Digital Impressions Dental
Digital Impressions Dental is a specialized dental service provided by the board-certified specialists at Aloha Dental Specialty Center in Beaverton, OR. Measuring the skull, jaw, and teeth to predict how orthodontic treatment will work.
Cephalometric Analysis: The Blueprint for Jaw and Tooth Alignment
A cephalometric radiograph is a standardized lateral (side-view) X-ray of the skull taken at a fixed distance with the patient positioned in a cephalostat — a device that ensures reproducible head position. The resulting image shows the spatial relationships between the cranial base, maxilla, mandible, teeth, and soft-tissue profile. By placing anatomical landmarks on this image and measuring the angles and distances between them, the clinician can classify skeletal and dental relationships: whether the upper jaw is too far forward, the lower jaw is too far back, the teeth are tipped incorrectly, or the facial profile is convex, straight, or concave.
At ADSC, cephalometric analysis is used primarily for orthodontic treatment planning, surgical orthodontic (orthognathic) case design, and growth prediction in adolescent patients. The measurements inform decisions about whether treatment should involve tooth movement alone or a combination of orthodontics and jaw surgery. For patients being evaluated for sleep apnea or airway concerns, the cephalometric image shows the position of the hyoid bone, the airway space behind the tongue and soft palate, and the cervical spine posture — all of which influence breathing during sleep.
Modern cephalometric analysis at ADSC can be performed on a conventional lateral cephalometric radiograph or extracted from a CBCT volume. When CBCT has already been taken for implant or surgical planning, a synthetic cephalogram is generated from the 3D data, avoiding the need for an additional exposure. The analysis is presented as a table of measurements compared to population norms, accompanied by a tracing overlay that visually illustrates the skeletal and dental pattern. Dr. Ostovar and Dr. Gvozden review these findings with each patient, translating numbers into a clear explanation of what needs to move and why.
Serving Beaverton, Aloha, Hillsboro & Washington County
Aloha Dental Specialty Center is located at 18455 SW Alexander St, Suite A, in Beaverton, Or 97003egon. We serve patients from across the Tualatin Valley and greater Portland metro, including Aloha, Hillsboro, Tigard, Lake Oswego, and Tualatin. Our Beaverton office is a 5-minute drive from Aloha, 10 minutes from Hillsboro, and 15 minutes from Tigard via SW 185th Avenue.
-
📍
Intel Campuses (Ronler Acres & Jones Farm)
10 to 15 minutes via NW 185th Ave. We accommodate the schedules of tech professionals who need efficient, high-quality specialty care.
-
📍
Nike World Headquarters
About 8 minutes via SW Baseline Rd. We frequently see patients from the Nike campus for surgical and implant procedures with sedation options.
-
📍
Streets of Tanasbourne & Orenco Station
Easily accessible via US-26 and NW 185th. Local general dentists in these communities regularly refer patients to us for specialty procedures.
Why Local Dentists Refer to Us
We work as a trusted partner to general dentists throughout the Tualatin Valley. When cases require CBCT-guided planning, IV sedation, bone grafting, or other advanced procedures, local providers refer to Dr. Ostovar for his fellowship-trained expertise and predictable results.
We handle the complex surgical phases and coordinate closely with your general dentist for seamless continuity of care from start to finish.
Understanding Your Investment
At Aloha Dental Specialty Center, we provide transparent pricing before any treatment begins. The cost of your procedure depends on clinical complexity, materials used, and sedation requirements. We walk you through every line item during your consultation so there are no surprises.
What Affects Cost:
- Clinical Complexity: Bone loss, sinus proximity, nerve involvement, or the need for grafting affects treatment planning and surgical time.
- Materials: We use research-backed implant systems, purified bone graft matrices, and high-strength ceramics from established manufacturers.
- Sedation: Options range from local anesthesia to IV sedation, each with different associated costs. We discuss the best option for your comfort and procedure.
Insurance & Financing
We accept most major dental insurance plans and file claims on your behalf. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment and submits pre-treatment estimates with clinical documentation to maximize coverage.
For out-of-pocket costs, we partner with CareCredit and Cherry for flexible payment plans. We also offer our ADSC Dental Savings Plan for patients without insurance.
Recovery & Healing Timeline
Understanding the healing process helps you plan ahead and follow post-operative instructions for the best possible outcome.
First 48 Hours
Mild swelling and tenderness are normal. Apply ice packs in 20-minute intervals and take prescribed or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. Eat soft foods and avoid the surgical site when chewing.
