Advantages of digital treatment planning in dentistry
Featured Products Promotional FeaturesPosted by: Dental Design 16th September 2023
Digital dentistry has made a big impact on the profession, with many clinicians across all areas embracing its benefits. When digital dentistry is implemented effectively, dentists and their patients can expect to see improvements in comfort, predictability, and treatment outcomes. Solutions such as intraoral scanners, for example, offer a more comfortable experience for patients when compared to traditional impression materials, and clinicians can expect exceptional accuracy with minimal risk of errors. It’s useful to consider the ways in which digital solutions could improve your workflows in the practice.
Digital workflows in practice
Individuals in any area of the profession might consider upgrading to a digital workflow to improve efficiency and accuracy in their area of work. It is likely that digital dentistry can offer additional benefits too, such as providing a more sustainable option. For example, traditional impressions require each stage of the process to run smoothly, for an accurate result.[i] If any mistakes are made, resulting in the need for re-takes, material will be discarded, and transport journeys will be wasted. By replacing this with a digital workflow, clinicians are able to reduce the environmental impact of the dentistry that they provide.
It is important to choose user-friendly solutions from trusted providers for the best experience. Consider the ease-of-use of the equipment on offer, the usability of the software, and the support available should you need it. By implementing high-quality digital solutions, you can ensure that you, your team, and your patients are gaining all of the benefits of a digital workflow.
3D treatment planning
Across many different areas of dentistry, 3D technology has been adopted. In orthodontics, for example, implementing this technology can enhance diagnosis, treatment planning, and case monitoring and review. Impressions taken using intraoral scanners produce accurate models of the patient’s anatomy, with treatment planning software allowing you to manipulate the models easily.[ii]
3D planning offers a simulation of the overall process before treatment begins.[iii] This improves predictability, increases treatment possibilities, and enhances final outcomes.ii In orthodontic treatment, this means that you are able to plan each movement in advance, including in clear aligner cases, as these will require multiple trays over a period of time, each aiming to carry out different movements.iii Digital workflows also make interdisciplinary approaches to orthodontic care easier. Digital models, for example, facilitate communication and collaborative decision-making from different disciplines, as well as being an effective tool for communicating treatment plans with patients.iii
Applications in clear aligner treatment
When interested in clear aligner treatment, many patients are seeking a smile transformation in the least disruptive way. By using digital technology as part of your initial consultations, treatment planning, and monitoring/review stages, you are able to offer patients a more seamless and interactive experience. Intraoral scanning in the initial stages of planning will allow both you and your patients to view their initial situation in detail, allowing you to clearly explain this to your patients. Further to this, digital treatment plans display the options available, and the progress stages. This enables you and your patients to visualise treatment outcomes, as well as the way that movement is predicted to progress at various stages. This is incredibly useful, as patients are able to understand the aims, which can in turn help to boost case acceptance and compliance.
The ClearCorrect® digital workflow is designed to streamline case submission, case management, and treatment planning helping to boost case acceptance and patient satisfaction. ClearCorrect® is your partner in ortho, and is committed to helping you begin cases quickly, by integrating with your favourite intraoral scanning system – including direct integration with leading scanners Virtuo Vivo™ and 3Shape® Trios™. Additionally, ClearCorrect®is the partner you can trust, offering you support at each step of your clear aligner journey.
Across all areas of the professional, digital dental solutions are having a big impact on patients’ and clinicians’ experiences. Not only can digital dentistry reduce the waste produced by traditional methods, limiting the impact that your dental practice has on the environment, but it can actually improve workflows. Digital dental solutions are designed to improve patient comfort, communication, and save time, helping to boost case acceptance and patient satisfaction, reflecting well on your practice and personal abilities. In the changing world of dentistry, digital solutions are an excellent addition for any clinician.
For more information on ClearCorrect®, visit:
https://www.straumann.com/clearcorrect/en/home.html
[i] https://www.dental-tribune.com/news/is-digital-dentistry-the-solution-to-the-sustainability-dilemma/
[ii] Francisco, Inês, et al. “Application of three-dimensional digital technology in orthodontics: the state of the art.” Biomimetics 7.1 (2022): 23.
[iii] Lv, Longwei, et al. “Interdisciplinary 3D digital treatment simulation before complex esthetic rehabilitation of orthodontic, orthognathic and prosthetic treatment: workflow establishment and primary evaluation.” BMC Oral Health 22.1 (2022): 34.
