Artificial Intelligence in Orthodontics: The Digital Frontier

As a field, orthodontics is constantly evolving. For example, just a few decades ago, conventional braces were the only option available for correcting the vast majority of alignment problems. Today, technological advancements like Artificial Intelligence in orthodontics have opened up a world of treatment possibilities.

At Beverly Hills Orthodontics, we proudly use the latest technology to create the best patient experience possible. From treating severe misalignments with Invisalign hybrid treatments to highly efficient treatment planning using our proprietary “BHO Method,” to reducing treatment times via accelerated orthodontics, the BHO team is always looking for the newest technology to make tooth alignment as easy and comfortable as possible. 

BHO’s founder, Dr. Monica Madan, has worked to ensure that the entire BHO team is technology-forward and embraces the benefits of digital tools and Artificial Intelligence in orthodontic work. In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems have greatly improved how orthodontists diagnose problems, create treatment plans, and predict outcomes. Here, we offer a brief overview of various tools and describe how BHO uses them to maximize treatment success and patient comfort.

Artificial Intelligence in Orthodontics: Moving from Analog to Digital Workflows

It isn’t an exaggeration to state that digital tools and AI have revolutionized the way orthodontists work. Advances in digital technology have improved a variety of tasks, from creating oral impressions to developing orthodontic devices. 

Consider dental models, for example. In the past, appliances like braces and retainers were created exclusively with physical oral impressions. Creating these impressions required the patient to use trays filled with a gag-inducing alginate mix. Now, BHO simply uses a dental scanner like the iTero 5D scannerthat produces precise digital impressions. As a result:

• Patients don’t have to undergo the uncomfortable impression process with putty.
• The hygiene level of new procedures is significantly higher.
• Dental labs receive more accurate information more quickly, for making devices.

In similar ways, digital and AI advancements have streamlined and enhanced other components of orthodontic care. Using modern tools, orthodontists can more accurately diagnose problems at early stages, create more precise treatment plans, and reliably monitor patient progress. Orthodontists can perform these tasks with:

• Digital scanners
• 3D-modeling software
• 3D printers (to create aligners and other orthodontic devices)
• Patient-operated oral devices and smartphone apps
• Facial Photo with Straight Teeth Simulator 

Each scan tip is used only once per scan and then thrown away. They can easily be shared with labs and other third parties without messy impressions to disinfect. Not only do these tools make orthodontists’ work easier, they directly benefit patients in multiple ways.

How Patients Benefit from Digital Workflows and AI Systems

So, what does all this mean for patients? In short, digital tools and AI help improve nearly every part of the orthodontic patient experience. From more accurate diagnoses to monitoring progress with pinpoint accuracy, digital tools and AI systems improve patient outcomes and make treatment more comfortable. Here’s how: 

Better Diagnoses

Digital scanners like the iTero 5D scanner don’t just eliminate uncomfortable plaster molding—they enable orthodontists to record more accurate information on which to build diagnoses.

The highly detailed scanner images allow orthodontists to view a patient’s oral anatomy closely and create 3D digital models. Orthodontists use these for precise diagnoses and more detailed treatment plans. They can also view the models and scans with patients in real-time to explain treatment options.

For younger patients, coupling digital images with a few X-rays allows orthodontists to recognize emerging alignment problems more easily and provide interceptive care before they can worsen.

Precise Treatment Monitoring

To help Invisalign and braces patients stay on track, smartphone scanning apps, like DentalMonitoring, give users real-time progress updates. Using AI-powered platforms, these apps analyze images and send data to both the patient and their orthodontist, to ensure a quick solution as soon as a problem arises. The app can also give feedback on oral hygiene, areas for brushing improvement, and changes or loss of gum tissue.

More Reliable Retention

We use the same app for retainers to make sure patients aren’t losing their new smiles! With retainer monitoring, patients can rest assured that their teeth are not shifting, even after regular orthodontist visits end.