Transforming Orthodontics: The Relu Revolution
In the rapidly evolving world of orthodontic innovation, Steven Gardner, President of OrthoSelect, emerges as a pioneering force. Since steering the company’s transition to digital technologies in 2009, Gardner has propelled OrthoSelect to new heights, making significant advances with its DIBS AI digital indirect bonding service offering. The collaboration with Relu, introducing the Relu® Engine, a unique technology that combines AI, deep learning and advanced imaging techniques, marks a significant leap forward. This technology brings previously hidden anatomical details including roots and bone into sharp focus, enabling orthodontists to make more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans, and shorten treatment times for patients.
The Challenge of the Unseen
Driven by the goal to unveil the hidden aspects of dental anatomy and automate orthodontic processes, Gardner sought technologies that could break through the limitations set by conventional tools. This quest for more profound insights led to the transformative partnership with Relu, setting the stage for groundbreaking improvements in orthodontic care.
DIBS AI: A Revolution in Bracket Placement
The evolution of DIBS AI, an integrated software and hardware platform providing automated case setups through advanced bracket positioning software, and the corresponding indirect bonding trays for any type of bracket, marked a significant leap forward in orthodontic technology.
Using the DIBS AI application, the process of case planning and preparation of brackets is streamlined into three steps: (1) orthodontists submit an Rx along with the patient’s intraoral scans; (2) they receive a case setup within a few hours, which they can review and approve; and (3) they receive the patient’s trays within 5-6 days, with brackets already inserted in the trays and ready to apply via an indirect bonding process.
The data generated by intraoral scanners shows only the outside of the teeth and gums. Images from cone beam computed tomography, or CBCT, also show the roots of teeth, bone, tissue, and nerve pathways. That additional information gives orthodontists a much deeper knowledge of the patient’s physiology, meaning they can plan more targeted and effective orthodontic treatments.
Gardner wanted to incorporate this expanded visibility, and the resulting benefits, into the DIBS AI application. He envisioned a tool that enhanced diagnostic precision while simplifying clinical workflows. This tool was DIBS AI combined with Relu’s advanced imaging techniques – unlocking the full potential of both technologies.
“Marrying the Relu technology with our DIBS AI makes it possible now to see what happens when the full teeth are moved according to the braces. That visibility and control you have within a digital format is huge – because the doctors can do a lot of diagnosis and treatment planning before they ever put a single bracket on a single tooth,” says Gardner, emphasizing the synergies between the two technologies.
“Marrying the Relu technology with our DIBS AI makes it possible now to see what happens when the full teeth are moved.”
