AI And Orthodontics: A Symbiotic Relationship

Symbiosis is used to describe a relationship between two organisms in biology. Three different types of symbiotic relationships exist i.e., parasitic, mutual, and commensal. In mutualism, both species benefit from the relationship. In our view, the interaction between AI and orthodontics is a mutual one because it benefits both parties. Let’s shed some light on how this symbiotic environment is also benefiting the users.

Technology And Progress

Numerous technological discoveries were invented for a totally different reason than they are being used today. The list includes some very important products of modern-day use. For example, the Barbier system was originally proposed during the Napoleonic wars as a means of communication between soldiers. It involved a system of dots read with fingers (without the need for a light source). The British army dropped the idea because of its complexity. However, Barbier idea laid the foundation for the modern Braille system.

Similarly, the engineer who developed the cardiac pacemaker was aiming to develop a device that records heart sounds. He mistakenly placed the wrong resistor (that generated an electric impulse). He observed that this impulse could regulate the heart’s beating rhythm and therefore, became the blueprint for implantable pacemakers. Thus, there are many instances where technological advancement has laid the foundation for new discoveries. Therefore, we expect that AI and orthodontics can benefit each other in multiple ways.

How AI Benefits Orthodontics?

The advent of AI and machine learning in orthodontics is no less than a blessing. In this symbiotic relationship, orthodontics takes more advantage than it provides. The perks of incorporating AI in orthodontics include:

Diagnosis

Machine learning algorithms are smart systems that accurately identify patterns in diagnostic images. Advanced neural networks (ANNs and CNNs) aptly correlate diagnostic imaging (cephalometric reports) with the clinical picture to provide therapeutic solutions. It makes diagnosis quicker, neater, and more accurate. The automated system picks up even the minute details and also notifies about the initiation of disorders that the human eye may miss. All these steps enhance orthodontic diagnosis.

Treatment Planning

AI has shown promising results in orthodontic treatment planning too. The greatest advantage of using AI is in complex cases. The modernized system provides answers to the extraction vs. non-extraction debate (based on the condition of the patient). It even helps in deciding the need and timing for orthognathic surgeries. It is enabling the delivery of precision orthodontics for all patients.

Teleorthodontics

Remote dental monitoring has improved manifolds with AI. Streamline communication and hassle-free data transfer are possible due to specially designed AI-powered programs. Teleorthodontics significantly reduces patient burden and increases clinical efficiency. Further improvements in remote health are paving way for further advancements.

Managerial Tasks

In addition to clinical augmentations, AI reduces managerial workload. Especially designed AI systems automatically perform tasks such as dental coding, billing, and claims management. Smoother staff scheduling and patient appointment scheduling are plus points of AI implementation.

Robotics

AI’s processing power is enabling robotics to take up human tasks. Robot assisted surgeries are being performed in different parts of the world. AI-powered robots are fabricating orthodontic appliances with good precision and accuracy. With iterations in AI, we expect to see more features in orthodontic robots.

Orthodontic AI’s Contributions To AI Improvement

The perks of deploying AI systems in orthodontics are evident from numerous studies. However, this act of orthodontic automation is also pushing artificial intelligence into daily lives. In this mutual relationship, orthodontics is also helping the spread of artificial intelligence.

Change Of Perception

The majority of people were reluctant to adopt automated systems in the initial days of artificial intelligence. There was a generalized lack of trust on computerized solutions for everyday problems. However, we have seen a boom in health AI applications during the recent past. Most of the orthodontists who have used AI for diagnosis and treatment planning are head over heels for its accuracy and efficiency. This has changed the perception of the old-school dentists. The change in attitude has led to acceptance of more AI platforms. Thus, more and more dentists are investing in AI technologies like teledentistry and automated medical biller/coder systems.

Improvement In The System: Feedback

The use of AI by medical professionals is beneficial for AI developers. Doctors are learned professionals who can point out mistakes and flaws in a system. By providing genuine feedback on an AI program, orthodontists can help the system improve. Currently, ethical consideration is a major hurdle in the widespread use of AI in healthcare. However, with help from expert clinicians, AI developers can ensure flawless systems that are unbiased, transparent and fair.

Better Attention To AI Systems

Orthodontists who follow conventional methods of clinical management are seen juggling between patient care and staff management. The deployment of AI software streamlines the work and spares time. In this additional time, orthodontists can explore features of AI programs and use this knowledge in progression of automation.

Final Word

There exists a symbiotic relationship between artificial intelligence and orthodontics. The mutual nexus between the entities benefits both but orthodontics seems to benefit more from this relationship. With orthodontic AI, we have seen quicker diagnosis and accurate treatment plans. AI is revolutionizing the world of teledentistry/teleorthodontics. Moreover, specialized AI programs aptly perform the clinic’s managerial duties like staff scheduling and billing, etc. This increases operational efficiency.

Orthodontics pays it back by contributing to AI’s acceptance and betterment. Healthcare professionals who have used AI generally become more accepting of the technology and use more and more AI programs in daily life. As the orthodontists have more time on hand, they can better explore, and augment the automated systems. Genuine feedback from doctors can help remove ethical obstacles in the widespread implementation of healthcare AI.

References

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