The OrthoCAD bracket placement solution

Abstract

The specialty of orthodontics is witnessing 2 opposing trends: because of population growth and increasing awareness of orthodontics, the number of new patients is rising steadily every year; at the same time, because of the “graying” of the profession and the dwindling number of orthodontic residents, the number of active clinicians is expected to decline. Together, these trends are likely to make the reduction of average chair-time an ever-increasing priority. With its unique software and hardware platforms, the OrthoCAD Bracket Placement solution (Cadent, Carlstadt, NJ) can help clinicians accurately and quickly position brackets according to a digitally defined setup. OrthoCAD generates a 3-dimensional (3D) model from a set of alginate impressions and a bite registration. Displaying the intraoral hard tissue morphology both in its original condition and after the set-up, the resulting 3D model is transmitted electronically to the orthodontic office (Fig 1). With the OrthoCAD software installed locally, the clinician examines the 3D model and makes any desired changes or creates a new setup. The software can also be used to visually compare different predicted treatment outcomes, suggest the most suitable appliances for the case, and fine-tune positioning parameters to ensure maximum performance. Having defined the desired end point and bracket placement parameters in the virtual environment, the clinician uses the OrthoCAD system to position brackets and bands intraorally. The system is composed of a few dedicated components. A pen-sized wand contains a miniature video camera and a dual-purpose light source, providing for illumination and initial curing (Fig 2, A). The wand has a detachable sleeve with a curved tip that can be sterilized. It is linked to a computer and monitor, which can be mounted on a cart for greater mobility