Dental Technology

Technology in dentistry is presenting us with options that reduce the time, discomfort and cost associated with some dental procedures. Trust Dr. Althoff and his team to utilize the latest in technology to improve your smile and make your visit more comfortable.

Digital Radiography

With digital radiography, we take x-rays of your teeth with markedly less radiation to you than with a regular dental x-ray machine. Then we can store your x-rays on our computers and access them faster than ever before. Additionally, your images can be sent electronically to insurance companies, dramatically decreasing processing time.

Intraoral Camera

With an intraoral camera, we can magnify your mouth and show you exactly what we’re talking about on a computer screen. This allows you to see for yourself the crack, the stain, the gap, and the receding gum line. You needn’t take only our word for it anymore.

Chairside Computers

Our patients have realized many benefits since we computerized and networked our treatment rooms. All intraoral and extraoral photography, patient records, written communication, and clinical information can be shared between the doctor and treatment areas instantly.

Diagnostic Wax-up

Making sure you get the right look, feel and function is the goal. The diagnostic wax-up model of your restored smile gives us a record of what you want so we begin the process with your results already known.

The model shows your new smile in its natural color and translucency. We also see how your new smile will improve any bite problems you may have. With the diagnostic model you are empowered to preview, give suggestions, make changes, and approve your personal “Smile Plan” before any procedures are begun. Not only can you see the excellent quality of the esthetic changes in your new smile, the model also gives you considerable assurances of feel and function.

Magnification

In pursuit of optimum health, Dr. Althoff employs specialized magnification to diagnose and treat dental concerns. Under magnification, small amounts of decay, tiny cracks and other flaws can be detected and eliminated with ease. Working with this advanced technology, Dr. Althoff is able to provide precise treatment, which translates to longer-lasting dental restorations and possibly less dental treatment in the future. Our patients appreciate that!

Articulator

Articulators are jaw simulators that create a customized reproduction of your teeth and jaw joints.  This technology helps us better determine how teeth should be restored. Years of wear and decay can create significant bite and function problems. We use articulators with diagnostic wax-up models to predict your newly restored smile. By carefully planning with articulators, your new smile will be created in harmony with your jaw joints (TMJ).  This comprehensive approach to restoring your teeth is a blueprint for success.

DIAGNOdent

The DIAGNOdent is a powerful new laser used for early detection and diagnosis of tooth decay. The DIAGNOdent also helps locate decay that may be hidden in the cracks and crevices of teeth. Early detection means less damage, pain, and hassle for you down the road. Please contact our practice today to learn more about the DIAGNOdent.

Casey Patient Education System

To help patients become better informed about dental treatments we use the Casey patient education system. Using language that is easily understood, along with outstanding photographs and graphics, these programs allow us to display information about any dental subject using a computer monitor. We feel that this helps our patients become better informed about their dental treatment and the alternatives available to them.