Orthodontics goes Digital
The most significant impact of digital technology in our lives was probably the introduction and sophistication of mobile phones. The digital invasion was exponential then and grew very rapidly with the introduction of smartphones, social networks and drones. Who would have imagined that a car could drive without a driver, recognising traffic signs, and that its functions could be controlled from a mobile phone.
Digital technology began to make its way into the dental and orthodontic sector, with the introduction of computer programming in 1974. Photography and radiography replaced their analogue counterparts and became the mainstay.
Intraoral scans and 3D X-rays are rapidly replacing study casts and two-dimensional radiographs. Today digital technology has impacted every aspect of orthodontics, not just in record collecting and saving.
It is now commonplace to perform virtual treatment planning. These plans are converted through digital production and placement, using various CAD/CAM techniques of printed models, personalised indirect bonding trays, and robotically bent wire holders. In addition, it is also becoming possible to remotely monitor and control the treatment.
Now it is possible to monitor and control a treatment remotely
The digitisation of orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning
Intraoral scanners have now largely replaced study impressions and casts. Scans are considered as accurate, if not more so, than plaster casts. The scanning process is also more comfortable for patients, especially those with gag reflex.
In addition, they are easily stored and can be shared with dental laboratories anywhere in the world, via the internet, without the need to package and send impressions. This also eliminates potential sources of errors and material variability in impression taking and plaster cast handling.
The files can be sent to the laboratory, where they can be printed on a physical model or used for direct design of the digital devices and be manufactured. Furthermore, the models are immediately available for analysis. It is, therefore, faster and more accurate to undergo study cast analysis, as well as calculate Bolton's discrepancy, for example, than compared to plaster casts.
The models can also be used in orthodontic software platforms to allow the orthodontist to make virtual treatment plans and assess various options in record time, compared to expensive and time-consuming diagnoses with wax-ups.
Digital settings not only allow the clinician to explore a number of options in a simple way but also facilitates better communication with other dental professionals, especially in cases that require a combination of orthodontics and interdisciplinary treatments.
Virtual planning also enables better communication with patients and allows them to visualise the treatment result, as well as understand the process.
Digitisation of orthodontic appliances
CAD/CAM technology has been involved in dentistry for more than three decades. It has reached orthodontics through 3D printing of models for aligners, direct printing of brackets (as in the incognito system and the robotic system) and of wire bending. Treatments with clear aligners, such as IMPRESS, also use this technology, including in creating virtual models and digital configurations of desired results, to offer orthodontics with pre-established results. The placement of accessories for the control of tooth movement, the need for interproximal wear and planning for the mechanics between arches are all completed beforehand. This process allows the visualisation of the tooth movement process, so that the patient can review the results before starting orthodontics.
Remote monitoring
Today, in such a busy world, people rely more on online shopping and remote access to everything. Our Dental Monitoring App is taking this to orthodontics. Using the app, patients can perform regular follow-up scans of their teeth and face with a smartphone, thus communicating their progress to our team. In this way, patients are not required to physically attend the clinic, unless it is necessary for monitoring or an emergency. For those who are busy, this means time saved during treatment. As technology can be very well paired with 3D configurations, it allows patients to be alerted to attend the clinic when necessary.
Apart from this, the technology can alert the patient and the orthodontist if there is a slight misalignment or if a tooth or group of teeth is not moving as planned.
If you want to discover how the digital world is assisting orthodontics, come and meet us! We’ll wait for you at the clinic of your choice.
Request your appointment by calling or sending us a message on +44 20 3808 1072, or book your appointment through our website.
