Can Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning in Orthodontics Help Track And Analyze Patient Data Over Time?

Artificial intelligence is an increasingly hot topic across various industries. There has been continuous discussion of the numerous use cases, ethical implications, and best practices. These conversations are happening in the orthodontic industry as doctors explore how AI might improve patient care and treatment outcomes. 

To be sure, AI will never be able to replace the knowledge and experience of an orthodontist, but it can lay the foundation for a faster, more precise, and more efficient treatment planning experience for orthodontists, their staff, and patients. Continue reading to learn more about how artificial intelligence and machine learning are revolutionizing the field of orthodontics.

Artificial Intelligence in VISION

VISION’s machine-learning algorithms track and analyze patient data over time to help orthodontists select more precise treatment strategies. The AI in VISION also reduces the time spent on orthodontic treatment planning by automating the most tedious and time-consuming tasks, enabling doctors to reinvest in quality time with their patients, while enhancing care and improving treatment outcomes.

The AI within VISION is trained on thousands of patient cases and continually analyzes new cases to learn a user’s preferences. The more doctors use VISION, the more intelligent the AI becomes. 

The majority of VISION’s AI is built into the treatment planning workflow and requires little to no effort from the user. An orthodontist simply uploads the patient scan, and the AI processes and analyzes the patient data to automate key treatment planning steps and suggest strategies. 

Automatic Scan Segmentation:

The tedious task of preparing the raw scans for setup is now effortless with VISION’s Automatic Scan Segmentation. By separating the teeth from the gingiva automatically, segmentation is 20-30 times faster than other solutions.  In addition, the accuracy of segmentation is greatly improved, which directly impacts the efficacy of treatment. Accurate segmentation is the foundation of a powerful digital treatment plan. 

More accurate treatment plans in less time lead to fewer refinements and increasingly optimal patient outcomes. Patients will start their treatment sooner and be happier with their results. 

Automatic CBCT Segmentation:

In cases where a CBCT scan is available, VISION’s AI will automatically segment the actual anatomical root shapes out of the raw data and then combine these real patient-specific roots with the previously segmented crowns. While not all cases warrant CBCT, the fidelity of a treatment plan can be greatly improved with real anatomically correct roots. Planning root motion and their interaction with the mandible/maxilla can help orthodontists make more informed clinical decisions. 

Automatic Setup: 

VISION’s built-in automated setup capability aligns and levels teeth based on the "ideal arch" and eliminates the need to manually arrange teeth saving time and effort while still allowing robust and flexible tooth movement. This automation provides clinically informed guidance to the user who can always adjust this suggested guideline according to their preferences. 

Automatic Staging:

Users of VISION can open the Staging table and click a single button and the algorithm will rearrange the teeth movement sequences and durations until a treatment plan is optimized. This functionality saves a significant amount of time while avoiding collisions and ensuring the total duration of treatment is minimized. Of course, the AI takes into account sophisticated aspects of the clinical and biomechanical principles when formulating the treatment plan.

Treatment Planning AI Assistant:

VISION’s AI assistant is fully informed of all of the software's capabilities and will guide users to specific features and functions that could help treat any given patient based on their case data. The assistant is an expert in orthodontic principles and general clinical knowledge and will suggest strategies accordingly. This helpful AI will speed up the typically long and tedious feedback loop between the doctor and technicians by learning a doctor’s preferences and treatment protocols. 

Learn more about the AI in VISION by requesting a personalized demo.