Ortodontide Dijital Dönüşümün Klinik Pratikteki Yerinin Değerlendirilmesi

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the utilization rates of digital orthodontic software, intraoral scanners, clear aligner treatments, and digital orthognathic surgical planning programs among orthodontists registered with the Turkish Orthodontic Association, as well as orthodontic specialization/doctoral students. The study also aims to assess the reasons for choosing or not choosing these digital methods. The survey questions were prepared using the SurveyMonkey survey program and were distributed to members of the Turkish Orthodontic Association via email. The survey, in which a total of 220 individuals participated, includes questions related to demographic information, usage of digital orthodontic software programs, intraoral scanners, clear aligner treatments, and digital orthognathic surgical planning programs, as well as participants' opinions. The survey results obtained from the participants were evaluated using descriptive statistics, Pearson's chi-squared test, or Fisher's exact test. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Of the participants, 61.8% were orthodontists, and 38.2% were orthodontic specialization/doctoral students. Among the participants, 77.7% use orthodontic digital software programs, 68.6% use intraoral scanners, 79.5% use clear aligner treatments, and 47.3% use digital orthognathic surgical planning programs. When evaluated based on professional position, it was determined that those who use orthodontic digital software programs, intraoral scanners, and clear aligner treatments are predominantly orthodontists (p<0.05). Orthodontists mainly prefer "clear aligner treatments," while orthodontic specialization/doctoral students prefer orthodontic digital software programs for "cephalometric tracing" purposes (p<0.05). In this study, participants perceive digital and electronic technology as useful tools that can enhance clinical efficiency and streamline workflow. Lack of experience and high costs associated with implementing current digital practices are seen as the main barriers to adopting these applications. As costs decrease and the affordability of 3D printers and intraoral scanners improves, it is likely that more practitioners will be interested in incorporating digital tools and systems into their practices.