Our state-of-the-art technologies ensure accuracy, efficiency, and comfort. Our dental equipment is safe, effective, and well-maintained. Some of our dental technologies include but are not limited to:
Cavitron
The Cavitron is a handheld device used in periodontal deep cleaning. While scaling can be completed by hand, the Cavitron uses ultrasonic technology to remove calculus from teeth and gums quickly, gently, and effectively.
With the Cavitron, patients enjoy a more comfortable experience and time spent scaling and polishing is decreased.
CEREC Same-day Dental Restorations
Blue Hills Dental Associates has integrated the use of CEREC technology to offer same-day dental restorations to our patients. We are committed to providing the most efficient and effective innovations available, and the CEREC is no exception. The patented CEREC CAD/CAM technology designs and crafts high-quality, metal-free dental restorations in a single patient visit.
CEREC makes dental restoration effective and efficient. First, any decay is removed from the tooth. Next, we take digital images of the tooth using CEREC’s 3D modeling software. This 3D model is viewed on a high-definition screen as our expert dentist designs the restoration for a precise fit and aesthetically pleasing look. Once the final design is complete, the CEREC machine crafts the custom restoration from a solid block of ceramic. This creates strong and highly durable restorations. In about 15 minutes, the restoration will be ready for placement. Once bonded in place, it is adjusted and polished for a natural, beautiful look.
Using CEREC, patients can leave an appointment with a brand-new restoration. CEREC ends the need for multiple appointments, messy impressions, and weeks of waiting for a lab to make the restoration. Temporary restorations are no longer needed. CEREC is ready on the same day.
You may be a candidate for CEREC if you:
- Have been told you need a new crown, inlay, onlay, or bridge
- Have a cracked tooth
- Have old failing restorations
- Have had damage or trauma to your tooth
- Are interested in replacing old metal restorations with biocompatible restorations
In general, a CEREC crown appointment can take less than two hours and requires no additional appointments. The 3D imaging technology allows Dr. Lee to design a precise virtual restoration without taking impressions. This allows us to ensure restorations look great, fit perfectly, and can last for years.
Dr. Lee has the experience and qualifications to care for same-day dental restorations. For more information about CEREC or to schedule an appointment, contact Blue Hills Dental Associates.
Cone Beam Imaging
Cone Beam imaging is an advanced form of digital radiograph. With the cone beam imager, one simple scan will produce a 3D image of your entire maxillofacial structure. This image can then be used in diagnostics, patient education, treatment planning, and treatment follow-up.
The cone beam provides an effective solution to create quick, clear, precise images for your benefit. Additionally, the cone beam uses minimal radiation in scanning and is a much less-invasive process than other forms of imaging. This makes the cone beam an excellent choice for patients with dental anxiety or a sensitive gag reflex.
By utilizing advanced technologies like the cone beam, we can provide an effective, efficient, and comfortable patient experience for you on every visit.
Digital X-Rays
Our advanced digital X-rays magnify and enhance your teeth for better diagnosis and treatment. This technology allows us to take images of your teeth and display them on a computer screen quickly and easily.
With digital X-rays, we can view your teeth and surrounding structures with remarkable accuracy. These images provide the information we need to plan your dental treatment.
Digital X-rays require much less radiation than traditional film X-rays. Digital X-rays are a safe and effective dental technology.
Intra-oral Camera
The intra-oral camera is about the size and shape of a pen. It is used to record images of your teeth, gums, mouth, and tongue from inside your mouth. Due to its small size and sleek design, it is comfortable, easy to use, and able to view a wide range of angles. The intra-oral camera is a safe and effective tool that can be used with patients of every age.
The intra-oral camera is a highly valuable resource for both diagnosis and treatment planning. Each time we use the intra-oral camera, a new disposable cover is employed. This ensures your health and safety at all times. After your exam, images captured by the intra-oral camera may be digitally stored, printed out, or deleted.
Intra-oral Scanner
What is the secret to making a great impression? At Hockley Dental, we use our intraoral digital scanner to ensure that the impressions we take are accurate, efficient, and comfortable every time.
Impressions are necessary for the fabrication of dental restorations, such as crowns, bridges, and dental implants. Our hand-held intra-oral scanner takes 3-dimensional digital video impressions with proven accuracy. Even the most challenging cases can be accurately scanned with our intra-oral scanner.
