Trust Your Smile to the Best Trained Orthodontists
Kenilworth, IL – Our world is full of new and exciting technologies, and we see these technologies advancing on an almost daily basis. Technology can improve our lives in many ways and can help us streamline our lives. However, some orthodontic offices may offer hyped up claims about AI technology and computer monitoring being able to provide superior treatment. Dr. Michael Stosich warns us not to get caught up in these claims.
“We’re seeing more offices utilizing dental monitoring apps for their patients that allow patients to scan their mouths and then discuss how their treatment is progressing with their orthodontist, all remotely” says Dr. Stosich. “While this seems convenient, allowing you to stay in the comfort of your own home and follow your treatment plan, it doesn’t allow for the nuances that a trained eye can spot at an in-person appointment.”
The key to successful orthodontic treatment isn’t a gimmick or gadget, but rather finding the right doctor to provide the right treatment. This is important because orthodontic treatment should always be individualized to each patient – treatment should never be one size fits all. Every smile is unique and that is where the right doctor comes in.
The right doctor, who has the right training using a variety of treatment options, will know how to craft a scientifically backed treatment plan that takes all of the nuances of your smile into account.
AI has limits and is governed by manmade boundaries, which means it may not be able to take into account subtle issues that may arise over the course of your treatment, or account for why your smile may not be responding ideally to your treatment.
Dr. Stosich has discussed the importance of finding the right orthodontist to provide your treatment before. That’s because the right, well-trained orthodontist is the key to successful treatment, not the latest technological advancements.
“I love technology and utilize a lot of cutting-edge technology in my office,” says Dr. Stosich. “But it cannot replace the wisdom of an orthodontist who is using scientifically backed methods to craft treatment plans, and then monitoring that treatment. We can never rely solely on computer imagery to guide us because no matter how sophisticated it may be, it can never replace the experience of an orthodontist who moves teeth on a daily basis.”
But there are other reasons dental monitoring isn’t always ideal. First, we’re relying on the patients to take the scans themselves. This can lead to incomplete images or images that don’t provide as much information as the orthodontist needs in order to ensure treatment is progressing. And for patients who aren’t as willing to be compliant, relying on them to take and upload their own scans is far from ideal.
But in addition to that, you’re missing out on the personal, important in-person visit with your orthodontist. There are some issues that a scan isn’t going to pick up on. There can be issues lurking below your gumline or problems with your jaw that a scan isn’t going to show your orthodontist. If your treatment progresses and these issues aren’t found and corrected, your end result may not be what you had hoped for.
If you choose the right doctor, that orthodontist will understand the science behind moving teeth, and have the skill and knowledge to know precisely when adjustments may be needed during the course of treatment to ensure you end up with the most ideal results.
When you are looking for an orthodontist, the number one thing you should look at is the skill level of the orthodontist. It doesn’t matter how much technology the orthodontist has available in his office, if the orthodontist himself doesn’t fully understand the science behind moving teeth and have the skill to do it, your treatment will not be as effective. Technology is not fool proof – it still has to be guided by the right orthodontist who uses scientifically backed methods to craft individual treatment plans or every patient.
“I know that these are different times, and many patients may want to stay close to home to ensure they remain safe and healthy,” says Dr. Stosich. “I understand that, and am happy to offer virtual appointments and consultations. Our virtual appointments are a great option for when an in-person visit just isn’t possible, but they cannot replace our in-person visits to ensure your treatment is progressing properly”
Dr. Stosich has dedicated his career to providing the very best in orthodontic treatment. He is board certified, but also has nearly double the training of the average orthodontist. During his time at some of the top research universities in the country, he studied hot to most efficiently and effectively move teeth through bone. His research led to advancements in orthodontic treatment, and his patients benefit greatly from his knowledge and skill.
The best way to ensure your treatment stays on track is to begin with a highly skilled orthodontist and maintain in-person visits whenever possible. No gimmicks or technology can replace the knowledge and experience that comes with research and study by a trained orthodontist.
