Integrating Technology and Biomedicine Towards Precision Orthodontics

Advances in computer, imaging and biomedical technologies are being rapidly integrated into orthodontics to deliver increasingly customized therapy, enhance treatment efficiency, and launch the era of “precision orthodontics.” These enhancements have facilitated the launching of the era of “precision orthodontics.” The goal of this presentation is to highlight advances in computer technologies and biomedicine that have direct applications to precision orthodontics. Advances in computer hardware and software, and 3D imaging technologies offer the ability for customized 3D treatment and biomechanical planning. These technologies combined with 3D printing are already being applied to customized appliance fabrication in the form of aligners and retainers. The prospect for custom fabrication of orthodontic brackets of appropriate material properties is a highly desirable and compelling goal that appears to be increasingly plausible. Within biomedicine, the biomodulation of cartilage growth and bone biology is currently being tested to modify mandibular growth and modulate tooth movement, respectively. It is conceivable that such discoveries will ultimately have clinical applications in orthodontics. Given these evolutions, precision orthodontics is expected to become part of the repertoire in providing customized, effective and efficient orthodontic treatment to our patients in the not too distant future.

Learning Objectives:

• Outline the optimized utilization of 3D imaging in diagnosis, treatment and biomechanic planning.
• Assess the efficacy of current and emerging novel methods to expedite tooth movement.
• Deduce the convergence of technology and biomedicine in delivering efficient and effective precision orthodontics.