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3D-Printing and AI Technology Are Revolutionizing Orthodontic Treatment

National Orthodontic Health Month:

3D-Printing and AI Technology Are Revolutionizing Orthodontic Treatment

October is National Orthodontic Health Month and we’re celebrating by highlighting some of the incredible technological advances that have made orthodontic treatment faster and easier for patients and orthodontists alike.

AI Technology: A Powerful Assistant

Artificial intelligence (AI) has broad implications for nearly every industry, and orthodontics is no exception. AI can help with analysis of X-rays, intraoral scans, and photographs to help identify problems such as malocclusion and crowding with remarkable accuracy. AI is an emerging tool to assist the orthodontist and potentially benefit the patient.

Another exciting innovation made possible by AI is remote dental monitoring. This technology allows orthodontists to track patient progress between orthodontic visits through images that patients scan with a special device and send through an app.

3D Printing: Tailored Treatment

Orthodontists have been using in-office 3D-printers to make clear aligners and retainers for some time now. However, the latest innovation in 3D printing for orthodontists is the ability to print customized brackets that fit to the surface of each individual tooth. This technology allows the orthodontist to prescribe braces with customized bracket surfaces and bases that are unique to each patient.

Digital Scanning: A More Comfortable Experience

Although digital intraoral scanning has been around since the mid-2000s, use among orthodontists has increased exponentially in the past few years. Digital scanning, along with computer-aided design (CAD) software, provides a new method to capture the surface of the teeth and the mouth without dental impressions.

“This rapidly-evolving technology makes it a very exciting time to be an orthodontist or a patient,” says Dr. Ralph Brock, Vice-President of TAO. “At the end of the day, our goal is to provide the best care for our patients. These digital tools work with our existing tools (those we’re already using and those on the horizon) to help us design the highest-quality, fastest treatment possible for each individual.” 

While these technological advancements are impressive, it’s important to remember that orthodontists are the experts who guide and oversee the treatment process. These emerging technological tools help orthodontists and should not be used to replace in-person appointments. 

Per the American Association of Orthodontics and Texas Governor advocacy statements, an in-person examination is required before beginning teledentistry to deliver the best possible care for patients.

TAO member orthodontists are committed to fulfilling our mission of maintaining the highest standards of orthodontic care for our patients in Texas. 

“October is National Orthodontic Health Month and we’re celebrating by highlighting some of the incredible technological advances that have made orthodontic treatment faster and easier for patients and orthodontists alike.”

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