Advantages of Using Digital Models in Planning

Advantages of Using Digital Models in Planning

* The interplay between orthodontic forces and periodontal tissues in young patients.

Okay, so think about it: treatment plans, especially for kids, can be super confusing. Imagine a parent trying to wrap their head around some complex procedure, or a child feeling anxious because they just don't get what's happening. That's where digital models swoop in like tiny superheroes.


One of the biggest wins is enhanced visualization. Instead of relying on abstract explanations or diagrams, you can show parents and children a 3D, digital representation of the issue and the proposed solution. Suddenly, everything clicks. Orthodontists specialize in correcting dental irregularities in kids Orthodontics for young children mouth. They can rotate the model, zoom in on specific areas, see exactly what's going to be done, and even understand how things will look afterward.


For parents, this means less anxiety and a better grasp of the treatment's purpose and potential outcomes. They can participate more actively in the decision-making process, feeling empowered and informed. And for children, it's a game-changer. Visualizing the process makes it less scary, helps them understand what to expect, and can significantly reduce their fear and resistance. It's like giving them a sneak peek behind the curtain, demystifying the whole experience. Ultimately, enhanced visualization translates to better communication, increased trust, and a more positive treatment journey for everyone involved.

Okay, so one of the big wins with switching to digital models for planning treatments is that we get way more precise diagnoses and, in turn, way better treatment plans. Think about it: instead of relying on physical impressions and plaster casts, which can be a bit clunky and prone to errors, we're talking about super accurate 3D representations of a patient's mouth. This means doctors can spot even the tiniest issues – things they might have missed before – and really understand the whole picture.


And because the diagnosis is more on point, the treatment plan is too. We can simulate different scenarios, tweak things, and really personalize the approach for each patient. This leads to fewer surprises during treatment, a more predictable outcome, and ultimately, happier patients. It's like having a super-detailed map before you start a journey; you're much more likely to get where you're going smoothly. So, yeah, better diagnosis and treatment planning leading to better outcomes? Absolutely a huge advantage of going digital.

* Preventive measures to maintain periodontal health during orthodontic treatment.

Okay, so think about it: traditional braces, traditional molds... it could be a bit of a guessing game, right? Especially explaining everything to a patient or their parents. Digital models? They're like having a crystal ball, but for teeth! Instead of just saying, "We're going to move this tooth like this," you can actually show them. You can spin the 3D model around, zoom in on problem areas, and even simulate how the teeth will shift over time. It's way easier for everyone to understand the treatment plan and visualize the end result. Plus, orthodontists can communicate with each other more effectively too, sharing these models and collaborating on complex cases. It just cuts through the confusion and makes sure everyone's on the same page, leading to a smoother, happier journey to a perfect smile.

* The role of oral hygiene instructions for children and parental involvement.

Okay, so one of the really cool things about using digital models when planning things like braces and aligners is how much more precise we can be. Think about it: instead of relying on a physical mold that might have slight imperfections, or be a little bit off in one area, we're working with a super accurate 3D representation. This allows dentists and orthodontists to design custom appliances – the braces or aligners themselves – that fit perfectly. And when things fit perfectly, they're not only more comfortable for the patient, but they're also more effective at moving teeth into the right place. We can really fine-tune the design to address specific issues, leading to better, faster, and more predictable results. It's like having a tailor-made suit for your teeth, instead of something off the rack!

* Early detection and management of periodontal problems during orthodontic care.

Let's be honest, nobody enjoys having a tray of gooey stuff shoved into their mouth. Those traditional physical impressions, you know, the ones used to create models of your teeth? They're often uncomfortable, can trigger gag reflexes, and sometimes even require multiple attempts to get right. One of the coolest advantages of switching to digital models in treatment planning is that we can largely ditch that experience altogether. Instead of messy, uncomfortable physical impressions, we can use intraoral scanners. These scanners are like tiny, high-tech cameras that painlessly capture a detailed 3D image of your mouth. Think of it as a quick, non-invasive photoshoot for your teeth. The result? A more pleasant and efficient experience for you, and a more accurate starting point for your treatment plan. It's a win-win!

* Collaboration between orthodontists and periodontists for optimal outcomes.

