Development of limited volume high-resolution cone-beam CT and application to orthodontics

Abstract

On diagnosis by dental X-ray, it was necessary to observe the mandible and teeth in three dimensions, but there were problems such as the radiation dose, resolution, and size of the equipment. These matters were resolved by a small radiation field and high-resolution dental cone-beam CT (CBCT). In orthodontic treatment, a wider field of view and lower radiation dose were required. However, expansion of the field of view and lower exposure show a reciprocal relationship. Even in cases of CBCT under low radiation-dose conditions, the dose is 10 times that of normal cephalography, so care must be taken. A hybrid device with CBCT and panoramic radiography was developed. It has become possible to cover all the imaging methods required for orthodontic treatment with one device. Integration with other digital equipment, selection of lower radiation dose conditions, and merging of three-dimensional image information are considered the most important.