a general dental practice.

I have been treating patients ortho­dontically for over 15 years. I started out by treating the younger patients interceptively focusing on arch form and mandibular positioning. As time went on these children needed straight wire orthodontics to complete Phase II of their therapy. I also began to notice quite a few of my young adults that were clicking, popping, and complaining of random joint pain.

As I continued my education, I closely studied the link between palatal shape and mandibular position. A narrow maxilla and therefore a retrognathic mandible were more often than not the cause for the chronic temporomandibular issues I was seeing. I believe that true orthodontic therapy must include a detailed analysis of the shape of the maxilla and the position of the mandible. Full orthodontic work-ups in my office include a detailed head and neck exam, models analysis, cephalometric analysis, and tomographic studies of the temporomandibular joints.

I was taught from the beginning that mandibular placement directly affects the health and comfort of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Patients who have had bicuspids extracted or have worn headgear to distalize the maxilla for overbite correction are too often left with chronic temporomandibular symptoms as adults. At the time, I was using a CMT machine for my temporomandibular analysis. More recently, I upgraded to the ORTHOPANTOMOGRAPH™ OP300 Maxio unit.

With this machine I am able to take my cephalometric, panoramic, and TMJ radiographs. These views are all two-dimensional; however, this unit allows me to adjust the radiation levels so that my 4-year-old and my 14-year-old are not receiving the same dosages. The scout capabilities of this unit allow me to double check the accuracy of my positioning so that I avoid the need to re-expose the patient due to poorly positioned field-of-view.

How do the 3D capabilities fit into my orthodontic and TMJ therapy? The airway must be considered when making sure the orthodontic therapy plays the role it should in the overall health of the patient. The size of the airway and any possible physical blockages, including tonsils, adenoids, septums, and sinuses, must be evaluated to ensure the optimal result of the orthodontic therapy is achieved.

The OP300 has become one of the most valuable tools I have in my armamentarium.The 3-in-1 platform provides me with the maximum imaging capacity for the entire maxillofacial region. This provides me with the information that I need to make sure that the treatment plan I provide for each patient will produce a lifetime of health and wellness.

For more information, contact:
Instrumentarium Dental
800-558-6120
www.instrumentariumdental.com