Point of View Column – Diagnostic Set-Up in Orthodontics. Do the basic principles continue in the digital age?

Vol. 14 – Number 55 – 2021 Point of View Column Page 19-22 Diagnostic Set-Up in Orthodontics. Do the basic principles continue in the digital age? Sergio Luiz Mota Júnior1 Daniela Gomes de Rezende Azevedo2 Ariel Adriano Reyes3 Fernando Augusto Casagrande4 Orlando Tanaka5 Introduction Model digitalization, intraoral scanning, digital planning and three-dimensional (3D) impression are innovations in dentistry and especially in orthodontics today. Digital models used in software provide information about teeth dimensions, discrepancies in perimeter and arch length, asymmetries and arch relationships in three dimensions. Simulations within diagnostic based objectives such as the need for tooth extractions or interproximal wear can be evaluated. With such resources it is possible to perform the set-up, which is a valuable tool to complement the diagnosis in orthodontics. The execution in the digital platform by means of specific software brings the facility and allows it to be done in a clean way, since the traditional model generates dust during the plaster cutting, of easy and fast visualization and, mainly, communication between the specialties and with the patients. Virtual teeth are cut out of the model using virtual segmentation techniques, according to the software used¹. In the digital set-up it is possible to confirm, modify or reject a treatment plan²,³. The model can be enlarged using zoom and images can be trimmed, saved and printed as needed. Most digital model analysis software allows visualization of occlusal contacts and point-to-point or point-to-plane measurements. In addition, some automatically provide the American Board of Orthodontics’ analysis index³. In conventional set-up, the archwire shape is planned using a brass wire or pre-established diagrams available from different manufacturers4. In digital set-up, this shape can be easily adjusted for each patient using tools that can create a digital arch form. Alternatively, the orthodontist can select reference points on the virtual dental arch and select a digital arch model to choose the best arch shape for the patient¹. The orthodontist can quantify and visualize applied tooth movement in all directions during digital set-up5 and, when necessary, applied tooth movement can be easily reversed¹. 1 Post-doctorate – UFJF, Professor of the Specialization Course in Orthodontics – UFJF, Private Practice 2 MSc in Orthodontics – UFRJ, PhD student in Health – UFJF. 3 Professor of the Department of Periodontics and Implant Dentistry – Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra – Santo Domingo – Dominican Republic, PhD in Dentistry and Orthodontics – PUCPR. 4 MSc in Dentistry and Orthodontics – PUCPR, Professor of the Specialization Course in Orthodontics – PUCPR. 5 Full Professor – PPGO – PUCPR, Diplomate of the Brazilian Board of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, School of Life Sciences. DOI: 10.24077/2021;1455-1922