Okay, so think about it: getting a kid excited about dental work? Near impossible, right? But digital models? They're actually kind of cool. One of the biggest advantages of using them in treatment planning, especially for younger patients, is that they allow for a visual simulation of how things are going to progress. Imagine showing a teenager, who's probably already self-conscious, a before-and-after picture that they can interact with. They can see their teeth gradually straightening, their bite improving, all on a screen. That's way more motivating than just hearing a dentist say, "Trust me, it'll get better."


It's like a video game, really. Each appointment, each adjustment, feels like leveling up. They can see the progress, understand the steps involved, and feel more in control of the whole process. This visual feedback can significantly increase their cooperation and compliance, which, let's be honest, is half the battle with orthodontic treatment. It's not just about aesthetics either. Showing them how the treatment will improve their overall oral health, prevent future problems, that's something that can stick with them for life. It's about turning a potentially scary and uncomfortable experience into something engaging and empowering. And that's a pretty big win for everyone involved.

Okay, so, let's talk about patient data and digital models, yeah? One of the coolest things about ditching the old paper charts and going digital with planning is how much easier it makes storing and finding everything. Think about it: no more wrestling with overflowing filing cabinets or trying to decipher someone's chicken scratch notes from five years ago.


With digital models, all the patient's information – scans, treatment plans, progress reports, everything – is neatly organized and accessible with a few clicks. This isn't just about convenience, though. It's a game changer for long-term monitoring. Because you can easily access and compare data from different points in time, you can spot subtle changes or trends that might otherwise be missed. This leads to earlier detection of potential problems, more personalized treatment strategies, and ultimately, better outcomes for the patient. It's like having a super-organized, super-detailed health record right at your fingertips, allowing for a much more comprehensive and proactive approach to patient care.

Infants may use pacifiers or their thumb or fingers to soothe themselves
Newborn baby thumb sucking
A bonnet macaque thumb sucking

Thumb sucking is a behavior found in humans, chimpanzees, captive ring-tailed lemurs,[1] and other primates.[2] It usually involves placing the thumb into the mouth and rhythmically repeating sucking contact for a prolonged duration. It can also be accomplished with any organ within reach (such as other fingers and toes) and is considered to be soothing and therapeutic for the person. As a child develops the habit, it will usually develop a "favourite" finger to suck on.

At birth, a baby will reflexively suck any object placed in its mouth; this is the sucking reflex responsible for breastfeeding. From the first time they engage in nutritive feeding, infants learn that the habit can not only provide valuable nourishment, but also a great deal of pleasure, comfort, and warmth. Whether from a mother, bottle, or pacifier, this behavior, over time, begins to become associated with a very strong, self-soothing, and pleasurable oral sensation. As the child grows older, and is eventually weaned off the nutritional sucking, they can either develop alternative means for receiving those same feelings of physical and emotional fulfillment, or they can continue experiencing those pleasantly soothing experiences by beginning to suck their thumbs or fingers.[3] This reflex disappears at about 4 months of age; thumb sucking is not purely an instinctive behavior and therefore can last much longer.[4] Moreover, ultrasound scans have revealed that thumb sucking can start before birth, as early as 15 weeks from conception; whether this behavior is voluntary or due to random movements of the fetus in the womb is not conclusively known.

Thumb sucking generally stops by the age of 4 years. Some older children will retain the habit, which can cause severe dental problems.[5] While most dentists would recommend breaking the habit as early as possible, it has been shown that as long as the habit is broken before the onset of permanent teeth, at around 5 years old, the damage is reversible.[6] Thumb sucking is sometimes retained into adulthood and may be due to simply habit continuation. Using anatomical and neurophysiological data a study has found that sucking the thumb is said to stimulate receptors within the brain which cause the release of mental and physical tension.[7]

Dental problems and prevention

[edit]
Alveolar prognathism, caused by thumb sucking and tongue thrusting in a 7-year-old girl.

