Sierra Orthodontics also contains a a Craniofacial Imaging Center. Our Imaging Center provides low radiation three-dimensional Computerized Tomography (3-D CT images) to our orthodontic patients utilizing the i-CAT Cone Beam CT scanner by Imaging Sciences International.

This new and exciting technology enables our doctors to obtain high definition, 3-D CT scans of our patients' maxilla and mandible. With one scan, lasting under 10 seconds, the doctors are able to obtain all the necessary images required for orthodontic evaluation and treatment.

The i-CAT cone beam scanner is used to produce 3-D diagnostic records which are invaluable to develop a complete, accurate diagnosis and the most effective treatment result for our patients. This state-of-the-art technology affords Cone-beam CT 3-D scan views of the face, head and teeth at one one-hundredth of the radiation of a medical "cat scan". This means that the i-CAT scan uses a low (safe) radiation while being exceedingly accurate. Additionally, this digital system does not use processing chemicals so it is also very environmentally friendly.

The i-CAT scan provides the doctors with high quality 3-D images of the teeth, supporting bone, jaws, jaw joints, the airway and other bony and soft tissue structures important to the diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of common dental problems.

Our primary role is to make the teeth fit together properly and to produce the fullest, healthiest, and most natural smile (i.e., facial and dental beauty). To us, this also means ensuring the best possible harmony between the teeth and jaw joints. Recognizing the importance of proper diagnosis and creating the best possible coordination of the teeth and jaw joints, the i-CAT scans help us accomplish the best total treatment results.

In addition to 3-D orthodontic evaluations, our Imaging Center also provides cone-beam scans for the entire foothill professional community.

Because of the uniqueness of our i-CAT machine, we allow the surrounding dental and medical community to use our machine to create images for their patients. All scans are taken in a very patient-friendly atmosphere where the patient can be seated in an upright position similar to a standard panoramic procedure. We provide the referring doctor with either a CD-ROM or printed copies of the data. This 3-D data can be utilized for:

• Dental implant planning
• Orthodontic/Surgical Studies
• Impacted teeth evaluations
• TMJ studies
• Bone grafting evaluations
• Sinus and Airway studies
• Oral pathology/reconstruction studies
• Endodontic studies
• Chiropractic evaluations