Orthodontic Specialty Catalog 2017 - 51

Customized Practice Solutions
A decade ago I gave a presentation to the PCSO on the future
of the orthodontic practice in the next ten years. I had just
purchased my i-CAT and had discovered the world of 3D imaging
and how much it benefitted my patients. I then predicted we
would not have on-site servers because the internet would be
so fast we would access patient data like we accessed AOL. Now
we have Google fiber or the equivalent, along with server farms.
I claimed that aligners would be considered as much the standard
of care as brackets and wires. I also predicted that intraoral
scanners would replace impressions and that in-office direct
digital manufacturing would be the best option for patients.
Let's fast forward to 2017. The completely digital orthodontic
practice is not only possible, it is perfectly practical and affordable.
The first step in the process of establishing the digital workflow
for the orthodontic practice is selecting the best hardware and
software solutions along with an integrated solutions provider.
I have learned over the years that sometimes selecting the less
expensive and most expedient option is oftentimes the more
expensive option in the long run.
Imagine a patient from 1989 bringing their child into my office
today. All of the patient intake information is completed online
before they even arrive in the office. Once there, they are greeted,
escorted to a comfortable area, a 3D i-CAT CBCT is obtained,
and maybe some digital photos and a 3D full color 3Shape TRIOS
intraoral scan are also done-and all of that is available
immediately over the practice network. The patient's 3D records
(essentially a virtual patient) are presented to the patient and
a mutually agreed upon treatment plan is arrived at. The
treatment plan is then easily executed because of the
communication bridges built between software packages. Should
the patient elect aligner therapy, the data can be sent directly
to the aligner manufacturer. If brackets and wires are the better
choice, indirect bonding trays can be printed in-office on a 3D
printer in less than an hour and the patient can get a custom
bonding solution the same day as the exam. If there is minor
tooth movement, a short series of aligners can be designed and
manufactured in-office with the same 3Shape Orthoanalyze
software and sent to the 3D printer while the patient is still there,
and the appliance is delivered before the end of the day.
Practice workflow is not solely adapted for new patient
enrollment. We can now eliminate one or more patient visits at
the end of the cycle by changing the workflow involved in the
finishing treatment. When the patient is ready to finish treatment,
we perform an intraoral scan with braces still on, virtually remove
appliances, make fine adjustments on the virtual model, and
have retainers waiting for the patient the day they arrive for
their debond appointment. For patients that are missing teeth,
the 3Shape scanner can be utilized in conjunction with the
restorative doctor and the lab to have an acid-etched bridge
ready the day the patient's braces are removed, again elevating
patient care and saving chair time. Patient benefits are only
limited by the vision of the dental team utilizing the hardware

and software available. The future of orthodontic practice as a
patient-centered customized service is no longer a nice
discussion-it is here and getting better by the day.

About the Author:
Dr. Paquette graduated in 1979 from UNC School of Dentistry
with a Doctorate of Dental Surgery. He received a Master's in
Pediatric Dentistry from UNC in 1983. His Master's thesis won a
national research award that same year. Dr. Paquette is board
certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and served
as a consultant in pediatric dentistry for the United States Air
Force in Europe and Asia until 1987. Dr. Paquette graduated
from St. Louis University Department of Orthodontics in 1989
and his orthodontic thesis won the coveted Milo Hellman Award
in 1990. In addition, Dr. Paquette is board certified by the
American Board of Orthodontics. There are very few orthodontists
in Charlotte who have achieved this honor from the ABO and
only 20% of orthodontists nationwide complete board
certification.
To view our Orthodontic Equipment & Technology Solution
Portfolio visit www.henryequipmentcatalog.com/ortho

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Orthodontic Specialty Catalog 2017

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Orthodontic Specialty Catalog 2017
