Just as bespoke clothing fits better than off-the-rack, custom orthodontic treatments are able to be customized to fit an individual patient's unique needs.
A recent webinar featuring Dr. Bob Waugh, orthodontist at Smile Doctors - Athens, and Dr. Brandon Owen shed light on the various ways that a custom approach is changing the field with each and every smile.
Don’t have time to check out the full presentation? Here are three things you should know about how custom digital solutions are shifting how we think about and deliver orthodontic care.
One Size Doesn't Fit All
The best part of modern solutions? No more guesswork. Using a single archform for every patient has long since been shown to be inefficient. During the presentation, Dr. Waugh introduced the concept of "platinum proportional" archforms, a reference (and step beyond) the mathematical golden ratio.
The idea is as simple as the golden ratio too: select archforms based on the patient's tooth size. Larger teeth call for larger archforms, while smaller teeth benefit from reduced versions. This simple yet powerful customization allows for better smile aesthetics and improved occlusion.
Dr. Waugh emphasized, "If you're going to take the time to digitally prepare these cases and you're doing your homework, you're paying a fee to get these things set up. Ideally, why not also prescribe the exact archform that the case matches?"
This personalized approach not only enhances the final result but can also reduce or perhaps even eliminate the need for mid-treatment adjustments and achieve more predictable outcomes.
Digital Workflows are Saving Time and Improving Precision
Orthodontics wasn’t spared in modern digital transformation. Dr. Waugh’s presentation highlighted how digital workflows are becoming indispensable in modern practice. Patients expect efficient digital workflows, and your practice deserves the same.
From initial scans to treatment planning and as we already mentioned, archform selection, digital tools are taking a huge amount of pressure off of doctors. Dr. Owen noted the efficiency gained by allowing digital technicians to handle much of the preliminary work. "I think the quality of the setups that they do and put out is just so, so fantastic," he remarked.
This shift not only saves time in the long run but also improves precision. Orthodontists can visualize treatment outcomes, make adjustments virtually, and communicate more effectively with both team members and patients.
Simplified Wire Sequences and Custom Self-Ligating Bracket Solutions are a Win-Win for All
The final takeaway focuses on the practical aspects of treatment delivery. This presentation introduced a simplified wire sequence, particularly beneficial when used with custom self-ligating bracket solutions.
Dr. Waugh discussed starting with tandem 0.012" wires, followed by 0.014" x 0.025" wires, often using bioactive nickel-titanium alloys. This approach, combined with custom self-ligating brackets, offers several advantages:
- Reduced chair time: Fewer wire changes mean fewer appointments.
- Improved patient comfort: Lighter initial forces and gradual progression.
- More predictable tooth movement: Allowing wires to "cook" for extended periods (10-12 weeks) promotes efficient tooth movement.
The combination of these three allows for more predictable scheduling at longer intervals. That translates to an increased capacity to see more patients with less stress (and thus increase profit per clinical day).
Conclusion
Embracing even one of these concepts can help doctors offer a more personalized, efficient, and comfortable treatment to their patients.
Imagine how your practice might change if you were to implement all three.
It’s that combination that led Dr. Waugh to describe KLOwen as “Custom Done Right”.
He elaborates on this point, explaining that “KLOwen is your partner all the way through. If you need help with the indirect digital bonding curve, they will see you through. It’s a collaboration through and through.”
If you’re curious to hear more about how other practices are implementing custom orthodontics, check out our white paper, Orthodontics, Rewired™. Inside that report, you’ll read about the wide ranging effects KLOwen’s Full Custom Digital Solution had on their respective practices.
Curious to hear more about what Dr. Waugh and Dr. Owen had to say? Check out the full presentation here.
Please fill out the form below to access the webinar recording.
About KLOwen Orthodontics:
KLOwen Orthodontics is a custom digital technology company transforming orthodontic practices through our full custom digital orthodontic solution that increases efficiency, improves quality & consistency of outcomes, and reduces stress in the orthodontic practice. Founded in 2019 by Orthodontist, Dr. Brandon Owen, KLOwen is leading innovation in orthodontic treatment with a full portfolio of custom fixed appliances proven to deliver up to 41% reduced treatment time and 45% reduced appointments. Schedule a demo today by clicking here.
