COMPUTERIZED IMAGING AIDS ORTHODONTIC PATIENTS

Two Cape Girardeau orthodontists believe a computerized photograph is worth a thousand words of explanation to their patients.

Dr. Edwin Noffel and David Feuerhahn have purchased a new computerized imaging system that displays a patients face and teeth on a computer monitor. The image can be changed on the screen to show patients how they would look during and after orthodontic work.

"One picture is worth 1,000 words," said Noffel. "We always like the newest technology for our patients. This will allow our patients to have a better understanding of what we are trying to do."

Sandra Lee-Langhammer, applications consultant with Dolphin Imaging, the name of the new equipment, is in town now for four days of training.

"The system is run by computer. The photographs are done by computerized imaging. So we can bring up the images immediately and show a patient," she said.

"Patients can get a real understanding of what the doctor is talking about and they see their teeth and their face.

"We can put braces on the image so the patient can see how they will look with braces. Then we can show them how they will look with straight teeth."

The technology is three years old, Lee-Langhammer said. "It is developing quickly."

About 100 systems are in place in the United States and another 30 to 50 are being used in other countries. The same type of machine is being used by St. Louis University for a research project and another is being used by a private orthodontist.

The systems cost between $29,000 and $45,000.

Feuerhahn said the new system will help answer a lot of patient questions.

"A lot of patients have said they wish they could know what they would look like at the end.

"A lot of patients need surgery. With this machine we can cut and paste and show them what they would look like with different types of surgery and with orthodontics and oral surgery combined," he said.

Already a few patients have been photographed. Feuerhahn said response has been good. Lee-Langhammer added, "It's fun for patients."

A photographic print can be made for patients to take home, showing the before and after images.

Feuerhahn said "There is also a motivational factor involved. Patients can better understand why they need to wear their headgear or their rubber bands."

He added that the machine can clearly show dental hygiene for patients also.

Noffel said, "Orthodontics includes teeth, jaw bone and facial tissue. It also allows us to communicate the things we have control over. And it allows them to see what would they would look like at the end."

Feuerhahn said he expects all the patients in their practice will be photographed using this new technology.

In addition to the patient information aspect, the equipment also allows the doctors to do some measurements that otherwise would require additional x-rays. It also provides for record-keeping.

"This is going to be the future," Feuerhahn said. "We were very impressed by the technology."