Clinical Workflow in Digital Orthodontics

As we progress, the myths of today become the truth of tomorrow. Practitioners of a scientific discipline are generally resistant to accept a new paradigm. Nonetheless a paradigm shift has occurred, a veritable explosion of new ideas and information has occurred, leading to rapid advances in the field. Computer technology is expanding to include more areas in various scientific fields, and orthodontics is no exception. Orthodontists use computers for diagnosis, record keeping, practice management, patient evaluation, and communication with colleagues, restoration fabrication and many other tasks. Computers have become a necessity rather than an option. Continued improvement in the quality of orthodontic services will require implementation of new diagnostic and treatment approaches. New technologies will provide improved precision, accuracy, and perspective. This will provide the clinician with the means to optimize the way treatment is planned through computer modeling, testing, and simulations. In this way, treatment results can be predicted with greater accuracy, thereby reducing unfavorable outcomes and increasing efficiency.