Trends Shaping Orthodontics
With the Internet of dental things (IoDT) and advances in new technologies, dental and orthodontic treatments have reached new levels. The days are long gone when the dentist would only examine your mouth during the semi-annual teeth cleaning or when you have a nagging toothache. The world of orthodontics has transitioned from traditional dental appliances and wire retainers to revolutionary new products that are accompanied by a rising demand for orthodontic care from adults.
From 2021 and 2028, it is projected that the global orthodontics market will grow to $16.36 billion from $5.38 billion, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.2 percent. The changes are many and are creating an exciting phase in dentistry and orthodontics. Below are several trends that are shaping the industry.
High-tech advances have transformed orthodontics, leading to more patient-friendly, discreet, and effective treatment systems. For example, braces are smaller, more discreet (some are nearly invisible), smoother, healthier for the gums, and more efficiently attached. Today’s braces can also be made to match the natural color of your teeth, a factor that has made them more appealing to adults.
Many people no longer consider orthodontic treatment as purely cosmetic. Today, orthodontic care is recommended for people of all ages, particularly for those with misaligned teeth. Demand for treatments such as braces for patients under 18 will continue to grow, but it can be expected that an increasing number of adults will also be wearing braces for functional as well as cosmetic purposes.
Sometimes braces may be used to move teeth into a desired position not possible by traditional methods. This is where temporary anchorage devices (TADs) come in. These are micro-implants or mini-screws used in some orthodontic cases for more efficient treatment. When combined with braces, TADs, which are usually made of titanium, provide a fixed point of leverage that orthodontists can use to lift, pull, or push the teeth being repositioned.
The demand for ceramic and metal implants is expected to rise, fueled by the availability of new implant techniques such as bone regeneration. For individuals who do not want or need smart implants, other wearable options are also available, some equipped with digital sensors. Tufts University, for example, has designed a sensor that doesn’t have to be surgically embedded inside the mouth, but is simply placed on the patient’s teeth. The 2mm by 2mm radio-frequency identification (RFID) sensor can detect alcohol, salt, and sugar levels in the mouth and share that vital data with specially designed medical tablets and smartphones capable of reading and interpreting the data.
Advances in 3D technology are positively impacting orthodontic treatment. Years ago a patient could only try to visualize what their smile would look like after treatment. Today, orthodontists are using 3D planning software to develop a model that gives the patient a clear picture of what to expect from treatment. In addition, 3D planning is useful in developing precision appliances that boost treatment effectiveness.
Another trend that is contributing to shaping the industry is the adoption of virtual technology for orthodontic home visits. Wearables and other predictive healthcare apps are now the new normal for most patients who visit orthodontists. With such technology, dentists and orthodontists can make better treatment decisions for each patient.
