Over the past 15-20 years, the benefits of 3D imaging in orthodontics have been realized through the increased use of CBCT imaging in orthodontic research and practice. The impact of these benefits has been tempered by two specific challenges that modern technology may help overcome. 1) The overwhelming amount of data present in a 3D volume of the head that makes it difficult for the practitioner to rapidly gain the important information needed to contribute to the patient’s diagnosis and treatment plan. Recent research helps us to better understand the potential of using Virtual Reality (VR) to better visualize these complex 3D data sets. 2) Although the latest CBCT machines have reduced the patient’s exposure to ionizing radiation, this exposure still limits its use – particularly in the child and adolescent. New developments have shown that the potential for rapid MRI scanning in dental specific machines, and the integration of this information with other data sets such as intraoral scans and 3D facial photos, is now closer than ever before.
Learning Objectives:
After this session, attendees will be able to:
Understand the basics of MRI image acquisition and how recent advancements make dental specific MRI imaging a reality for orthodontic use.
Recognize how Virtual Reality (VR) visualization of 3D orthodontic images may impact the orthodontist’s ability to extract important information in a shorter amount of time.
Create a vision for the future of orthodontic diagnosis that includes MRI images and other 3D data sets visualized together using VR.
