The AAO’s recent survey-based report on member technology adoption trends provides one view of the specialty’s implementation of fast-developing technologies.
Another perspective on orthodontists’ technology interests comes from AAO TechSelect page visit metrics. Using TechSelect, AAO members can research, evaluate and save money on 3D printers, intraoral scanners, digital indirect bonding and custom bracket systems, remote monitoring solutions, aligner trimming robots and more.
The top three most visited TechSelect pages (apart from the home page) reflect a strong interest in the side-by-side, detailed product comparisons available at TechSelect and in the products profiled.
Page View TechSelect Page
Ranking
- 3D Printer Product Comparisons
- Robotic Aligner Trimmer Product Comparisons
- Digital Indirect Bonding & Custom Bracket System Product Comparisons
Other highly ranked pages in the TechSelect Top 10 indicate higher potential interest in some technologies among TechSelect visitors in comparison with members who responded to the technology adoption survey:
4. Benefits of Digital Indirect Bonding
With 24% of the member technology survey respondents using digital indirect bonding, 72% of those not using it considered the technology not cost effective and 48% expressed the view that it would be “detrimental to practice workflow and efficiency.” Dr. Lisa Alverto, chair of the AAO Committee on Technology (CTECH) says that the DIB set-up process is easy to learn and results in substantial increases in efficiency.
“The digital process makes all the difference in the efficiency of the workflow from beginning to end,” she says. “The software for digital set-ups is now very intuitive and makes it easy to place brackets with precision to get each tooth to the desired position. Once the patient is seated in the chair, their bonding time is reduced by about half. It is easy to train staff to seat indirect bonding trays, or the doctor can do it. The process is completed by the chairside assistant curing the adhesive.”
5. Intraoral Scanner Product Comparisons
Of the technologies included in the member survey, intraoral scanner is the only one currently used by a majority of respondents (91%). For members seeking different scanner products or desired features, the video on the TechSelect page linked above, “What to Consider When Selecting and Intraoral Scanner” may be of interest.
6. Tooth Movement Software Product Comparisons
Necessary for producing a printable model for 3D production of in-house aligners or retainers, tooth movement software has many characteristics likely to be of concern to users. The Tooth Movement Product Comparisons page provides 24 side-by-side specifications considered essential by CTECH for software accepted for TechSelect.
7. Benefits of In-House Aligners
From process and workflow to how-to-guides and financial considerations, this section of TechSelect offers in-depth information for decision-making about in-house aligners.
8. Save Money
Learn about the guaranteed lowest pricing available to AAO members who contact partner companies through TechSelect’s “My List”.
9. Aligner & Retainer Material Product Comparisons
Visit this page for a wealth of information about products used in fabricating aligners and retainers.
10. Robotic Wirebender Product Comparisons
Based on the above page’s ranking, robotic wirebenders attract the greatest interest of AAO member TechSelect users interested in robotics; however, robotic aligner trimmers and practice robots are also available via TechSelect.
