The Future of Orthodontics: Artificial Intelligence for Predictive orthodontic treatment planning
Over time, technology in dentistry has been revolutionized by the introduction of new diagnostic methods. Artificial intelligence and computer-aided treatment planning are now an integral part of dental treatment planning. The use of Artificial intelligence not only reduces the men’s power but also helps in effective patient management. It’s now used in all fields of dentistry and orthodontics is not an exception. Orthodontics is a specialized field of dentistry that assists in the evaluation, prevention, and treatment of malocclusions and improper alignments of the teeth and jaws. This also plays a crucial role in enhancing both the functional and aesthetic aspects of oral health.
Application of AI in dentistry:
1. Diagnostic Assistance
Correct diagnosis of any dental condition plays an integral role in treatment planning. The conventional means of diagnosis are inaccurate and time-consuming. The AI can help in accurate dental diagnosis. The AI algorithms can analyze dental images with the help of 3-D X-ray images, CT scans, and intraoral photos to detect underlying dental conditions such as tooth demineralization, fractures, periodontal disease, and malocclusions. This assists dentists in making more accurate and timely diagnoses.
2. treatment planning
AI-assisted tools can help to analyze large amounts of patient data, including medical history, demographic information, and previous treatment outcomes. It helps to recognize various patterns and correlations within data. This variation can assist in identifying the most effective customized treatment options for each patient. AI-based software incorporates the latest research and clinical guidelines which ensures that the treatment plan can be developed based on the most current and relevant evidence. This integration of clinical data helps dentists make informed decisions and improves the likelihood of successful outcomes.
3. Predictive Analytics
The other important application of AI is the Predictive analytics. It helps dentists to allocate resources more effectively, focusing preventive efforts on high-risk patients. Predictive analytics is also very effective in orthodontic treatment planning to differentiate the extraction and non-extraction cases and to determine the orthognathic surgical needs. It also provides the estimated duration of orthodontic treatment that helps to manage patient expectations and improve satisfaction. In LeanOrthodontics®, Dr. Baxmann has explained the extraction and non-extraction treatment planning of various orthodontic cases. You can consult for in-depth treatment planning learning. He also made the treatment planning easy by ABCD system®.
Role of AI in the prediction of orthodontic outcomes
Artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed orthodontics by providing advanced techniques for predicting treatment outcomes. This shift improves the accuracy of diagnostic and treatment strategies, ultimately enhancing patient care.
Predicting facial and dental treatment outcomes has long been a challenge, though it remains a significant area of interest for both orthodontists and patients. Traditionally, treatment predictions depended on conventional cephalograms or 2D facial images, which often struggled to accurately forecast outcomes in the frontal dimension. However, recent advancements in AI have shown promise in predicting post-treatment outcomes using pre-treatment frontal images.
Assessment of treatment success
Assessing the success of orthodontic treatment is critical for determining the efficacy of the procedures used and maintaining patient satisfaction. Patient feedback regarding their satisfaction with the aesthetic and functional outcomes is crucial. Before-and-after photographs can be analyzed to evaluate changes in dental aesthetics and facial harmony. AI tools can analyze treatment outcomes based on extensive datasets, providing objective assessments and predicting long-term success.
Orthodontic extraction prediction needs
Extraction is an important step of orthodontic treatment planning. However, not all the cases required the removal of teeth for the treatment of crowding and space gain. There are various available tools to determine the orthodontic extraction need including the dental cast, radiographs, and cephalometric analysis. However, the new AI-assisted tools are also very useful to determine the extraction need. These AI tools access valuable data and analyze the data according to patient clinical needs. AI has a moderate level of accuracy for the prediction of orthodontic treatment planning but with new innovations in AI, there is a remarkable increase of accuracy. The use of an automated machine learning method enables the establishment of orthodontic extraction prediction models. The results of these AI models are valuable when combined with the cephalometric analysis.
In the decision-making process in orthodontics, the prescription of extractions holds significant importance due to its irreversible nature and its great impact on both occlusal and soft tissue responses to treatment. Furthermore, the decision to recommend extractions is influenced by various factors, including clinical assessments, cephalometric analyses, and socio-cultural considerations. This multifaceted approach can complicate clinical decision-making considerably.
References:
- Del Real A, Del Real O, Sardina S, Oyonarte R. Use of automated artificial intelligence to predict the need for orthodontic extractions. Korean Journal of Orthodontics. 2022 Mar 25;52(2):102-11.
- Baxmann, M., & Gronau , K. (2024). Dr. Baxmann´s LEAN ORTHODONTICS® – The Ultimate Practice Book Series for excellent Orthodontics: Case Planning Volume 3. https://www.amazon.sg/Dr-Baxmann%C2%B4s-LEAN-ORTHODONTICS%C2%AE-Orthodontics/dp/3948361673