Another benefit to you is reduced time. When we send precise digital scans to our lab, your restorations require less preparation work and can be fabricated more quickly. This means you can have your restoration placed and be enjoying the results sooner than with traditional impression methods.
In the past, you may have experienced dental trays that filled with a soft substance that hardened into an impression of your mouth and teeth. With the intra-oral scanner’s small hand-held wand, we can take accurate digital impressions quickly and easily, without tripping your gag reflex.
Even more, as we complete your scan, you will be able to view the impression on the monitor along with us. This allows you to see more precisely why we have recommended restoration for your oral health needs.
We look forward to seeing you again at your next appointment with us. We love to make a great impression.
Panoramic X-Rays
Panoramic X-rays are an essential tool in modern dentistry. They provide a complete view of the teeth, jawbones, and surrounding tissues in a single image. These images allow dental professionals to diagnose and treat dental problems that may not be visible with a traditional dental exam.
A panoramic X-ray, also known as a panoramic radiograph, is a two-dimensional image that captures a wide-angle view of the mouth. The X-ray machine rotates around the head, capturing images of the teeth, jawbones, and other structures in the mouth. The resulting image is a comprehensive view of the mouth, allowing dental professionals to see any potential problems.
One of the primary benefits of panoramic X-rays is that they are non-invasive and painless. The procedure is quick and easy, and the patient sits or stands in front of the machine while the X-ray is taken. The machine emits a low dose of radiation, which is safe for most patients.
Panoramic X-rays are particularly useful in diagnosing problems such as impacted teeth, jawbone fractures, cysts, tumors, and other abnormalities. They can also help dentists plan orthodontic treatments, such as braces, by providing a clear view of the teeth and jawbones.
In addition to diagnosis and treatment planning, panoramic X-rays can also be used for routine dental exams. They provide an overall view of the mouth and can detect any potential problems before they become more severe.
If interested in becoming a patient, please contact us to schedule your new patient exam.
SureSmile
SureSmile® is an advanced orthodontic treatment option that combines the straightening ability of braces with the pinpoint accuracy of digital imaging. With its unique approach, SureSmile® provides high-quality results in less time than conventional orthodontic treatment methods.
What are the advantages of choosing SureSmile®?
- SureSmile® uses 3D modeling for highly accurate treatment planning
- SureSmile® takes less time to complete treatment than conventional braces
- SureSmile® robotic wire-bending is precise to within one-tenth of a millimeter
- SureSmile® involves less discomfort than traditional braces
- SureSmile® allows you to view a simulation of your expected results before beginning treatment
- SureSmile® requires fewer office visits, saving you time and money
- How does SureSmile® work?
Step One: SureSmile® creates a full 3D model of your mouth, jaws, and teeth, including the teeth roots. This model will allow us to view the positioning and orientation of your teeth and teeth roots. Once we have fully planned your treatment, we can also use the 3D model to show you your expected results.
Step Two: SureSmile® software provides tools that allow us to view your teeth and roots to determine the most effective plan for your unique needs. With the SureSmile® software, we can manipulate virtual simulations of your mouth. This allows us to optimize your treatment to achieve your desired results with greater efficiency.
Step Three: Once your treatment plan has been fully designed, the SureSmile® system utilizes a robot to precisely bend Shape Memory Alloy archwires to your unique needs. Like traditional braces, the wire is utilized to deliver gentle pressure that will shift your teeth into their optimal position over time. Unlike traditional braces, however, SureSmile® robotic customization provides accuracy to within one-tenth of a millimeter, which manual bending cannot replicate.
Does SureSmile® really lessen treatment time?
Yes. The SureSmile® software allows us to study and manipulate a 3D model of your teeth. With this, we can determine the most efficient movement path for each of your teeth to ensure both tooth and root reach their desired placement.
By using a more direct path, your teeth reach their desired placement more quickly. On average, patients experience about 29% shorter treatment duration with SureSmile® than with conventional braces.
Does SureSmile® treatment really cause less discomfort than conventional braces?
Yes, SureSmile® patients report significantly less discomfort than patients using traditional braces. In most cases, the main cause of discomfort is the change in pressure when wires are adjusted or replaced. With SureSmile®, the precision robotic wire-bending means fewer changes or adjustments are needed, so less discomfort is experienced.
In addition, because SureSmile® requires fewer wire replacements or adjustments, you will require fewer office visits as well, saving you both time and money over the course of your treatment.