{"id":256,"date":"2026-04-05T15:55:19","date_gmt":"2026-04-05T15:55:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplyortho.com\/blog\/?p=256"},"modified":"2026-05-04T15:57:10","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T15:57:10","slug":"why-your-orthodontist-might-suggest-a-cbct-scan-before-your-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.simplyortho.com\/blog\/why-your-orthodontist-might-suggest-a-cbct-scan-before-your-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Your Orthodontist Might Suggest a CBCT Scan Before Your Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"
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When you think about orthodontic treatment<\/a>, braces might come to mind first\u2014or in more recent years, clear aligners tend to take up most of the spotlight. But before things can get underway, your orthodontist needs a thorough understanding of what exactly is happening inside your mouth, and simple X-rays can\u2019t always tell the full story. Sometimes, CBCT technology is needed to give your provider the big, clear picture they need to properly straighten your smile! Here\u2019s more about this technology and its unmatched usefulness when it comes to orthodontic treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Exactly Is CBCT Imaging?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

CBCT is an acronym that stands for cone beam computed tomography. Unlike a traditional dental X-ray, which captures a flat, two-dimensional image, a CBCT scan produces a full 3D model of the oral and facial structures. A specialized machine rotates a mechanical arm around the patient’s head, capturing hundreds of images from different angles, which are then compiled by specialized software into a detailed, 3D picture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Better yet, the scan is quick, non-invasive, and performed while you simply sit or stand still. It also uses a very small fraction of the radiation used in traditional scans. The resulting images show not just the teeth and their roots, but also the jawbone, airway, temporomandibular joints (TMJ), and sinuses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Do Orthodontists Use CBCT?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Not every orthodontic patient will need a CBCT scan; it\u2019s mostly used for cases where a higher level of detail is needed to draw up an effective treatment plan. However, some common situations that warrant it include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n