We’re in the age of digital orthodontics. With so many technological innovations, our specialty is seeing a tremendous increase in digital resources. It began with digital practice management software, which replaced the paper scheduling book with computer scheduling and charting. Digital images and x-rays further added integration across devices and software tools that added 2D and 3D imaging into our diagnostic toolkit. Other digital tools have grown their impact in an orthodontic practice with modern clear aligner therapy. CAD software suddenly took off in utility and usage amongst doctors seeking new ways to serve patients. This new digital era increases its influence as 3D printing grows in use. In addition, virtual monitoring and fixed appliance systems also offer digital solutions.
API
APIs have greatly impacted digital technology in orthodontics. An Application Programming Interface (API) allows the digital tools we now rely on to be interconnected. It is a software intermediary that enables applications to communicate. An API is also the go-between hardware and software. These solutions allow a digital x-ray to be captured on a digital pan and feed that data into your imaging software. Digital impression workflow also involves API. From capturing all of the necessary dental anatomies to integrating that scan into CAD software, then to manufacturing an appliance.
Routines
Whenever we integrate digital tools into our orthodontic practice, we should consider digital workflow and routines. Programmers use routines in computer coding to reduce the complexity of information. Although orthodontists don’t write code as computer programmers do, the digital orthodontist works with a large volume of digital information. We should also be considering setting up workflow routines to reduce complexity and eliminate redundancy. Routines take some time to set up initially, but once developed, they take complex and tedious tasks and make them, well, routine. Efficient and effective digital workflow relies on routines to eliminate time-consuming work for an orthodontist.
Digital technology is the tool the orthodontist leverages in practice. The API is the intermediary linking software and hardware features that build the workflow. Routines are the key to time-efficient and consistently effective digital work.
