Abstract

The "Plastic Revolution" in Pediatric Orthodontics: Treatment Inclusion Criteria, Digital Protocols, Scientific Research and Digital Monitoring

by Caruso Silvia

In 2018 Align Technology Inc. introduced the Invisalign® First clear aligner therapy protocol, designed specifically for young patients with mixed dentition. This protocol paved the way for the digitization of interceptive treatment, changing both the orthodontist's approach and the patient's habits. According to the Align Technology Inc. guidelines, the protocol can be used to perform phase I of orthodontic treatment, specifically dedicated to the dento-alveolar expansion of the upper and lower arches. From 2018 to today, scientific literature has been produced regarding the predictability of the protocol, above all by evaluating its possibility of being used to solve transversal and vertical problems in the young patient. In the same period of time, there have been numerous "digitalised additions" to the treatment of malocclusions in mixed dentition patients: artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a component of the Align protocol, but it is part of the digital monitoring protocols and digital planning. Furthermore, the intraoral scanner has not only facilitated the operator, but has allowed us to communicate differently with the patients, with the pediatric dentist in planning the orthodontic treatment. We are therefore at the beginning not of a revolution, but of a natural digitization of orthodontics for the young patient in all its phases, where AI will take up more and more space. The main objective of this report will be to make a journey from 2018 to the coming years to understand the new opportunities and challenges.

Learning Objectives

After this lecture, you will be able to understand and know the clinical protocols of treatment in the patient in mixed dentition with transparent aligners
After this lecture, you will be able to understand and know the clinical protocols of digital monitoring in the growing patient
After this lecture, you will be able to know all the scientific literature on aligners in the growing patient and the use of AI in pediatric orthodontics