AI-Driven Orthodontics: Balancing Innovation With Patient Safety

The digitalization of healthcare provides numerous innovative solutions to medical problems. However, the automation process has raised numerous concerns about patient safety and well-being. Advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning programs are impacting every aspect of orthodontics ranging from diagnosis to treatment planning. While the solutions offered by AI are accurate and clinically reliable, the question arises “Can AI create a balance between innovation and patient safety?”

AI Innovations In Orthodontics And Patient Safety

The incorporation of AI algorithms (with innovative ideas) needs to keep patient safety in mind. The following innovations in conventional orthodontics are changing the shape and outlook of the field.

Data Management

The greatest concern of patients regarding artificial intelligence implementation in healthcare is data security. Orthodontic clinics keep a record of sensitive patient data including insurance details, treatment finances, personal pictures and radiographs, etc.

Multiple, innovative AI programs like Merative and Viz.AI use AI to store (in the cloud), manage, and analyze patient data in real-time. The automated process helps orthodontists track patient care effectively while reducing the time needed to perform record-keeping tasks.

The latest AI-based algorithms quickly encrypt (for storing on the cloud) and decrypt data to enhance routine working. According to a study, the secret keys generated by artificial intelligence programs are sufficiently random and offer adequate protection for the patient and the healthcare facility.

Experts believe that the continually evolving AI systems minimize the time to encrypt/decrypt data while improving the privacy standard. Research suggests that AI experts are developing safety controlling systems (SCS) to address safety challenges entailed by the increased usage of AI in orthodontics and healthcare. Therefore, it can be safely concluded that AI algorithms provide innovation in orthodontic data management while ensuring patient safety.

Moreover, there is an increased call for AI technologies to safeguard patient privacy and introduce transparency in the decision-making processes. Therefore, regulatory frameworks are being implemented to ensure more robust protection against cybercrime and data leakage.

Diagnosis And Treatment Planning

Ethical obligations require all healthcare professionals (physicians, surgeons, orthodontists, etc.) to always adopt practices that are in the patient’s favor and ensure patient safety at all times. When the act of diagnosis is transferred to artificial intelligence, the responsibilities lie within the computer systems. AI’s innovations in the field of orthodontic diagnosis have laced orthodontics with quick cephalometric analysis, accurate diagnosis, and reliable treatment plans for complex situations.

Symbolic AI is an AI-based system that helps doctors in problem-solving. AI’s advanced algorithms do a great job of identifying minor details and accurately determining skeletal age. An innovative feature of AI that greatly enhances patient safety is the detection of abnormalities at an early stage. Identifying anatomical issues and providing the right treatment option early on saves patients from pain and agony. Studies indicate that AI successfully identifies multiple dental issues.

The influx of automated systems causes an efflux of variations in diagnosis. AI algorithms are trained on vast datasets and provide solutions based on factual data. Behavioral experts have informed us about clinicians’ affect heuristics that cause variations in diagnosis due to emotional changes. This can compromise patient safety as the treatment option may be influenced by emotional errors. Thus, AI enhances patient safety by providing innovation in treatment planning and diagnosis.

3D Printing

Additive manufacturing aka 3D printing is an industrial process of creating precise and geometric 3D objects. This advanced and innovative technology is readily available for access to orthodontists and dentists. It reduces doctor’s workflow and maintenance costs.

The widespread use of 3D printers has led to the creation of amazing products. The technology is powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning and can be employed in the manufacturing of healthcare products. Recently we have seen innovative 3D printing of orthodontic appliances. AI has empowered computer-aided designing tools to create better devices for patients. According to a study, such technologies have demonstrated high accuracy over conventional fabrication of orthodontic appliances. Three-dimensional printing is more efficient, accurate, and more reliable than other methods.

The appliances manufactured with 3D printing are completely safe for the patients. Manufacturers use only biocompatible materials and the end products are highly precise and accurate. Moreover, additive manufacturing allows the preparation of customized chains for impacted teeth, etc.

Robotics

AI-powered robots are carrying out different tasks. From waiting tables in restaurants to manufacturing products, robots can do technical tasks as well. Their use in orthodontics can improve clinical practice and benefit the patient. Orthodontic wire bending done with robotics is efficient and safe. Systems like Motoman UP6 and LAMDA system precisely and quickly bend archwires for the patient. The use of such systems enhances patient satisfaction and treatment outcomes.

Teleorthodontics

Remote dental monitoring allows orthodontists to check changes in patients’ conditions without them visiting the clinic. Clear aligner therapy is a new and popular entrant in orthodontics that smartly corrects mild-to-moderate malocclusions. The patient has different sets of aligners for a specific period. The only job of an orthodontist is to monitor the progress of the treatment. This is possible with clinically reliable automated programs that transfer the true picture of their condition to the dentist.

Final Word

AI’s use in orthodontics is linked to subtle improvements. The innovations are being readily accepted by professionals across the globe. However, many are concerned about patient safety.

The greatest innovation of AI lies in the data management department. Quick cloud storage and real-time access to patient data speed up the treatment process and benefit the patient. Conventional data storage devices are prone to cybercrime and leakage. AI-based data systems are robust against cyber attacks and the introduction of regulatory frameworks has made AI a more secure method.

By providing accurate diagnosis and efficient treatment plans, AI augments treatment outcomes. Artificial intelligence’s decision support system is based on extensive training data. It positively eliminates clinician biases (affect heuristics) that can compromise patient safety.

Additive manufacturing (3D printing) and robotics provide precise, accurate, and biocompatible orthodontic appliances for patients. These appliances have superior results than conventional methods. Remote monitoring i.e., teleorthodontics also ensures patient safety with innovation.

References

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