AI In Orthodontics: Enhancing Diagnosis, Accuracy And Efficiency

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing every single aspect of a man’s life including healthcare. The incorporation of AI into the world of orthodontics has many perks. Reviews suggest that machine learning paired with artificial intelligence can significantly improve orthodontic diagnosis, and accuracy, and consequently enhance treatment efficiency. Therefore, today we shall dive into the ocean of AI and explore how it impacts orthodontic diagnosis.

How AI Works?

AI imitates the cognitive functioning of the human brain. It learns from a large set of data and with the help of various computer algorithms, it is capable of applying the knowledge just like a human would!

You might be familiar with the versatile performance of ChatGPT4.0 in different fields. ChatGPT4.0 (by OpenAI) is a famous example of what we call a Large language model (LLM) in artificial intelligence. An LLM is a very deep learning model designed to assess vast amounts of data. Research indicates that Multi-modal LLM AI systems like ChatGPT4.0 can revolutionize the future of dentistry. LLMs allow orthodontists to use software like ChatGPT4.0, Llama, and Claude for:

• Information retrieval
• Decision-making
• Getting creative solutions for problems
• Enhancing patient education
• Improving patient satisfaction by offering personalized solutions

In addition to LLMs, there are Artificial neural networks (ANNs) and Convolutional neural networks (CNNs). These are deep learning algorithms inspired by biological neural systems. CNNs do a great job at identifying landmarks (shapes, patterns, etc.) from 2D images. Therefore, CNNs have a significant role in orthodontic diagnosis.

AI is an overall performer. From mapping cephalometric landmarks to diagnosing the type of deformity to devising an efficient treatment plan, Artificial intelligence can help orthodontists and general dentists in every field.

How Artificial Intelligence Enhances Orthodontic Diagnosis And Treatment?

There are multiple ways in which the incorporation of AI drastically improves the accuracy and efficiency of diagnosis. The most evident ones are discussed below:

Saves Time While Maintaining Accuracy

A major portion of an orthodontist’s time and effort is spent on diagnosing the case. For an accurate diagnosis, dentists consider multiple factors such as craniofacial relationships, skeletal maturation, airway patency, etc. A myriad of analyses is required to diagnose and accordingly devise a treatment plan. From cephalometric analysis to dental analysis, AI lends a hand.

Cephalometric Analysis

Conventional landmarking on a lateral cephalogram is the foundation of all orthodontic treatments. Luckily, the greatest advantage of AI lies in this very aspect. While manually identifying the landmarks is laborious and time-consuming, AI spares the time and effort while staying accurate.

Modernized automated cephalometric analysis programs like YOLOv3 and Single-Shot Multibox Detector (SSD) are capable of accurately identifying 80 landmarks in lateral cephalograms and that too within no time. Latest reviews suggest that AI is a reliable and time-saving orthodontic tool. The latest deep learning by the YOLOv3 algorithm yields highly accurate results in the automated identification of cephalometric landmarks.

Dental And Facial Analysis

Another crucial step in diagnosis is dental analysis. With its exceptional dental analysis skills, YOLO can potentially replace human involvement. Give it a digital impression and you can obtain a relevant analysis about malocclusion. Be it crowding, overjet, overbite, open bite, or spacing, AI detects any deformity with a whopping 99.99% accuracy. Amazing! Isn’t it?

Moreover, AI does a superb job at facial analysis using 2D frontal photographs. It was revealed in a study that vertical dimension analysis by AI (YOLO) had greater precision and efficiency than manual measurement.

Reduces Chances Of Error

With a collective approach, AI is capable of reducing the chances of error. For example, the stability of mini-implants is a critical step in orthodontic treatment. Choosing the ideal site for an implant can be tricky and failure to achieve stability can lead to unnecessary delays in treatment.

AI systems manifest a high accuracy in determining the ideal sites for mini implants and therefore, reduce chances of error. Similarly, with efficient and precise treatment planning for overbite correction, AI can save you from over and under-correction.

Integrates Better With Modern Digital Devices

Digital impression and AI are a match made in heaven. Dentists should avail the full extent of technology’s benefits. There has been a massive patient shift from conventional brackets to Invisalign treatments in the recent past. AI can ease the process of automated diagnosis and treatment for you.

Specialized algorithms such as the dynamic-graph CNN (DGCNN) are designed to integrate with 3D-digital impression/model systems. The latest software provides superior accuracy and better integration with reduced computational time.

Provides Pictures Of Predicted Outcomes

With the advent of AI, it is easier for orthodontists to paint a picture of the post-treatment outcomes. Artificial intelligence can provide tentative images of how the patient will look after the completion of treatment. Reports show that patients exhibit greater acceptance of the AI-predicted images.

However, there is great room for improvement in this aspect. For now, AI does a better job than conventional prediction in predicting soft tissue landmarks.

Offers Remote Dental Monitoring

Remote dental care is another commendable feature of artificial intelligence. Remote monitoring allows orthodontists to keep track of the treatment progress (remotely). Of all fields of dentistry, this feature is most beneficial in the orthodontic setup. This reduces dental visits for the patients. Therefore, there is greater flexibility and convenience for both patients and the doctor.

Per a 2020 study, Invisalign patients receiving dental monitoring had a reduced number of appointments. The patient acceptance and general satisfaction were also good. Moreover, the 3D digital models remotely generated by the Dental Monitoring application are highly accurate and as good as the results from iTero Element 5D (in-office AI-based intraoral scanner). Thus, orthodontists can rely on the results.

Final Word

AI is continually advancing and improving in accuracy. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) continue to learn from the pool of data and enhance orthodontic diagnosis and treatment. AI enhances diagnosis, accuracy, and efficiency by saving precious time. Artificial intelligence software conducts accurate dental, skeletal, and cephalometric analyses. With AI there are reduced chances of error and greater treatment efficiency. The ability to better integrate with modern digital equipment makes it easier for dentists. Patients readily accept the AI-predicted images of treatment results. AI also allows remote dental monitoring. This reduces the patient burden and is more convenient for the patient. Therefore, incorporating AI in orthodontic treatment can be a fruitful step in your practice.

References

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