Orthodontic technology has changed drastically in the last few decades, and the revolution continues with smart technology.
Clear aligners are available with smart sensors that keep track of how long the aligners are worn every day and can even provide information about teeth movement and fit.
Here’s how these innovative new advancements are changing how patients and orthodontists interact with teeth aligners and what it could mean for your treatment.
What Are Microsensors?
Microsensors are embedded in new clear aligners that help patients better comply with wearing their orthodontic appliances. One major challenge with clear aligners is patient compliance, as the aligners are fully removable—unlike traditional braces—so it’s up to the patient to wear them, usually at least 20 hours a day.
Now, instead of relying on patient reports of compliance, orthodontists can get a comprehensive picture of a patient’s orthodontic treatment that was previously impossible to obtain. These sensors convey information to an app, which allows patients to track compliance and orthodontists to get unparalleled insight into a patient’s treatment.
However, the sensors don’t just convey information about compliance—they also provide precise and quantitative measurements that allow orthodontists to better track a patient’s treatment [1].
How Smart Technology Is Changing Orthodontic Care
- More precise treatment. For orthodontists and dentists, smart aligners provide objective data that enables more precise treatment adjustments. Rather than relying solely on patient reporting and periodic office visits, practitioners can make evidence-based decisions using detailed information about how teeth are responding to treatment [2].
- Better patient engagement. Smart aligners transform the treatment experience from passive to interactive. Most systems include user-friendly applications that provide feedback on wear time, cleaning needs, and progress tracking. This approach has shown promising results in improving patient compliance—a critical factor in successful orthodontic outcomes.
- Improved orthodontic outcomes. Since smart aligners integrate with apps that prompt patients to wear aligners for the recommended amount of time, patients are more likely to follow their treatment protocol, meaning they can stay on track with their treatment and even enhance the results they see from their aligner therapy [3].
The Future of Oral Health Monitoring
While smart aligner technology is still evolving, its trajectory suggests a future where orthodontic appliances do much more than straighten teeth. They may become comprehensive health monitoring tools that bridge the gap between periodic dental visits, providing data that benefits both immediate treatment goals and long-term health outcomes.
For patients currently using aligners or considering orthodontic treatment, these smart technologies offer exciting new possibilities for more effective, efficient, and informative care. Interested in learning how smart teeth aligners can enhance your orthodontic treatment? Contact your provider today to learn more!
Sources:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38372469/
- https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/22/7/2435
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8701246/
