Transforming dentistry

Waddah SabouniFrench orthodontist and speaker, Waddah Sabouni, discusses how using the Invisalign system has improved patient care and changed the way he practises dentistry.

Graduating from the University of Paris in 2002, Waddah Sabouni realised that a happy, confident patient was what gave him ultimate job satisfaction. It was the end-result and the reaction of the patient which motivated him. With a preference for non-invasive treatment and new digital technology to design the smile, Waddah decided that orthodontics was the best avenue for him. After studying for a postgraduate in lingual orthodontics and then orthognathic surgery at the University of Lyon, he began his career in private practice.

As well as his practice, he lectures part time at University of Paris V and is an Invisalign Diamond provider.

‘What is interesting about the Invisalign system is that it is a technique that allows you to use 3D technology to simulate the treatment plan and visualise the whole treatment in advance. Being a non-invasive technique, it is comfortable and an ideal aesthetic solution, which gives excellent end results. My work with the Invisalign system starts by establishing the diagnosis. I explain the treatment objective to the patient using the outcome simulator on the Itero scanner,’ says Waddah. ‘I then work on the final virtual treatment plan with the system’s Clincheck software. During the treatment, I make sure that the treatment evolution is corresponding to the simulation at every stage. And I do this until the end of the treatment and the retention phase.’

Digital enhancement

How has digital dentistry changed the way he works? ‘Digital dentistry has totally transformed our way of working and reduced the frequency of patient visits,’ he answers. ‘In the past we had to anticipate everything and we had to think about everything whilst the patient was in front of us. Today, thanks to digital dentistry, we can prepare and set up everything in advance, which means that before seeing the patient, we have an overall treatment plan ready to discuss with them. This way we can see more patients and above all, achieve more predictable treatments.’

Dr Sabouni is an international speaker for Align Technology and spoke at last year’s Align Technology conference in Valencia. ‘I discussed teen orthodontics, growing patients, and the factors that I then use to successfully treat them. Focusing on the application of the Invisalign mandibular advancement technique with precision wings, I presented some clinical cases. This also included my very own clinical study, conducted in my practice on patients treated with this appliance. It demonstrated the advantages of this appliance compared with the traditional appliances.’

When asked about his views on fixed braces versus clear aligner solutions, Waddah thinks fixed braces can be very restrictive. ‘They create hygiene problems when brushing teeth. Aesthetic matters when they are placed on the vestibular side and there are technical concerns and difficulties when they are placed on lingual. For short-term solutions, aligners are the best way. There is less stress, less invasiveness and they achieve exemplary results,’ he adds.

Making patients happy

Patient care and satisfaction is a huge part of Waddah’s treatment journey. ‘What I love the most is the contact with the patients, seeing the changes we can make and the happiness we create for them. Their recognition by the smile on their faces is the best gift I can receive.’ He explains that working with new technologies and techniques is something that he appreciates as it improves the results of his treatments and patient satisfaction.

‘My intraoral scanner, computer and virtual simulation by the Invisalign Clincheck software are definitely products I cannot live without. All this progress and this new technology is essential for my job. The comfort it creates for me and my patient is incomparable to old techniques. Intraoral scanners make my work more precise, more comfortable and less stressful for my patients and they love it!

‘I enjoy staying abreast of new dental technology through conferences, reviews, discussion forums and contact with colleagues and friends. Because I love progress, my interest in new technologies and techniques is always growing, so I travel all over the world to stay aware. Meeting people is a very rewarding way to stay informed,’ he adds.

‘I believe the orthodontics of the future is digital. I foresee orthodontics using artificial intelligence to ensure a better quality of treatment, and greater outcome predictability for our patients. We will see the patient less and we will become less invasive with better and more enhanced precision.

‘My plan for the future is to continue to learn. I want to carry on using new technology in order to ensure exceptional results for my patients.’


The next Align Growth Summit will take place on 19-20 June in Dubrovnik, Croatia at the Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel. See www.aligngrowthsummit.com for more information.

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