Theres been significant advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) over the years and the trickle down effect has reached Orthodontics. AI technology has been a game-changer, providing clinician's with innovative tools and solutions that enhance diagnosis, treatment planning, and overall patient care. With AI now being readily available to everyone, AI is transforming the way Orthodontic treatments are carried out, leading to more accurate outcomes and improved patient experiences.
1. Enhanced Diagnosis and Treatment Planning:
AI algorithms are capable of analyzing patient data, including X-rays, dental models, and photographs, to provide accurate and efficient diagnosis. Clinicians can use AI-powered software to identify dental anomalies and predict potential treatment outcomes. By streamlining the diagnostic process, AI reduces the margin of error and enables clinicians to devise personalised treatment plans and help keep the 'no win no fee' vultures away as the patient can see the predicted outcome and therefore help obtain 'consent'.
2. Predictive Modelling and Treatment Simulation:
One of the most exciting applications of AI in orthodontics is the ability to simulate treatment outcomes. AI algorithms generate virtual models of patients' teeth and simulate the movement and alignment changes that would occur during treatment. Clinicians can use these simulations to visualise different treatment options, predict the duration of treatment, and communicate the expected results to their patients more effectively. It is possible to run two models in parallel... one being the ideal and the other the realistic (particularly useful as aligners don't deliver 100% or predicted movement and hence treatment will take longer and with more aligners.
3. Improved Treatment Efficiency:
AI can automate various aspects of orthodontic treatment, reducing the time required for certain tasks and improving overall efficiency e.g. AI can assist in bracket placement when opting for indirect bonding. This not only saves valuable chairside time but removes the need, well lets say reduces the need, for wire bending ....and I just know you all love to bend wire ;o)
4. Personalized Treatment Approach:
By assessing tooth size, shape, and position, as well as the patient's facial structure, AI helps orthodontists optimize treatment outcomes and achieve the best possible results. A truly customised treatment plan...should keep the GDC happy.
5. Continuous Monitoring and Adaptive Treatment:
A bit of controversy now.... clinician's can remotely monitor patients' progress and make real-time adjustments as needed. AI algorithms can analyse data from the patients own phone (normally photos but some can take scans now) and identify when the patient should come back for an adjustment to their fixed appliance or to seek advice for 'loss of tracking' with their aligners. This will save clinician's chair time and also reduce the patients travelling etc... a move to be more 'green'.
So, exciting times ahead, as technology continues to evolve, the potential for AI in orthodontics is limitless, paving the way for another step up in RPB ( Relentless Pursuit of Better).