Advanced orthodontic diagnostics is the process of capturing detailed, three-dimensional information about your teeth, jaw, airway, and bone structure before treatment begins. At Katie Pizzo Orthodontics, digital orthodontics starts with a combination of a 3D dental scanner, cone beam imaging, and digital smile design software to build a complete picture of your oral health from day one.
The iTero scanner is a 3D dental scanner that replaces traditional putty impressions with a fast, comfortable handheld wand capturing thousands of data points per second. The result is a highly detailed digital model of your teeth and gums, used directly for treatment planning, digital Invisalign® scan processing, aligner fabrication, and progress monitoring.
How the iTero scanner helps:
A CBCT scan delivers a complete cone beam CT view of your teeth, jawbone, airway, and surrounding structures in a single low-dose scan. This form of 3D dental imaging reveals detail that standard X-rays cannot capture, and for patients with complex orthodontic concerns, airway considerations, or surgical needs, it directly shapes the treatment plan.
CBCT imaging is particularly useful for:
Digital smile design software creates a virtual smile preview of your projected results before a single tooth moves, based on your current tooth positions and smile goals. You review it, ask questions, and start treatment with a clear picture of where you are headed.
Benefits of digital smile design:
Patients choose diagnostic-first orthodontic care because it removes guesswork from a process that affects their health, their children’s development, and their confidence. With the right digital orthodontic technology in place, treatment planning becomes more accurate, more efficient, and more transparent.
Children around age 6, when jaw development can be assessed before problems become harder to address
Kids who breathe through their mouth, snore, or wake up tired, which may indicate airway or jaw concerns
Teens who feel self-conscious about their smile at school or in social settings
Adults considering orthodontic treatment for the first time
Adults seeking retreatment after previous orthodontic care
Patients preparing for orthognathic surgery who need detailed pre-surgical workups
During your consultation, Dr. Katie will review your bite, jaw alignment, airway, and smile goals to determine the most appropriate diagnostic approach and treatment path.
There are several orthodontic practices in the area. Here is what makes our office different when it comes to advanced diagnostics and digital orthodontic planning:
Boutique-style practice Woman-Owned Practice Complimentary Consultations Integrated diagnostic tools Board-Certified Orthodontist Growth and development expertise Yes. We use an ultra-low-dose (ULD) CBCT machine specifically designed for orthodontic offices, which provides detailed 3D dental imaging at significantly lower radiation doses than conventional medical CT equipment. The scan is targeted to the oral and facial region and follows established radiation safety guidelines. Dr. Katie will recommend imaging only when it is clinically indicated.
Most patients find it significantly more comfortable than traditional impressions. There is no material placed in the mouth and no gagging. The wand moves around your teeth briefly while capturing thousands of images per second.
In most cases, yes. Dr. Katie will evaluate your orthodontic needs, review the findings with you, and explain your treatment options. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of the recommended next steps.
Mouth breathing and airway concerns are often connected to jaw development, palate width, or nasal structure. A cone beam CT scan gives us a clear view of the airway and surrounding structures, which helps determine whether an orthodontic intervention is appropriate and what form it should take. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic evaluation around age 6. However, if there are concerns about airway development, breathing, or jaw growth, an evaluation may be recommended as early as age 5 or 6.
If you have questions about jaw development, airway concerns, alignment, or bite issues for yourself or your child, a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation is the right first step. At Katie Pizzo Orthodontics, that first visit is complimentary and comes with no pressure or obligation.
Call us or request an appointment online. We see patients from Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Travelers Rest, Fountain Inn, and throughout the Upstate.
