Everyone LOVES dental X-rays, right? The heavy apron. The drooling. The uncomfortable bitewings and poking on the inside of our cheeks. Plus, patients with a strong gag-reflex can’t wait to shove something to the back of the mouth. We haven’t even mentioned the radiation yet. I mean…who’s not looking for ways to sneak more radiation into their body?
I hate to break it to all you X-Ray lovin’ patients out there, but dental X-rays could be a thing of the past.
Goodbye X-Ray — Hello S-Rays
One Biotech company, S-Ray, is developing a series of products that rely on ultrasound technology for imaging. Imagine that. No more radiation. No more uncomfortable, bulky materials being shoved into your mouth.
It uses a smooth, soft mouthpiece that fits directly over your teeth. No mare gagging to get something toward the back of your tongue. The single-use mouthpiece takes about a minute to scan while you bite down.
The S-Ray is hooked up to a computer and uploads the images in real time. Plus, the technology gives your dentist a much better picture of your teeth. Here’s the comparison:
X-Rays Show:
- Cavities between the teeth
- Bone level and a certain amount of bone loss
SRay Technology Shows:
- Cracks and cavities between and IN the teeth
- 3D modeling
- Soft tissue data
I don’t yet know when this technology will be ready, but when it is, it will be a game changer.
Dr. Mike Malone and his team practice expert cosmetic dentistry in Lafayette, LA. Dr. Malone is the former president and current accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is also the official Cosmetic Dentist of the Miss Louisiana USA and Miss Louisiana Teen USA pageants. Check out his website for more information.