Why today’s digital imaging tools provide safer, faster, and more effective care.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Meet Our Doctors

Why Orthodontic Imaging Matters

Types of Imaging We Use at Ortho South

How Digital X-Rays Improve Accuracy

The Benefits of Our 3D CBCT Technology

Why Advanced Imaging Matters for Braces

Why Imaging Is Even More Important for Aligners

How Better Imaging Reduces Treatment Time

Safety: Are Modern Dental X-Rays Safe for Kids and Adults

The Ortho South Difference

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

High-quality orthodontic care starts with one thing: accurate information. When we can clearly see your teeth, roots, bones, airway, and overall facial structure, we can plan treatment that is safer, faster, and far more predictable. That is why at Ortho South, we rely on advanced digital imaging tools to guide every decision we make.

From Pelham to Calera, our patients trust us because we combine decades of clinical experience with the latest imaging technology. Led by Dr. Brandon Boggan and Dr. Zehra Syed, we use a detailed, science-first approach to help children, teens, and adults achieve healthy, confident, and long-lasting smiles.

Whether you receive braces, Invisalign®, or Shift Aligners™, advanced digital X-rays help us design treatment that is more comfortable and precise. In this blog, we show how today’s imaging tools create the best possible patient experience and results.

Meet Our Doctors

Dr. Brandon Boggan and Dr. Zehra Syed

At Ortho South, you receive care from two dedicated orthodontists who are committed to excellence in every detail.

Dr. Brandon Boggan

As Alabama's most experienced aligner provider, Dr. Boggan combines digital technology with thoughtful treatment planning to give patients clear, predictable results. He is passionate about personalized care, advanced imaging (detailed digital pictures of teeth and bones), and clear communication throughout the orthodontic process.

Dr. Zehra Syed

Dr. Syed brings a compassionate, precise approach that helps patients feel at ease. Her expertise in digital orthodontics, early treatment, and imaging-based diagnosis is central to the Ortho South experience.

Together, our doctors ensure that every smile we create begins with highly accurate imaging and ends with exceptional results, so you can get your #SmileOn with us with complete confidence.

Why Orthodontic Imaging Matters

Imaging is the foundation of orthodontic diagnosis. Without clear pictures of what lies beneath, treatment becomes guesswork. At Ortho South, we never guess.

Here is why imaging is essential:

We can see the roots, not just the teeth

This helps us move teeth safely without causing damage.

We can evaluate bone levels and density

Important for planning tooth movement for braces and aligners.

We can assess airway health

Critical for young patients and adults with breathing concerns.

We can visualize jaw joints

Helping us rule out or address potential TMJ issues.

We can identify hidden or impacted teeth

This ensures safer and more efficient planning for erupting teeth.

High-quality digital X-rays give us a complete picture of your oral health, so every step of treatment is customized and precise.

Types of Imaging We Use at Ortho South

We use several forms of imaging to give us the best possible information:

Digital Panoramic X-Rays

Shows a full picture of the upper and lower jaws, roots, wisdom teeth, and bone structure.

Digital Cephalometric X-Rays

Displays the relationships among teeth, jaws, and the facial profile.

Intraoral Scanners

Replaces old-fashioned molds with comfortable 3D digital scans.

CBCT Scans (3D Cone Beam Imaging)

Creates a full 3D model of your teeth, jaw, airway, and bone.

Progress Imaging

Used throughout treatment to check progress and make adjustments when needed.

Together, these tools give us a full picture of your oral structure, letting us create a treatment plan that is safer, more predictable, and more comfortable.

How Digital X-Rays Improve Accuracy

Digital X-rays are a major advancement over older film-based systems. They deliver incredibly detailed images in seconds and let us zoom, measure, and analyze with precision.

Higher clarity

We can see smaller details that older X-rays often missed.

Instant results

Images appear immediately, saving time at every appointment.

Better communication

We can show you your own X-rays chairside and explain your treatment clearly.

Less environmental waste

Digital systems eliminate chemical processing and film storage.

More accurate diagnosis

The clarity enhances every step of planning and monitoring.

Accuracy is the secret to success: when our imaging is better, our decisions are sharper, and your smile’s outcome is truly exceptional. 

The Benefits of Our 3D CBCT Technology

Our 3D CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) system is one of the most advanced tools we use at Ortho South. It provides a complete 3D model of your head and jaw structures, enabling us to diagnose and plan with unmatched accuracy.

