Dr. Jared Schoettger analyzes a digital scan of a patient’s teeth
Silvery smiles and trips to the orthodontist — braces are a rite of passage for many kids and teenagers, not to mention a growing number of adults. And according to the brother-sister team of Dr. Jared Schoettger and Dr. Anna Schoettger, there’s never been a better time to straighten your teeth. “Digital braces” are making the orthodontic journey much easier for patients by offering greater precision, improved comfort and shorter treatment timelines.
Dr. Bob Schoettger founded the practice in 1986 with a goal to provide compassionate, high-quality orthodontic care for patients in east-central Nebraska. These days, his son Dr. Jared and daughter Dr. Anna are carrying on the family legacy at the main Lincoln office and in a Seward satellite location.
With traditional braces, orthodontists link one-size-fits-all stock brackets on the upper and lower teeth with wire, slowly tightening over time to move the teeth into alignment. Schoettger Orthodontics is now using LightForce digital technology to create a much more personalized plan for each patient.
“We can electronically position the teeth on our computer using scans, photos and X-rays that are uploaded to the system, and the brackets are actually 3D printed and customized to your own individual tooth surface,” said Dr. Anna.
Patients are often thrilled to hear that the iTero imaging system eliminates the need to make messy, uncomfortable putty impressions of the mouth.
“We are completely impression-free in our office,” Dr. Jared said.
A quick and painless digital scan allows the doctors to render a computer simulation of the patient’s teeth and to map out what the anticipated orthodontic results will look like when treatment is complete. The technology is also used to inform the fabrication of the braces themselves. In addition to 3D-printed customized translucent ceramic brackets for orthodontic treatment, LightForce recently began producing a metal variation as well. Schoettger Orthodontics is currently one of just a handful of practices in the country to offer this new option.
“Both are equally effective and there’s no cost difference. It just comes down to a matter of personal preference for the patient,” Dr. Anna said.
LightForce digital technology
The improved precision and accuracy that digital braces allow shave valuable months off treatment timelines.
“With the traditional orthodontic approach, you have to make more adjustments along the way,” Dr. Jared said. “With digital braces, you’re going from start to finish in a more direct line. It’s gentler on the teeth, and it’s gentler on the overall patient experience.”
Because the digital process is so much quicker and more efficient, patients are able to reduce their overall number of visits to the orthodontist. The amount of time saved varies according to each patient’s individual circumstances, but Dr. Jared said he’s now treating cases that used to take up to two years in just 12 to 18 months.
As with traditional braces, dental coverage depends on your individual insurance plan. Schoettger Orthodontics also offers no-interest payment plans with flexible terms for down payment and monthly installments.
To learn more about digital braces at Schoettger Orthodontics or to schedule a free initial consultation, call 402.423.8000 or visit schoettger.com.
