Dr. Bjoern Ludwig
Current and Future Strategies in Digital Orthodontics: From In-Office Aligners to TADs
In response to various factors, both within our broader society and specifically within the orthodontic community, there has been a notable shift towards digitization and automation. This transition has been driven by arange of factors including economic considerations, staffing limitations, and the demands of a rigorous work schedule. Over the past decade, the field has witnessed the establishment of 3D scanners, 3D printers, and a plethora of software solutions that have not only found their place in everyday clinical practice but have also yielded effective orthodontic outcomes supported by scientific evidence.
Today, we stand at the threshold of a new phase, transitioning from pioneering endeavors to standard procedures, with in-office production emerging as a central tenet of modern orthodontics. This shift carries several diagnostic advantages, bolsters operational efficiency, and ultimately facilitates, or rather enables, improved treatment methodologies. However, a challenge persists: the seamless integration of digital orthodontics while upholding fundamental and indispensable orthodontic principles.
This presentation aims to provide both a clinical and scientific update encompassing the entire digital workflow, spanning from digital scanning to 3D printing. Within this framework, we will spotlight key applications such as aligners, indirect bonding techniques, and temporary anchorage devices (TADs). Furthermore, we will explore the untapped potential of less widely recognized 3D applications, including selective laser melting (SLM) printing, customized retainer fabrication, production of removable orthodontic appliances, and an array of other indications. These innovative approaches are poised to surmount the challenges inherent in our current orthodontic landscape, all while steadfastly upholding the foundational principles of biological integrity, aesthetic considerations, and ethical standards.
Dr. Jan Streblov
Patient with periodontitis in the orthodontist’s office
Adult patients are increasingly undergoing orthodontic treatment, increasing the risk of their dentition being affected by periodontitis. Therefore, the author will focus on simplified diagnosis in order to detect periodontitis in patients seeking orthodontic treatment and will contextualize possible findings within the framework of the new classification of periodontitis. The author will briefly summarize current knowledge about the etiology and pathophysiology of this disease and the implications for therapy. Additionally, he will provide a brief overview of current approaches to periodontitis treatment, including both resective and regenerative surgical therapy. The final section will focus on interdisciplinary collaboration in the most challenging cases of stage IV periodontitis, where orthodontic treatment intertwines with periodontal, implantological, and prosthetic therapy.
Prof. Ravindra Nanda
Are We Practicing Evidence- Based Orthodontics: Biomechanics, Aligners and TADs
Orthodontics specialty is quite unique and different than medicine as far as introduction of new devices is concerned as well as existing treatment modalities. There is a serious lack of randomized trials and prospective studies as noted by various systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Almost always new devices are being marketed by the orthodontic companies without any background evidence- based research or peer reviewed publications. This presentation will concentrate on how aligners and temporary anchorage devices (TADs) were introduced and adopted by the orthodontic profession without any supportive data about their efficacy for treating various malocclusions. Most of the understanding of biomechanics and research related to TADs has been exemplary few years after their introduction. Unfortunately, it is not the same with aligners. Research studies on aligners lagged considerably during the first 15 years or so following their introduction. Only in recent years research has shown limited efficacy of various tooth movements with conventional aligners, pointing out limitations due to inadequate biomechanics, not so optimal attachments, rigid material, and compliance issues.
This presentation will go over recent research and advances in mechanics and aligner materials. Numerous patient treatment histories will be presented.
Dr. Camilla Molinari
Graduated at the University of Ferrara in 2008, Dr. Molinari received her postgraduate qualification in Orthodontics in 2012. She attended specialization courses in oral and perioral aesthetics earning a Level II Master’s degree at the University of Parma. She has also attended advanced courses in direct and indirect restorative dentistry conducted by Dr. Ferraris.
She collaborates in publishing texts and scientific articles. International Speaker at courses and congresses, she is an active member of SIED (Italian Society of Dental Aesthetics), POIESIS, AIDOR. She is also a certified DSD Member, an Invisalign® Diamond provider, a Tutor of Dr. Ezio Costa’s Academy and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Padua for interceptive Orthodontics.
Dr. Seung-Woo Yoo
The Orthodontist as the Manufacturer
With the fast development of CADCAM-technology in orthodontics the possibility of designing and manufacturing orthodontic appliances became much more reachable than anytime before. Especially thanks to 3D-printers, which became very popular and affordable, we as orthodontist are now able to print out some appliances in our own office.
On the basis of some clinical examples the digital CADCAM workflow will be described and also the limitations will be discussed.