Comprehensive detail

We can see teeth, roots, sinuses, and jaws in full 3D.

Airway evaluation

Helpful for children with breathing or sleep issues.

Precision planning for braces and aligners

We can determine the safest and most effective path for tooth movement.

Early detection of issues

Impacted teeth, cysts, bone abnormalities, or hidden problems become visible.

Improved outcomes

CBCT allows us to treat more conservatively and more predictably.

3D imaging defines the modern standard in orthodontic accuracy. At Ortho South, we proudly offer this leading-edge technology, so you can enjoy precise diagnosis, greater safety, and results that exceed expectations.

Why Advanced Imaging Matters for Braces

If you or your child needs braces, high-quality imaging is essential. Braces rely on precise tooth movement, root alignment, and thorough bone assessment.

With digital imaging, we can:

• Plan tooth movement with precision
• Evaluate crowding and spacing
• Monitor teeth during treatment
• Check for root resorption
• Ensure bracket placement is ideal
• Avoid unwanted movement
• Shorten treatment time by improving accuracy

Imaging gives us the confidence to deliver predictable, safe, beautiful results.

Why Imaging Is Even More Important for Aligners

Aligners like Invisalign or our own Shift Aligners require detailed planning. Aligners do not work without accurate imaging.

Imaging helps us:

• Map tooth movement accurately
• Decide which attachments are needed
• Ensure aligners fit comfortably
• Plan efficient, shorter treatment times
• Predict your final results from day one

Shift Aligners and imaging

Because Shift Aligners are planned and produced in-house, our imaging data directly informs each aligner set. This means improved accuracy, efficiency, and control from start to finish.

When imaging is high quality, aligners work significantly better.

How Better Imaging Reduces Treatment Time

Advanced imaging improves both accuracy and treatment speed.

Here is how:

Fewer surprises

Hidden issues are identified before treatment starts.

Better tracking

We catch any off-track movement early and make adjustments quickly.

Improved appliance design

Brackets, wires, and aligners work more efficiently with exact planning.

Reduced guesswork

Every decision is data-driven.

Smarter planning leads to a smoother, faster treatment.

Safety: Are Modern Dental X-Rays Safe for Kids and Adults?

Yes. Today’s digital X-rays use up to 80 percent less radiation than older film-based systems. We also use protective equipment and take images only when necessary.

Modern imaging is:

• Very low radiation
• Fast, reducing exposure time
• Safe for children
• Safe for adults
• Supported by decades of clinical research

Your health and safety are our top priorities. We follow strict guidelines to keep every x-ray safe and beneficial.

The Ortho South Difference

Families choose Ortho South because we combine technology, expertise, and compassion in a way that feels personal.

You can expect:

• Braces and aligners, including Invisalign and our own Shift Aligners
• Two highly experienced doctors 
• The most advanced imaging tools available
• Customized treatment based on your anatomy
• A friendly, welcoming environment
• Alabama’s most experienced aligner provider
• 5-star care with more than 705 reviews
• Locations in Pelham and Calera
• A clear commitment to accuracy, safety, and long-term results

Every Ortho South smile starts with a detailed plan and the right technology to deliver it.

Conclusion

Advanced imaging is key to orthodontic care. At Ortho South, we use digital X-rays, 3D scanning, and CBCT technology to provide accurate, safe, and predictable treatment. Better imaging enables better planning, which leads to better results.

From the Ortho South family to yours, we’re honored to guide you to a healthy, confident smile that truly lasts a lifetime. Trust the team that invests in your success every step of the way.

📸 Smile Tech Challenge: Share a photo of your Ortho South experience or your treatment progress using #OrthoSouth.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are digital X-rays safer than traditional X-rays?

Yes. Digital X-rays use significantly less radiation and provide clearer images.

2. Will my child need X-rays at every appointment?

No. We take X-rays only when clinically necessary.

3. Do aligners require more imaging than braces?

Aligners require highly detailed imaging for planning, but not more frequent imaging than braces.

4. What is a CBCT scan used for?

CBCT scans provide a 3D model that helps diagnose, plan, and evaluate airway and bone health.



5. Can I see my own scans during my appointment?

Absolutely. We review your images together so you understand your treatment plan clearly.