Orthodontics in the Era of Digital Innovation – A Review

Abstract

The field of orthodontics in its new era is venturing ahead to more up-to-date technological point of view. Digital technology has a significant effect on our lives ever since the modernization of mobile phones. The advances in technology have remodelled the diagnosis and treatment plan in the field of medicine. Digital workflows are currently increasing in the orthodontic practice and has touched every aspect of orthodontics – with transformations in the documentation, study casts, analysis of a dental malocclusion, smile designing, treatment planning and for fabrication of orthodontic appliances. Three - dimensional imaging of the dentition, skeletal components and the face allows for treatment planning in three dimension and use of computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacturing (CAM) for customization of orthodontic appliances. Software integration of digital models, 3D facial imaging and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) makes it possible to simulate the treatment plan and to attain a good communication with the patients. Recent advancement in digital videography has allowed the clinicians to capture patient’s speech, oral and pharyngeal function, and smile at the same time. Effective and optimal tooth movement required for the patient can also be monitored with the digitalization. Moreover, this digital platform has created the advantage of accessing the patient’s information from any location with the help of cloud based computing storage systems. These advancements have improved the efficiency, accuracy, consistency, and predictability of the treatment outcomes and have also led to progress in educational component and communication. The digitalization is bringing about a revolutionary change in the field of diagnosis and treatment planning, posing a challenge to clinical efficiency and knowledge. KEY WORDS Digital Orthodontics, Digital Workflow, Digital Dental Models, Digital Radiography, CAD CAM, Orthodontics, Review