Days 3 to 7
Swelling peaks around day three and then improves. The tissue begins closing over the surgical site. Continue with soft foods and use any prescribed antimicrobial rinse. Most patients return to normal activities during this phase.
Long-Term Healing
Surface tissue heals within two to three weeks. Bone integration and deep healing continue for three to six months. Avoid smoking, follow up as scheduled, and maintain good oral hygiene throughout recovery.
Questions during recovery? Call us at (503) 822-0096. We are available for post-operative concerns.
The Science of Cephalometric Measurement
Cephalometric analysis dates to Broadbent's standardization of skull radiography in 1931 and has since evolved into dozens of analysis systems — Steiner, Ricketts, McNamara, Jarabak, and others — each using slightly different landmarks and measurements to describe craniofacial relationships. The most commonly used measurements include SNA (maxillary position relative to cranial base), SNB (mandibular position), ANB (jaw relationship), Wits appraisal (denture base relationship), and FMA (mandibular plane angle). Three-dimensional cephalometric analysis derived from CBCT data adds bilateral measurements and eliminates the projection errors inherent in two-dimensional imaging — particularly the magnification of the side farther from the film and the superimposition of bilateral structures.
Why Choose a Specialist?
Cephalometric interpretation at ADSC is performed by clinicians who use these measurements to make surgical and orthodontic decisions — not as an academic exercise. The multi-specialty structure of the practice means that cephalometric findings are integrated with implant planning, TMJ evaluation, and airway assessment when relevant, producing treatment plans that address the whole craniofacial picture.
Your Digital Impressions Dental Treatment Steps
- Consultation & Exam: Comprehensive digital impressions dental evaluation with CBCT 3D imaging at our Beaverton office.
- Treatment Plan: Board-certified specialist discusses your digital impressions dental options, timeline, and costs. Our procedures maintain a 95%+ success rate, backed by advanced 3D imaging and evidence-based protocols.
- Treatment: Procedure performed with comfort options including sedation if needed.
- Follow-Up: Post-treatment monitoring and care coordination for optimal healing.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Book a consultation with our board-certified specialists at Aloha Dental Specialty Center in Beaverton, OR. Call (503) 822-0096 Office hours: Monday through Friday 7 AM to 7 PM, Saturday and Sunday 8 AM to 2 PM. or request an appointment online.
Related Services at Aloha Dental Specialty Center:
Dental Implants · Oral Surgery · Root Canal · Invisalign · Periodontics · Pediatric · TMJ Treatment · Sedation · Cosmetic · Emergency · Sleep Apnea
A Note from Your Dental Team
In my experience, the patients who get the best results from digital impressions dental are those who come in with realistic expectations and follow their post-treatment instructions carefully. I’d rather spend extra time explaining what to expect than have a patient be surprised later.
“Every patient I see has a different story, a different set of concerns, and a different definition of what ‘success’ looks like. That’s why I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all treatment plans. When you come in for a consultation, I’ll listen first, examine second, and recommend third.
I also won’t recommend a procedure you don’t need. If your tooth can be saved with a filling instead of a crown, I’ll tell you that. If watchful waiting is appropriate, I’ll explain why. My job isn’t to sell treatment — it’s to give you my honest clinical judgment so you can make an informed decision.
If you have questions about whether this treatment is right for you, or if you’ve been told you need this procedure by another dentist and want a second opinion, call us at (503) 822-0096. We’re happy to take the time to explain everything — no rush, no pressure.”
— Dr. Merat Ostovar & Dr. Jovan Gvozden | Aloha Dental Specialty Center, Beaverton, OR
I know many patients feel anxious about dental procedures — you’re not alone in that. What I hear most often after treatment is: “That was so much easier than I expected.” We’re here to make this as comfortable as possible for you.
For additional clinical information, visit the American Dental Association (ADA).
Last reviewed by our dental specialists: March 2026. Clinical information on this page reflects current evidence-based dental practices.
Related Dental Services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cephalometric analysis used for?
Cephalometric analysis quantifies the skeletal and dental relationships of the jaws and teeth. It is used for orthodontic treatment planning, orthognathic (jaw) surgery planning, growth prediction in adolescents, and airway assessment. The measurements determine whether treatment should involve tooth movement, jaw surgery, or both.
Is a cephalometric X-ray the same as a panoramic X-ray?
No. A panoramic X-ray shows the teeth and jaws in a frontal wrap-around view. A cephalometric X-ray shows the skull from the side in a standardized lateral projection. They provide different information and serve different diagnostic purposes.
