Orthodontics will be a focal theme of the International Dental Show in Cologne next year
Diagnostics, therapy planning, therapy and aftercare – these are the four classic pillars of orthodontics, but the tools and solutions are changing. Above all, digital strategies have sustainably changed this specialised discipline over the last years.
The visitors of the International Dental Show (IDS) on 12-16 March 2019 will learn first-hand in Cologne, which current developments are pushing orthodontics forward.
Orthodontic diagnostic and therapy planning
Every practice owner considers upgrading with digital technologies, the new founders rely on largely, if not completely, digitalised workflows from the outset probably: Analogue and digital 2D X-rays are being replaced by 3D X-rays. CT and MRT scans are also consulted, cases documented by digital photos or moulded using the intra-oral scanner, patient data is digitally managed.
Digital or a mixture between analogue/digital methods can be implemented for planning the treatment (intraoral scans or digitalisation of a plaster model).
Though the trend is towards more open formats and generally more open systems, inputting the moulding data into the planning software becomes more and more simple and the entire planning becomes easier.
Support through artificial intelligence
One cannot estimate how high the share of artificial intelligence-based procedures, which are implemented in the orthodontic therapy in the future, will be. Mid-term further software tools for the creation of set-ups or warnings against too extreme tooth movements are conceivable, because the database for the statistically reliable substantiation of these tools is constantly growing.
Aligners
Aligner therapy is flourishing with the onset of digital technology. Today, the intraoral camera or as an alternative to this the digitalisation of a conventionally produced model in the extra oral scanner dominate the scene. At IDS, the visitor will have the opportunity to inspect many different products from this section and short list those that are best suited to the orthodontic requirements of his practice or laboratory.
Depending on the design, a virtual target set-up is prescribed or interim targets are additionally defined. In this way, complex tooth movements can be subclassified (i.e. in protrusion and rotation). Complex treatments are also possible (i.e. aligner treatment + multi-bracket treatment in the opposing jaw). Those who would like to see more should take a look at the software options with virtual reality functions (including the test with VR goggles) at IDS.
‘IDS 2019 will help its visitors advance forward in all these points,’ Mark Stephen Pace, Chairman of the Association of the German Dental Manufacturers, is convinced. ‘This is important because carrying out consistent orthodontic treatment at an early point in time enables the avoidance of complications in later years. The world’s biggest showcase for dental medicine and dental technology in Cologne from 12 to 16 March 2019 contributes greatly to this.’
IDS (International Dental Show) takes place in Cologne every two years and is staged at the Koelnmesse in Cologne.
