Definitions

Orthodontics, or Dentofacial Orthopaedics to be more precise, is both a medical speciality and an art dedicated to the study and treatment of disorders arising from problems with the shape of the jawbones and the position of the teeth.

It endeavours to correct anomalies in dentition and jawbones, whether innate or acquired, improve functional balance (ventilation, elocution), restore proper masticatory function and help prevent trauma to the mouth and teeth (dental fractures), diseases of the teeth (dental cavities) and their support structures (diseases of the gums), improve aesthetics, proportions and the harmony of the face and the smile, thus having a positive effect on

the aging process by delaying it.

21ST CENTURY ORTHODONTICS

This rather narrow idea of orthodontics referring only to the face and teeth has now evolved quite dramatically.

The field of activity in terms of treatment has broadened considerably to cover overall care for the health of children, adolescents and adults with all their specific characteristics: biological, cultural, morphological, hereditary, functional, aesthetic, psychological, behavioural, sociological, environmental and temporal.

ORTHODONTICS AND NEW DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

The emergence of virtual and digital orthodontics has completely revolutionised the way orthodontic specialists practise. This “revolution” involves imaging, imprints, 3D printing, Artificial Intelligence using algorithms to formulate treatment proposals, the industrialisation of production processes for orthodontic appliances, etc.

The spectacular leaps in technology, even if they result in savings in terms of time and costs, have the effect of limiting human thinking, leaving it diminished in a context that is captive to finite algorithms.

 

When it comes to patients, however – who need to be considered in their overall context – using mathematics to model something we refer to as “sens clinique” in French (a clinical “sense” developed by medical practitioners over time) just does not work, especially within a multidisciplinary approach. That is one area where a specialist in orthodontics is undeniably superior to computers, and that includes quantum computers, whatever the speed and power of their processors.

 

While taking advantage of advances in new digital and quantum technologies in her day-to-day practice, Dr Palucha is very aware that the treatment plan for each and every patient who walks through the door of her clinic revolves around her, as the specialist in orthodontics, since it is she who has the requisite vocational training, experience and personality.