Key takeaways:
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Braces and aligners such as Invisalign are designed to slowly realign the teeth by applying constant, gentle pressure.
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This kind of dental treatment is called orthodontics and is performed by specialist dentists called orthodontists.
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Dental scans are required prior to having orthodontic treatment to map your mouth so that your orthodontist can create the most precise treatment plan.
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Private dental scans are available within a week at Scan.com, and you’ll have scan images you can share with your orthodontist within a few days.
If you have misaligned teeth, gaps or an underbite or overbite, your dentist may have suggested orthodontic treatment, such as braces, aligners or retainers, to help straighten your teeth through gentle but constant pressure.
Before having orthodontic treatment, your dentist will need to take images of your mouth to get a detailed look at your teeth and jaw.
Here’s why imaging before Invisalign and other orthodontic devices is essential.
Why You Need a Dental Scan Before Orthodontic Treatment
Dental scans provide a detailed map of your mouth, teeth and jaw. They help dentists ensure the roots of your teeth are in good condition and that you have enough strong, healthy bone in your jaw to support tooth realignment. Dental scans also highlight areas of concern, including hidden or impacted teeth that haven’t yet grown through the gum, infection and cysts. Special types of dental scans also measure your bite, or how well your upper and lower jaws fit together when you bite down.
This information is essential for specialist dentists called orthodontists to plan the right braces or aligners.
The Different Scans and X-rays for Braces and Aligners
You may begin your treatment by having standard photographs taken of your mouth and teeth to track your progress. This may be followed by a digital 3D scan of your mouth to create a model of the visible parts of your mouth from the inside (replacing the need for a putty mould of your teeth).
Then, your orthodontist will need to map the parts of your mouth that aren’t visible, using special dental X-rays.
Panoramic dental X-rays, called OPGs, and cephalometric side profile dental X-rays are routinely used to plan orthodontic work. Sometimes, a specialised CT scan called a cone beam CT (CBCT) is also used.
OPG X-rays for Braces and Aligners
An OPG, or orthopantogram, is a type of X-ray that creates a panoramic, two-dimensional image of the whole mouth. It clearly shows the alignment of the teeth above and below the gum line, the roots of each tooth and where they sit and the bone structure of the jaw.
Orthodontists use OPG X-ray images to ensure each root has enough room to move and to identify hidden teeth (including impacted wisdom teeth) that haven’t pushed through the gum. OPG images also show bone fractures, areas of infection and bone loss that may need to be addressed before having braces.
A Lateral Cephalogram Explained
A lateral (sideways) cephalogram, or cephalometric X-ray, is an X-ray taken from the side of your head, rather than the front, to provide an image of the positioning of the upper and lower jaw.
Cephalometric X-rays help to identify under- and overbites and assess the angle of the front teeth. This information is essential for orthodontic planning, and your orthodontist will use it to create a precise plan for your teeth.
When a CBCT Scan is Necessary Before Orthodontic Work
A cone beam CT dental scan provides a more detailed view of the teeth and jaw than an OPG. More detailed views aren’t always necessary, but your dental team may recommend that you have a CBCT scan if they think your orthodontic procedure may be more complex than normal. CBCT scans help dental specialists analyse:
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The exact positioning of an impacted wisdom tooth that might be very close to the root of a neighbouring tooth
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Unusual tooth roots
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A thin jawbone or bone loss
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Complex misaligned jaws
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Sinus and soft tissue problems affecting breathing and swallowing
CBCT scans are also used to help guide the placement of small implants, called temporary anchorage devices (TADs), used in some cases to anchor fixed braces.
What Happens During an Orthodontic Scan?
Orthodontic scans are quick and painless, taking just a few minutes each. You don’t need to make any special preparations beforehand, but since metal can interfere with the image, you should refrain from wearing necklaces, earrings and hair clips in the scanner. You’ll be able to wear glasses and hearing aids to your appointment, and you’ll be asked to remove them before the scan starts.
During each scan, you’ll be required to remain still. A chin rest and forehead support will help you do so, but if you think you might struggle to remain still, speak to your dental team.
OPG Scans
You’ll bite down on a plastic plate while a small X-ray arm moves around your lower face from ear to ear in a semicircle. Multiple X-ray images are taken, which are then collated to produce a single, two-dimensional panoramic image of your teeth and jaw.
Cephalometric X-rays
Small plastic supports called cephalostats are placed inside your ears to keep your head still while you hold your upper and lower jaw together in their natural position. The X-ray arm takes an image from each side of your head to produce lateral, two-dimensional images of your jaw.
CBCT Scans
The CT scanner moves around your head in a full circle, taking multiple images as it rotates. The images are then collated to create a three-dimensional model of your teeth, jawbones, soft tissues, nerves and sinuses.
Are Dental Scans Safe?
X-rays and CT scans use ionising radiation to create images. Exposure to high levels of radiation can be dangerous and increase your risk of developing cancer later in life. But the radiation levels used in dental scans are very low.
Low levels of radiation exist in the atmosphere, and we’re exposed to this background radiation every day.
Taken in context, having an OPG dental scan exposes you to the equivalent of around 2 to 5 days of background radiation, while a cephalometric X-ray will expose you to the equivalent of a few hours.
The radiation from a CBCT is slightly higher, at around 5 to 30 days' equivalent dose. This is still low compared to a standard CT scan of the head, which would expose you to around a year’s worth of background radiation.
The benefits of any essential medical scan outweigh the risks of radiation exposure and not having a scan at all.
How Do I Share My Results with My Orthodontist?
At Scan.com, dental scans start at £80, and appointments are generally available within a week. You’ll receive your scan images within a few days, and you’ll be able to share them electronically with your orthodontist.
You won’t need a referral, we’ll organise that for you, and we’re rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot.
References
Why is dental imaging essential before orthodontic or implant treatment? (2025, August 18). Border Radiology Specialists. https://borderradiology.com.au/why-is-dental-imaging-essential-before-orthodontic-or-implant-treatment/
Garib, D. G., Calil, L. R., Leal, C. R., & Janson, G. (2014). Is there a consensus for CBCT use in Orthodontics? Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics, 19(5), 136–149. https://doi.org/10.1590/2176-9451.19.5.136-149.sar
Seashells. (2024, February 16). How Much Dangerous Radiation are you Exposed to When Having Dental X-rays Taken? - 92 Dental. 92 Dental. https://92dental.co.uk/much-dangerous-radiation-exposed-dental-x-rays-taken/
FAQs
Do I need imaging before Invisalign or braces?
Yes, your orthodontist will need to take a series of scans to assess your oral health, tooth alignment and how much space your roots have to move in your gums and jawbone. Your orthodontist will advise you which scans you need.
Are dental X-rays safe?
Yes, OPGs, cephalometric X-rays and CBCT scans are considered safe for most people. Radiation exposure from dental X-rays is relatively low compared to other body scans.
How long do dental X-rays for braces and aligners take?
Dental X-rays take minutes, but allow around 15 minutes for your appointment.
