Technology is constantly advancing. And luckily for orthodontists, they've not been left behind. With the technological advancements we've seen in the past two decades, orthodontic treatments have become safer, quicker, and more effective. Technology advancements have created a treatment environment where patients can predict their smiles before self-ligating braces installation.
Chances are you've been so busy treating open bites and fixing mid-line misalignment that you forgot to keep up with the most recent advancements in orthodontic technology. Don't worry—we have your back. This article will outline the essential orthodontic improvements in the past 20 years.
Top 6 Orthodontic Technology Advancements
1. 4D Invisalign
Invisalign—or invisible teeth aligners—changed how people look at teeth alignment. Some people avoid teeth alignment because of the negative attention braces, and NiTi heat-activated wires attract when they smile.
Made of smooth plastic and transparent, Invisalign is just like its name suggests—it does not attract too much attention. Invisalign also offers more comfort because of its smooth and plastic-only design. They are removable, making oral hygiene easier for the patients.
However, one primary concern about invisible teeth aligners is that they must be changed every time a patient visits the orthodontist's office. After moving the teeth to a certain point, the old 3D Invisalign loses its utility.
Luckily, we are now moving from 3D to 4D Invisalign. Adding the fourth dimension of time to 3D Invisalign, 4D Invisalign adjusts over time automatically, constantly applying the right amount of force to move the teeth to your predefined position. This eliminates the need for your patients to keep visiting your office—and spending money—to get new Invisalign fitted for their teeth to continue their treatment.
A research study conducted in 2022 showed that 4D aligners are incredibly effective in aligning teeth. Therefore, you do not have to worry about this new invention being ineffective.
2. Digital Scans
For a long time, orthodontists have relied on traditional molds—these, however, tend to be messy and uncomfortable. In most cases, molds are prone to errors.
However, you no longer have to work with ineffective molds. You can now take advantage of digital scans and 3D imaging that allow you to view a replica of your patient's mouth on your computer monitor.
Digital Scans & 3D imaging allows orthodontists to give their patients control over how their smile ends up looking. With a clear picture of the patient's dentition on your screen, you can work together with the patient to figure out the areas that need improvement to deliver the best results.
3. Smaller Braces
Even with the invention of Invisalign, some patients will still prefer to combine dental braces and NiTi superelastic archwires to fix their smile. In the past, braces were too big and created much discomfort.
Technological advancements, however, have allowed orthodontic gear manufacturers to reduce the size of braces. Today, we can work with small braces that guarantee maximum comfort for the patient. Smaller braces are also less visible and do not attract too much attention.
4. Digital X-Rays
Film radiography had its run—it did its job, but not as perfectly as digital X-ray machines do today. Digital x-rays create more detailed and better-quality images.
And because the x-rays are digital, you can access the radiographs immediately after the x-ray exam. Neither you nor your patient has to wait for the images to develop—like we used to do with the old days of film radiography. Additionally, digital x-rays have less radiation, making them healthier for your patient.
A research study conducted in 2013 analyzed the quality of images produced with digital X-rays compared to traditional X-rays. The researchers concluded that implementing digital X-rays improved the quality of X-ray images.
5. Temporary Anchorage Devices
Temporary anchorage devices, commonly known as TADs, orthodontic micro-implants, mini-screws, and mini-implants, are relatively new innovative tools that work hand in hand with orthodontic braces.
They help orthodontists ensure that only the correct teeth move during orthodontic treatment. Combined with dental braces—or NiTi closed coil springs—the titanium micro-implants offer fixed objects for lifting, pulling, or pushing teeth that need alignment. Since TADs do not move, you can use them when you need to move teeth in directions that would be impossible when working with braces alone.
Various research studies have confirmed the effectiveness of temporary anchorage devices. For example, one research study conducted in 2019 compared the efficacy of conventional anchorage devices to that of temporary anchorage devices. The researchers concluded that temporary anchorage devices are a more effective anchorage source during maxillary anterior teeth retraction.
6. Lingual Braces
As noted earlier, people want to fix teeth misalignment without attracting attention. Today, you can do this without relying on Invisalign—we now have orthodontic lingual brackets.
Unlike the standard braces that go on the front part of the teeth and attract attention, lingual braces sit behind the patient's teeth, operating in what we can call incognito mode—no one can know that you are fixing your teeth when you smile or talk.
What's impressive is that lingual braces offer the exact results you get from traditional braces, only that they come with a nearly undetectable appearance during the entire treatment procedure.
Overview
In the past two decades, we have seen high-tech advances that have transformed orthodontic treatments and technology. Today, orthodontists have access to more effective, patient-friendly, and discreet bracket systems. Orthodontic braces have progressively become smoother, smaller, and healthier for the gums, with some options sitting behind the teeth, attracting zero attention.
If you have the right tools in your orthodontic office, struggling with dental molds should be a thing of the past. With dental scans, digital x-rays, and 3D imaging software, you no longer have to go through the messier and often-less effective procedure of manually creating dental molds. 3D imaging allows you to go one step further and give control to your patient on how their smile will end up looking.
You do not have to change Invisalign to keep improving the patient's smile. With a 4D design, Invisalign can now adjust, constantly applying force that keeps the patient's teeth moving toward the patient's desired position. The future is looking bright for orthodontic treatment—we expect more innovations.
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