3D teeth scan

See Your Dream Smile Before You Start, with Zach Frazier Orthodontics

July 6th, 2022

Ever wonder what your smile will look like once you close that annoying gap or fix the crowding? While a doctor can explain the process of straightening your teeth and adjusting your bite, it may be hard to envision what YOUR teeth will actually look like once treatment is complete. Well, at ZFO we have great news for you – we have powerful technology to show you what your future smile will look like! With a clear picture of the expected results, you can  judge for yourself if orthodontic treatment is right for you or your child.

How are we able to show you the result before starting treatment? We use a high-tech iTero intraoral scanner to take a 3D model of your mouth (that’s right – no more goopy impressions!) and then we use software to move your teeth right in front of you on the screen. The software allows us to show you esthetic changes as well as bite correction changes that are needed for an excellent result.

At every complimentary consultation, I use our Smile Simulator technology to show patients what their final outcome will look like. Not only does it help you feel confident that the 6-24 month journey you’re about to embark on will be worth it, but it gives you and/or your child incentive to focus on the end goal with good participation. Everyone knows what we’re working towards from the very start, and seeing is believing.

I became an orthodontist for many reasons, but one of them is that I love building relationships and helping increase their self-confidence in patients. I see providing this glimpse into the future as an important part of each of those journeys. Knowing what our shared goal is helps me connect with you and helps you take pride in the treatment. 

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment for your child, tween or teen (or yourself), we’d love to meet. Zach Frazier Orthodontics is a no pressure practice and all consultations are complimentary. 

Come see us and see what the smile of your dreams might look like today. 

To schedule that complimentary consultation, click or call below.

-Dr. Zach Frazier

CLICK BELOW OR CALL US TODAY FOR A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION. 

How we use technology to eliminate unpopular dental procedures

February 8th, 2021

Perhaps you have memories of sitting in a dental chair anxiously waiting for a dental impression (dental mold).  Memories of a cold, gooey mixture inching closer down your throat. Memories of drool hanging off the edge of your lip while the mold is held in place. The very thought of it for some people will make them gag!

We have good news for you: meet the intraoral scanner. While this technology has been out for some time, it is still not universally used. Here are some information about what it is and how it will make your trip to the orthodontist much better.

Dr. Zach Frazier, orthodontist in Downers Grove, with a 3D tooth scanner used for braces and Invisalign treatment.

  1. What is 3D digital intraoral scanner?

    1. It is a high-tech video camera that captures images of your teeth to create a 3D digital model of your teeth.
  2. Does it use any radiation like an x-ray?

    1. No radiation is used - it is simply a video camera that stitches many images together to create the 3D image of your teeth.
  3. How long does it take to have your teeth scanned?

    1. It depends on the experience of the user, but in most cases it will take less than 5 minutes to get a full scan of all of your upper and lower teeth.
  4. What do you do with the 3D image?

    1. We can use the image in lots of ways. We can use it to diagnose your bite or create 3D printed physical models of your teeth. With the printed models, we can make all sorts of orthodontic appliances and retainers without ever having to take a dental mold.
  5. Do you still have to take a mold to get retainers?

    1. No way : ) Our patients do not have to have dental impressions taken at any time.
  6. Can this be used for Invisalign clear aligner treatment?

    1. Yes! Additionally the aligners will be better fitting as a 3D intraoral scanner is more accurate than traditional dental molds.

We absolutely love the 3D intraoral scanners in our office. Treatment is dramatically more comfortable for our patients leading to a better experience. Additionally, we are getting more accurate orthodontic appliances which leads to better treatment and reduced time spent at the orthodontist. Finally, it is great form an environmental standpoint as there are fewer steps, fewer appointments, and less waste by using the scanner.

If you're interested in pursuing braces treatment or you are considering Invisalign clear aligner treatment, make sure you visit an orthodontist with a 3D intraoral scanner. You will thank me later ; )

4909 Forest Ave
Downers Grove, IL 60515
(630) 541-3696 Office Hours