How much radiation does a cephalometric X-ray deliver?
A digital lateral cephalometric radiograph delivers approximately 5 to 10 microsieverts — about one to two days of natural background radiation. It is a low-dose examination. When derived from an existing CBCT scan, no additional radiation is needed.
Can a cephalometric analysis predict how my face will change with braces?
Cephalometric measurements help predict soft-tissue profile changes that result from tooth and jaw repositioning. While individual biological response varies, the analysis provides a scientific basis for predicting how lip position, chin prominence, and nasal-labial angle will be affected by planned tooth movement or surgical jaw repositioning.
Do all orthodontic patients need a cephalometric analysis?
Not all. Simple alignment cases in adults with normal skeletal relationships may not require cephalometric analysis. It is most valuable for growing patients, patients with significant jaw discrepancies, surgical orthodontic candidates, and complex cases where skeletal classification affects the treatment plan.
What is ANB angle?
The ANB angle measures the difference between the anteroposterior position of the maxilla (SNA) and the mandible (SNB) relative to the cranial base. A normal ANB is approximately 2 degrees. A large positive ANB suggests maxillary protrusion or mandibular retrusion (Class II pattern). A negative ANB suggests mandibular protrusion (Class III pattern).
Can cephalometric analysis assess my airway?
Yes. The lateral cephalometric view shows the posterior airway space — the gap between the back of the tongue and the pharyngeal wall. Narrowing of this space correlates with obstructive sleep apnea risk. The position of the hyoid bone, soft palate length, and cervical spine posture are also measured for airway evaluation.
What is the difference between 2D and 3D cephalometric analysis?
Two-dimensional analysis is performed on a lateral cephalometric radiograph and measures landmarks in a single plane. Three-dimensional analysis is derived from CBCT data and measures landmarks in all three planes, eliminating projection errors and revealing asymmetries that are invisible on 2D imaging. Both provide valuable information; 3D analysis provides more of it.
How long does a cephalometric analysis take?
The X-ray takes seconds. The landmark placement and measurement calculation take 10 to 15 minutes using digital analysis software. Reviewing the results with the patient takes an additional 10 to 15 minutes. If the analysis is part of a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation, it is included in the consultation appointment.
Can adults benefit from cephalometric analysis?
Absolutely. Adult cephalometric analysis determines skeletal classification, identifies jaw discrepancies that may require surgical correction, and guides treatment decisions for complex restorative and orthodontic cases. It is not limited to growing patients.
Does insurance cover cephalometric imaging?
Most dental insurance plans cover diagnostic cephalometric imaging when prescribed by the treating doctor, typically under orthodontic or diagnostic benefits. Coverage frequency and percentage vary by plan. The ADSC billing team verifies your specific benefits before the appointment.
What is orthognathic surgery and how does cephalometric analysis help plan it?
Orthognathic surgery repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to correct skeletal discrepancies that braces alone cannot fix. Cephalometric measurements quantify the discrepancy and define the surgical movements needed — how many millimeters to advance the mandible, impact the maxilla, or rotate the occlusal plane. These numbers translate directly into the surgical plan.
Can cephalometric analysis be done on children?
Yes. Serial cephalometric analysis in growing patients tracks jaw growth over time and helps predict whether orthodontic treatment should begin early (Phase I) or wait until more growth has occurred. It is a key tool in interceptive orthodontic decision-making.
What landmarks does the doctor measure on a cephalometric film?
Common landmarks include sella turcica (center of the pituitary fossa), nasion (bridge of the nose), point A (deepest concavity of the maxillary anterior alveolar bone), point B (deepest concavity of the mandibular anterior alveolar bone), pogonion (most anterior point of the chin), and gnathion (lowest anterior point of the mandible). Angles and distances between these points define the skeletal pattern.
How does ADSC use cephalometric data for implant patients?
In full-arch implant cases — particularly All-on-4 and full-mouth reconstruction — cephalometric analysis helps determine the vertical dimension of occlusion, the anteroposterior jaw relationship, and the facial profile implications of the prosthetic design. This ensures the final restoration supports not just function but also a natural facial appearance.
Schedule an Orthodontic or Jaw Evaluation
Call our Beaverton office or request an appointment online. We look forward to helping you.
Clinically Reviewed by Dr. Merat Ostovar, DMD
Doctor of Dental Medicine | Implant & Specialty Dentistry | 15+ Years Experience
Aloha Dental Specialty Center — Serving Aloha, Beaverton, Hillsboro & Greater Portland
Last updated: March 19, 2026