Percentage of children who suck their thumbs (data from two researchers)

Age Kantorowicz[4] Brückl[8]
0–1 92% 66%
1–2 93%
2–3 87%
3–4 86% 25%
4–5 85%
5–6 76%
Over 6 9%

Most children stop sucking on thumbs, pacifiers or other objects on their own between 2 and 4 years of age. No harm is done to their teeth or jaws until permanent teeth start to erupt. The only time it might cause concern is if it goes on beyond 6 to 8 years of age. At this time, it may affect the shape of the oral cavity or dentition.[9] During thumbsucking the tongue sits in a lowered position and so no longer balances the forces from the buccal group of musculature. This results in narrowing of the upper arch and a posterior crossbite. Thumbsucking can also cause the maxillary central incisors to tip labially and the mandibular incisors to tip lingually, resulting in an increased overjet and anterior open bite malocclusion, as the thumb rests on them during the course of sucking. In addition to proclination of the maxillary incisors, mandibular incisors retrusion will also happen. Transverse maxillary deficiency gives rise to posterior crossbite, ultimately leading to a Class II malocclusion.[10]

Children may experience difficulty in swallowing and speech patterns due to the adverse changes. Aside from the damaging physical aspects of thumb sucking, there are also additional risks, which unfortunately, are present at all ages. These include increased risk of infection from communicable diseases, due to the simple fact that non-sterile thumbs are covered with infectious agents, as well as many social implications. Some children experience social difficulties, as often children are taunted by their peers for engaging in what they can consider to be an “immature” habit. This taunting often results the child being rejected by the group or being subjected to ridicule by their peers, which can cause understandable psychological stress.[11]

Methods to stop sucking habits are divided into 2 categories: Preventive Therapy and Appliance Therapy.[10]

Examples to prevent their children from sucking their thumbs include the use of bitterants or piquant substances on their child's hands—although this is not a procedure encouraged by the American Dental Association[9] or the Association of Pediatric Dentists. Some suggest that positive reinforcements or calendar rewards be given to encourage the child to stop sucking their thumb.

The American Dental Association recommends:

  • Praise children for not sucking, instead of scolding them when they do.
  • If a child is sucking their thumb when feeling insecure or needing comfort, focus instead on correcting the cause of the anxiety and provide comfort to your child.
  • If a child is sucking on their thumb because of boredom, try getting the child's attention with a fun activity.
  • Involve older children in the selection of a means to cease thumb sucking.
  • The pediatric dentist can offer encouragement to the child and explain what could happen to the child's teeth if he/she does not stop sucking.
  • Only if these tips are ineffective, remind the child of the habit by bandaging the thumb or putting a sock/glove on the hand at night.
  • Other orthodontics[12] for appliances are available.

The British Orthodontic Society recommends the same advice as ADA.[13]

A Cochrane review was conducted to review the effectiveness of a variety of clinical interventions for stopping thumb-sucking. The study showed that orthodontic appliances and psychological interventions (positive and negative reinforcement) were successful at preventing thumb sucking in both the short and long term, compared to no treatment.[14] Psychological interventions such as habit reversal training and decoupling have also proven useful in body focused repetitive behaviors.[15]

Clinical studies have shown that appliances such as TGuards can be 90% effective in breaking the thumb or finger sucking habit. Rather than use bitterants or piquants, which are not endorsed by the ADA due to their causing of discomfort or pain, TGuards break the habit simply by removing the suction responsible for generating the feelings of comfort and nurture.[16] Other appliances are available, such as fabric thumb guards, each having their own benefits and features depending on the child's age, willpower and motivation. Fixed intraoral appliances have been known to create problems during eating as children when removing their appliances may have a risk of breaking them. Children with mental illness may have reduced compliance.[10]

Some studies mention the use of extra-oral habit reminder appliance to treat thumb sucking. An alarm is triggered when the child tries to suck the thumb to stop the child from this habit.[10][17] However, more studies are required to prove the effectiveness of external devices on thumb sucking.

Children's books

[edit]
  • In Heinrich Hoffmann’s Struwwelpeter, the "thumb-sucker" Konrad is punished by having both of his thumbs cut off.
  • There are several children's books on the market with the intention to help the child break the habit of thumb sucking. Most of them provide a story the child can relate to and some coping strategies.[18] Experts recommend to use only books in which the topic of thumb sucking is shown in a positive and respectful way.[19]

