Multidisciplinary design: Creating a common perspective in complex cases.

Abstract

This clinical report describes and illustrates digital treatment planning and interdisciplinary orthodontic, surgical, and prosthetic treatment in a highly complex clinical case. Analogue design protocols through wax ups are highly variable, technique sensitive, and operator dependent. Digital smile design and treatment planning tools facilitate simplified processes through the use of natural tooth libraries, based on the specific esthetic and functional needs of the individual patient. The vast information compiled in the virtual patient and the treatment plan consolidated in the initial digital design facilitate true interdisciplinary treatment planning and execution, with all dental specialties involved, from orthodontic to surgical and prosthetic treatment. Digital protocols and design tools provide clear clinical roadmaps for increased efficiency, precision, and predictability, vastly improving the quality of interdisciplinary patient care. While analogue protocols are technique sensitive and largely dependent on the operator, digital smile design, and treatment planning tools offer opportunities for truly patient-centered individualized care and interdisciplinary treatment.