Digitization of dentistry: A critical look at the challenges and potential

Orthodontics has been a breeding ground for creativity and innovation. The true untapped potential of orthodontic treatment has been realised with widespread synergy with the advancement of technology, particularly of digital nature. As the global orthodontic appliance market continues to unfurl with new opportunities, we are quickly seeing a trend.

Digital dentistry has found colossal success with the development of clear aligners as more and more people seek the comfort and cosmetics of these invisible aligners. Digital technology and clear aligners go hand-in-hand, however, many dentists have yet to make that connection. In fact, recent reports suggest that 25% of orthodontists in the U.S. still do not provide digital clear aligner services through their practice. Why is that?

The challenges of digital dentistry forbid competent dentists from picking up an intraoral scanner or investing in a 3D printer. While digital orthodontics offers a plethora of benefits, it also comes with its own set of challenges. In this article, we look into the challenges of this modern form of orthodontics and how they plague dentists today.

Letting go of your old ways

Perhaps, one of the most prevalent problems in dentistry or any industry, for that matter, is letting go of the comfortable old workflows and the familiar processes that you’ve used for decades. Yes, it will take time and effort for you to learn the new system of digital clear aligners. Unlike dental technicians who have worked with digital technology as part of their curriculum, dental surgeons and hygienists may not be as shrewd in the digital landscape.

However, just because something takes skill and precision, it does not mean that you overlook the advantages of employing such a tool in your office. Learning new technology and keeping up-to-date with emerging mechanics can be challenging, but it sure beats dealing with the protracted and tedious work processes of working without them. Just as how it took you time to master your dental drill skills,  you will also be savvy with the internal processes of digitizing your practice by adopting basic tech like intraoral scanners to high-tech treatment planning software.

Overcoming technical hurdles

Aligner therapy is heavily reliant on accurate diagnosis and a meticulous process of treatment planning. If done right, clear aligners can absolve you from using messy and uncomfortable putty impressions to make replicas of your patient’s dental anatomy for orthodontic treatment. With digital scanners, you can take quick and accurate scans of their teeth without any of the hassle. Similarly, using plaster casts to get braces treatment started is an ancient practice, today. Instead, you can streamline the entire process by utilizing digital tools.

Even so, some dentists insist that an intraoral scanner is unable to detect deep margin lines in prepared teeth. While this may be the case, digital impressions are far better for accurately forecasting the desired outcomes. Not only can high-resolution scans capture precise tooth structures, but they can also help enable you to visualize the treatment prognosis. The latest software can also simulate tooth movement trajectories, personalize aligner designs based on patient needs, and predict treatment duration and potential complications.

Bear the extravagant prices

The ‘digital’ essence of the clear aligners makes it difficult for some dentists to immediately welcome them with open and accepting arms, especially considering the steep costs. An intraoral scanner starts upwards from USD 9,995 while other equipment like 3D printers and treatment planning software can additionally cost you an arm and a leg.

However, if the only thing stopping you from digitizing your practice is the costs of technology, you must not be discouraged. With improvements in digital technology in recent years, prices are going down quickly. Additionally, there are also various loan options now that can make it easier for you to furnish your practice without hogging down your wallet.

Certain dental laboratories are willing to provide financial incentives to your practice, in exchange for meeting or exceeding a set spending threshold with their services. If you are outsourcing your clear aligners to a third-party laboratory, that may further cut down prices for you.

Digital orthodontics indeed requires an upfront investment but so did initially setting up your dental practice or advertising your expertise. However, with clear aligners and their digital attachments, you can automate aligner production and ensure faster turnaround times for your patients, which in turn also potentially lowers costs in the long run.

Is digital dentistry the future?

If you are considering introducing more digital technology to your practice but are troubled by any of these obstacles, you should remember to focus on the vision. Digital dentistry is all about improving efficiency, saving valuable time, and swiftly scaling profits. There is a learning curve and initial costs to digitizing your clinical practice but the gains definitely outweigh the downsides to going through with this project. Don’t miss your train to a brighter and more high-tech future!

Invest in PlusSmile® aligners to make your aligner journey easy.