See also

[edit]
  • Stereotypic movement disorder
  • Prognathism

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Jolly A (1966). Lemur Behavior. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. p. 65. ISBN 978-0-226-40552-0.
  2. ^ Benjamin, Lorna S.: "The Beginning of Thumbsucking." Child Development, Vol. 38, No. 4 (Dec., 1967), pp. 1065–1078.
  3. ^ "About the Thumb Sucking Habit". Tguard.
  4. ^ a b Kantorowicz A (June 1955). "Die Bedeutung des Lutschens für die Entstehung erworbener Fehlbildungen". Fortschritte der Kieferorthopädie. 16 (2): 109–21. doi:10.1007/BF02165710. S2CID 28204791.
  5. ^ O'Connor A (27 September 2005). "The Claim: Thumb Sucking Can Lead to Buck Teeth". The New York Times. Retrieved 1 August 2012.
  6. ^ Friman PC, McPherson KM, Warzak WJ, Evans J (April 1993). "Influence of thumb sucking on peer social acceptance in first-grade children". Pediatrics. 91 (4): 784–6. doi:10.1542/peds.91.4.784. PMID 8464667.
  7. ^ Ferrante A, Ferrante A (August 2015). "[Finger or thumb sucking. New interpretations and therapeutic implications]". Minerva Pediatrica (in Italian). 67 (4): 285–97. PMID 26129804.
  8. ^ Reichenbach E, Brückl H (1982). "Lehrbuch der Kieferorthopädie Bd. 1962;3:315-26.". Kieferorthopädische Klinik und Therapie Zahnärzliche Fortbildung. 5. Auflage Verlag. JA Barth Leipzig" alıntı Schulze G.
  9. ^ a b "Thumbsucking - American Dental Association". Archived from the original on 2010-06-19. Retrieved 2010-05-19.
  10. ^ a b c d Shetty RM, Shetty M, Shetty NS, Deoghare A (2015). "Three-Alarm System: Revisited to treat Thumb-sucking Habit". International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry. 8 (1): 82–6. doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10005-1289. PMC 4472878. PMID 26124588.
  11. ^ Fukuta O, Braham RL, Yokoi K, Kurosu K (1996). "Damage to the primary dentition resulting from thumb and finger (digit) sucking". ASDC Journal of Dentistry for Children. 63 (6): 403–7. PMID 9017172.
  12. ^ "Stop Thumb Sucking". Stop Thumb Sucking.org.
  13. ^ "Dummy and thumb sucking habits" (PDF). Patient Information Leaflet. British Orthodontic Society.
  14. ^ Borrie FR, Bearn DR, Innes NP, Iheozor-Ejiofor Z (March 2015). "Interventions for the cessation of non-nutritive sucking habits in children". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2021 (3): CD008694. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008694.pub2. PMC 8482062. PMID 25825863.
  15. ^ Lee MT, Mpavaenda DN, Fineberg NA (2019-04-24). "Habit Reversal Therapy in Obsessive Compulsive Related Disorders: A Systematic Review of the Evidence and CONSORT Evaluation of Randomized Controlled Trials". Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience. 13: 79. doi:10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00079. PMC 6491945. PMID 31105537.
  16. ^ "Unique Thumb with Lock Band to Deter Child from Thumb Sucking". Clinical Research Associates Newsletter. 19 (6). June 1995.
  17. ^ Krishnappa S, Rani MS, Aariz S (2016). "New electronic habit reminder for the management of thumb-sucking habit". Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry. 34 (3): 294–7. doi:10.4103/0970-4388.186750. PMID 27461817. S2CID 22658574.
  18. ^ "Books on the Subject of Thumb-Sucking". Thumb-Heroes. 9 December 2020.
  19. ^ Stevens Mills, Christine (2018). Two Thumbs Up - Understanding and Treatment of Thumb Sucking. ISBN 978-1-5489-2425-6.

Further reading

[edit]
  • "Duration of pacifier use, thumb sucking may affect dental arches". The Journal of the American Dental Association. 133 (12): 1610–1612. December 2002. doi:10.14219/jada.archive.2002.0102.
  • Mobbs E, Crarf GT (2011). Latchment Before Attachment, The First Stage of Emotional Development, Oral Tactile Imprinting. Westmead.
[edit]
  • "Oral Health Topics: Thumbsucking". American Dental Association. Archived from the original on 2010-06-19.
  • "Pacifiers & Thumb Sucking". Canadian Dental Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, digital models are generally considered safer. They eliminate the need for radiation exposure often associated with some traditional diagnostic methods like multiple X-rays needed to create physical models. The scanning process is non-invasive and completely harmless.