Precision orthodontics, or the combination of advanced imaging techniques with custom treatment plans, allows dentists and orthodontists to provide patients with more effective, comfortable and efficient orthodontic care.
What is Precision Orthodontics?
According to the article Connecting the Dots towards Precision Orthodontics published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), “Precision orthodontics entails the use of personalized clinical, biological, social and environmental knowledge of each patient for deep individualized clinical phenotyping and diagnosis combined with the delivery of care using advanced customized devices, technologies and biologics.” To this end, precision orthodontics can involve using state-of-the-art 3D CBCT technology to design and implement orthodontic treatments tailored to patients’ unique dentition. Traditional braces and aligners often relied on a one-size-fits-all approach, but with the integration of tools like PreXion3D CBCT, dentists and orthodontists can now analyze a patient’s teeth, bone and soft tissue in greater detail. This gives way to more accurate diagnostics, more predictable treatment outcomes and a more comfortable experience for orthodontic patients.
The ability to see a 3D model of the mouth allows dental professionals to make precise adjustments to treatment plans, ensuring that teeth move precisely as planned. This reduces the risk of complications and often leads to faster and more precise results, giving patients confidence in their care.
Benefits of Precision Orthodontics for Patients
For many patients, the idea of orthodontic treatment can be overwhelming. They may be hesitant to pursue treatment due to the discomfort of braces or uncertainty as to how long treatment will last. Precision orthodontics addresses many of these fears by offering patients a more straightforward, comfortable and efficient process.
In a presentation for the American Association of Orthodontists titled CBCT Imaging for the Orthodontic Professional, Dr. Laurence Gaalaas states, “[My peers often tell me], ‘I like the 3D [CBCT] because I can really educate my patients better. They just get the treatment plan.’ And there is validity in this, particularly in an orthodontic practice. I really believe that.”
Here’s what dentists and orthodontists share about the benefits of 3D CBCT for treatment planning:
- Faster and More Efficient Treatment. By using precision orthodontics, you can plan treatment more accurately, often shortening the overall duration of time in braces or clear aligners. Your patients and families benefit from fewer appointments, faster results and a more comfortable experience.
- More Comfortable Treatment. Whether it’s the pressure from tightening braces or the irritation caused by aligners, traditional treatments can be difficult to endure for your patients. The use of advanced imaging and precise treatment planning ensures that orthodontic appliances fit better and work more efficiently, reducing discomfort.
- Better Aesthetic Results. Using advanced technology like CBCT imaging allows your patients to visualize their resulting smile before treatment begins. Your patients will be more eager to achieve a healthier bite and an aesthetically pleasing smile that boosts confidence.
How Precision Orthodontics Benefits Dental Practices
The effects are both long-term and short-term. Adopting precision orthodontics enhances patient satisfaction today and positions the practice as a leader in advanced orthodontic care long into the future. In an increasingly competitive market, offering high-tech services like CBCT-guided orthodontics can set a practice apart from others, especially in the face of growing corporate competition.
Additionally, the efficiency of precision orthodontics means you can take on more cases in less time. This leads to increased production without compromising the quality of care. Patients appreciate the personalized attention and the advanced technology behind their treatment, which can boost treatment acceptance rates and enhance the practice’s reputation.
As the field of orthodontics continues to evolve, precision orthodontics represents a major step forward in both patient care and practice growth. The combination of advanced imaging, tailored treatment plans and more efficient results leads to a better experience for everyone – patient and practitioner alike.
Invest in the right technology to offer patients the highest standard of care while building a strong foundation for your long-term success.
