Facially generated treatment planning (FGTP) is a game-changer when approaching your clear aligner therapy cases – find out why with the Aligner Dental Academy.
By integrating this holistic approach, FGTP ensures for personalised treatment plans, improved patient communication and better treatment outcomes.
The SAFE approach created by Dr Raman Aulakh embraces FGTP and makes it relevant to clear aligner therapy for the general dentist by creating an end-to-end workflow. The SAFE methodology makes the framework of the teaching in the Clear Aligner Diploma. Here are the benefits of this approach:
1. Interdisciplinary planning
FGTP bridges the gap between the distinct branches of dentistry. It fosters combining the different disciplines beyond ortho-restorative dentistry by including periodontics and functional occlusion. Using the SAFE assessment, the clinician works up a problem list to make the correct decisions required to treatment plan. This encourages for the delivery of patient-centred care, which is based on patients’ main concerns and covering all bases.
2. Realistic treatment goals for adults
Adult patients often present with ‘dental baggage’ and hence have multifaceted dental needs. FGTP allows clinicians to set realistic goals based on aesthetics, occlusion and overall health. Whether it’s bonding cases, restoring worn anterior teeth or addressing a complex class 3 case, this approach guides treatment planning with a risk-benefit approach. Case selection becomes less daunting, you know your limitations and also when to refer.
3. Patient communication and consent tool
Talking to patients about their concerns should be in a language they understand: your smile (aesthetics), your bite (function), your teeth (dentition) and your gums (biology). This explained in a logical way will help them understand and consent for the proposed treatment.
Digital tools and workflows are made to be patient-friendly, but they are only a useful tool for better communication when combined with a systemic approach like the SAFE method.
4. Predictable digital results
Technology has revolutionised orthodontics, AI tools assist in facial analysis, decision-making algorithms and evaluating treatment progress.
However, it still needs the clinician to set the goals in the first place! Only then can these be transferred to the digital environment such as ClinCheck software, which can then be engineered with the correct biomechanics to deliver a predictable outcome. The SAFE approach helps the clinician take their analogue treatment goals to digital aligner protocols.
5. Evidence-based clinical decisions
Evidence-based dentistry promotes evidence-backed treatment decisions for better predictability. The SAFE approach is based on using scientific rationale to make these clinical decisions. This fosters confidence in diagnosing and treating simple or complex cases for treating clinicians.
Evidence-based approaches provide clarity and reduce uncertainty, which benefits patients and clinicians alike.
Conclusion
The SAFE approach utilises facially generated treatment planning to improve outcomes with clear aligner therapy. It’s not just about teeth; it’s about the face behind the smile, the importance of good function and delivering realistic results with minimal treatment risk.
To learn more about the SAFE approach at the Clear Aligner Diploma, please contact www.alignerdentalacademy.com and book a meeting with a course director.
This article is sponsored by Aligner Dental Academy.
