The Evolving Use of Computer-aided Drafting, Design, and Manufacturing in Orthodontia

Computer-aided drafting and design (CADD) is a computer-based program that improves the efficiency of product design and components both inside and outside of engineering. In recent years the use of CADD in dentistry, more commonly known as computer-aided dentistry, has become commonplace, allowing doctors and patients to individually design treatment with the result visible through computer-generated pictures of the mouth and teeth. To more efficiently treat patients, engineers and orthodontists create 3D-printed aligners using CADD. In 1997, orthodontic treatment changed forever when Align Technology, Inc. introduced the now-popular Invisalign system to the world. Invisalign replaces traditional metal braces with a series of retainers that patients use, swapping each retainer for a new one every couple of weeks. Dentistry has taken a large step forward with the relatively recent introduction of CADD into its advancements. With the use of CADD in dentistry, such as Invisalign, patients can envision the end goal and dentists and orthodontists can better plan treatment with a 3D model of the mouth. The treatment is more timely, more comfortable and more efficient than traditional metal braces. Key Words—3D printing, ClinCheck Pro, Computer-aided dentistry, Computer-aided manufacturing, Invisalign, iTero Element Intraoral Scanner, Vacuum Form Machine COMPUTER-AIDED DENTISTRY: WHERE ORTHODONTIA AND ENGINEERING INTERSECT Computer-aided dentistry sounds like a strange phrase. It combines two topics that people would never normally associate together: computers and teeth. However counterintuitive it may sound, computer-aided dentistry is one of the fastest growing processes to enter the orthodontic and engineering fields. This technology specifically applies to the field of industrial engineering, where industrial engineers can apply knowledge of production and systems to create a sustainable product. Computer-aided dentistry utilizes computer-aided drafting and design (CADD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). CADD allows engineers to efficiently design products and product components, including aligners and retainers. CAM allows engineers and orthodontists to treat patients more efficiently by manufacturing 3D-printed aligners, giving doctors the ability to individually design outcome-driven treatment through computer generated pictures of the mouth and teeth. It allows patients to have a more satisfactory, timely, comfortable, and efficient treatment that does not include uncomfortable metal brackets. The most prominent example of computer-aided dentistry is Invisalign, which replaces metal braces with a series of aligners that patients use, swapping each aligner for a new one every few weeks. Computer-aided dentistry’s effects on the world of dentistry and engineering can be observed by looking at where Invisalign came from, how it is created and applied for patients, and how the industry is changing.