Maximilian Kreitmaier, 5. Ročník LF UPJŠ
Since its introduction, Invisalign has become an indispensable tool in orthodontics. On the one hand, it offers significant benefits such as streamlined treatment processes, improved patient comfort, and increased precision through digital treatment planning and AI integration. On the other hand, some of the workload has shifted from orthodontists to dental technicians, who rely heavily on state-of-the-art innovations when creating and monitoring aligners.
In tandem with the ongoing digitalization efforts within the field of dentistry, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) represents a significant advancement in enhancing decision-making processes within dental practices. AI-driven systems are increasingly employed for effective data analysis, proving valuable across various aspects of daily operations. For instance, these systems already facilitate optimized billing in administrative tasks, as well as cephalometric analysis in orthodontic applications.
In this article, we are discussing the importance of artificial intelligence in dentistry and its influence of it especially in the diagnosis and management with Invisalign. Will Artificial intelligence enhance the outcomes and revolutionize the management or will the orthodontist be replaced by it?
In 2016, the Align Technology developed the “Invisalign Go system” for dentists which made the portfolio grow to cover the treatment of a range of simple, mild and moderate malocclusion. It is also well suited for the treatment of ortho-restorative cases
First launched in Europe in 2016 and later in the Middle East, the “Invisalign Go system” was developed for dentists to offer a system of transparent aligners that can be easily integrated into daily dental care. As a unique and specialized solution, the “Invisalign Go portfolio” includes the “Invisalign Go system”, a 20-step aligner treatment for pre-restorative treatment to reduce the need for tooth preparation, the “Invisalign Go Plus system”, which offers a 26-step treatment option with the possibility of extended tooth movement for a wider range of treatment options with a 6-to-6 expansion, and the “Invisalign Go Express System”, first introduced in 2022, an up to 7-step treatment option for adult patients requiring minor orthodontic correction of slight gaps, crowding or orthodontic recurrence.
The “Invisalign Go system“ offers dentists a fully digital experience that contributes to practice efficiency and growth. For example, the Invisalign Practice App, which is fully integrated with the Invisalign Doctor site, helps them streamline their workflow. With the app, they can create patient profiles, take patient photos, get information about the applicability of a case and liaise with patients. In addition, “Invisalign Virtual Care AI” allows dentists to virtually monitor patients by reviewing photos submitted by the patient via the “My Invisalign app”. The AI-powered tool optimizes remote patient monitoring and helps prioritize patients who require action. In addition, powerful tools such as the Invisalign “SmileView simulation” and “ClinCheck In-Face visualization “ support the visualization of possible treatment outcomes.
Patients also benefit from the digital environment. Those undergoing Invisalign Go treatment can use the “My Invisalign app”: a tool that supports them at every step of their treatment, with application and care tips for their transparent Invisalign aligners, a personalized aligner time log, a calendar to keep up to date with practice appointments, photo capture for remote monitoring and a ‘smile gallery’ where patients can check how their smile is developing.
Nearly before every non-simple orthodontic management the cephalometric visualization and analysis of it is one of the procedures for the diagnosis and is a major part of choosing the treatment plan for the patient. “CellmatiQ GmbH” has now automated this process using artificial intelligence (AI) with neural networks. Around 200 million artificial neurons can perform a cephalometric analysis online in around one second. The software localizes 42 anatomical landmarks in an FRS with high precision and uses them to calculate angles, distances and ratios, which leads to 25 analytical findings in the first basic function. Designed as an assistance system, it enables the orthodontist to adjust the landmarks individually before a final PDF report documents the analysis.
Limitations of AI in orthodontics
Limitations relate to various areas, from the accuracy of the algorithms to their applicability in practice. In particular, while AI systems can process data efficiently, they are still reliant on the input and judgment of subject matter experts.
Orthodontics is a specialty in dentistry that has always involved a close patient-dentist relationship due to the long treatment duration and intensive and frequent appointment schedule. Treatment with Invisalign instead of conventional braces has already made this behaviour more impersonal and the inclusion of artificial intelligence will push it more and more in this direction.
Curse and blessing
The use of state-of-the-art digital technologies in orthodontics is changing the traditional job description of dentists and orthodontists and their practice teams. Even though manual skills are still important, part of the profession is shifting to the screen and comprehensive advice and information are becoming increasingly important. The doctor takes on the role of a sustainable health coach for their patients. Patients benefit from the practitioner’s experience and well-planned orthodontic treatment that is carried out according to the latest methods.
Given the general progress of artificial intelligence since its introduction to the population and dentistry, the future may bring many potential changes and challenges for the orthodontist, both positive and negative, which should be viewed with caution.
Sources:
Dipalma, G.; Inchingolo, A.D.; Inchingolo, A.M.; Piras, F.; Carpentiere, V.; Garofoli, G.; Azzollini, D.; Campanelli, M.; Paduanelli, G.; Palermo, A.; et al. Artificial Intelligence and Its Clinical Applications in Orthodontics: A Systematic Review. Diagnostics 2023, 13, 3677. https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13243677
Kazimierczak, N.; Kazimierczak, W.; Serafin, Z.; Nowicki, P.; Nożewski, J.; Janiszewska-Olszowska, J. AI in Orthodontics: Revolutionizing Diagnostics and Treatment Planning—A Comprehensive Review. J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13, 344. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13020344
Mourgues, T.; González-Olmo, M.J.; Huanca Ghislanzoni, L.; Peñacoba, C.; Romero-Maroto, M. Artificial Intelligence in Aesthetic Dentistry: Is Treatment with Aligners Clinically Realistic? J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13, 6074. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13206074
Künstliche Intelligenz in der Aligner Therapie
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