Digital workflows for enhanced orthodontics

Experience faster, more streamlined workflows

Generally, digital technology is designed to overcome challenges presented by conventional workflows, offering clinicians a more efficient solution.[ii] Additionally, digital solutions are usually more versatile, and interconnected, allowing clinicians to work seamlessly. Implementing digital solutions for use in orthodontics, typically when providing a series of clear aligners, allows clinicians to effectively: carry out digital impression acquisition, visualise and manipulate digital set ups, and produce a series of clear aligners based on the needs of each individual patient.[iii]

By implementing digital impression scanners and software, patients can expect a more comfortable experience, and clinicians are able to work with clear and accurate impressions, almost instantly, and without the need for any physical storage.ⁱⁱ With a cohesive digital system, impressions and photos are able to be uploaded instantly to treatment planning software, for a faster process, especially with new developments in mobile applications.

Digital solutions for enhanced customisation

Digital treatment planning presents a number of benefits, especially when compared to conventional methods. Traditionally, a plaster model would be used for an orthodontic set up, requiring additional resources and lab time. However, when using digital set ups, clinicians can expect greater predictably, as well as faster and more practical processes.ⁱⁱⁱ

This ability to customise treatment so freely will result in improved outcomes, helping to build trust between dentists and their patients. Digital planning tools also improve predictability,ⁱⁱⁱ with the use of digital measuring tools allowing clinicians to move teeth with greater accuracy. This being said, it is important that clinicians still have adequate knowledge of aligners, and what the possible outcomes of treatment could be. This is because clinicians will be able to estimate realistic dental movements, and understand when it is appropriate to increase anchorage in certain areas for the most efficient tooth movements.ⁱⁱⁱ

By utilising smile simulations clinicians will be able to make adjustments when the patient is present. Many patients will have expectations and desires for the result of their orthodontic treatment, which might include improvements to aesthetics, speech, and self-esteem.[iv] However, these desires might not always be realistic, so it is important that they understand what is possible to achieve through orthodontic treatment, and what they can expect. By designing their smile while they’re present, clinicians are able to create a treatment plan which produces results more closely aligned with their desires. This will help to encourage treatment acceptance, boosting conversion rates, and improve compliance as well as patient satisfaction, for a better experience and relationship.

Monitoring progress effectively

Many dental practices are also embracing the benefits of digital technology to monitor their patients’ treatment progress. By doing this, clinicians are able to spot any issues quickly, and make any changes needed to improve care.[v] This software also encourages improved compliance, helping patients to invest in their treatment journey, so they can see their progress in real-time, and are therefore motivated to continue adhering to the advice of their clinician. By doing this, patients and clinicians can expect the best results.^vi The use of interactive case profiles also allow clinicians to quickly refresh their familiarity with each case prior to their patient’s appointment, ensuring they understand the needs of the case immediately, optimising chairtime.

By introducing digital solutions to your dental practice, you open your dental team and patients up to new opportunities. When you provide your patients with ClearCorrect^® aligners, you can enjoy the benefits of a streamlined end-to-end experience. The ClearCorrect^® digital ecosystem provides you with control and flexibility, allowing you to directly link to your favourite intraoral scanners, such as Virtuo Vivo™ and 3Shape^® TRIOS™. Plus, with ClearCorrect^® you are able to upload case photos quickly using the ClearCorrect^® Sync Mobile App, and optimise your treatment protocols using the Doctor Portal Dynamic Prescription Form. Additionally, using Dental Monitoring^® solutions, clinicians are able to monitor patients’ treatment progress.

All areas of dentistry, including orthodontics, can benefit from implementing digital dental solutions. By using digital software in practice, clinicians can expect improvements in both diagnosis and treatment planning, as they become simpler, more precise, and more time efficient.ⁱⁱ Investing in digital workflows also provides an improved patient experience, helping them to feel confident about your skills, and the care you are providing, further strengthening your relationship.

For more information on ClearCorrect^®,

visit: https://www.straumann.com/clearcorrect/en/home.html

[i] Mordor Intelligence. DIGITAL DENTISTRY MARKET – GROWTH, TRENDS, COVID-19 IMPACT, AND FORECASTS (2023 – 2028). Accessed April 23. https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/digital-dentistry-market

[ii] Kaur, Pawandeep, and Karambir Singh Nat. “Diagnostic Advancements in Orthodontics: A Review.”

[iii] CUNHA, Taís de Morais Alves da, Inessa da Silva BARBOSA, and Karolinne Kaila Palma. “Orthodontic digital workflow: Devices and clinical applications.” Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics 26 (2021).

[iv] Tsai, I-Ching, Hui-Chi Wei, and Peng-Ting Chen. “Digitalization strategy for personalized dental medicine: A case study on orthodontic service.” (2022).

[v] Roisin, L-C., D. Brézulier, and O. Sorel. “Remotely-controlled orthodontics: fundamentals and description of the Dental Monitoring system.” Journal of Dentofacial Anomalies and Orthodontics 19.4 (2016): 408.