Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Summer 2017 - 67

Presentation Summary

Improving Treatment Efficiency
Utilizing Digital Orthodontics
Dr. Dawn Pruzansky
PCSO Bulletin Contributing Editor

Presented by Dr. Bruce Goldstein at the PCSO
Spring Training, March 4, 2017.
Dr. Goldstein began his talk by discussing speed
and efficiency. Speed is important, but faster
treatment does not necessarily mean better
treatment. Efficiency is achieving the best result
with minimum time and effort. Dr. Goldstein
spoke about the SureSmile process; he explained
that the average treatment time with this technique is 13 months/10 visits, compared to the
AJO-DO reported average of 20 months/18 visits.

Dr. Bruce Goldstein
Scottsdale, AZ

Dr. Goldstein also spoke about excellence. We
measure our final results in different ways,
including ABO occlusion, smile line, efficiency,
stability, ability to avoid extractions, positive
patient experience, and in his case, the ability to
achieve the pretreatment plan.
The SureSmile process consists of the following
steps:
1. Obtaining diagnostic models
2. Bonding brackets, then scanning, or scanning
for indirect bonding
3. Obtaining a therapeutic model from
SureSmile

4. Fabricating archwires (copper nickel titanium)
5. If brackets are directly bonded, start leveling
with light NiTi archwires until fabricated archwires are received (approximately four to five
weeks).
The treatment plan can be digitally designed and
evaluated; there is also an option to view the
final ABO score. The treatment plan can be modified as the patient progresses, and new wires can
be fabricated at any point. Root positions can be
evaluated mid-treatment and corrected in the
finishing stage. Wires can be staged to limit the
force application.
Dr. Goldstein reminded us that digital technology
is a tool that comes with a learning curve. From
diagnostics to therapeutics, though, there is
increased control and efficiency. SureSmile eliminates some human error, controls unwanted
movements and side effects, and allows dynamic
movement of multiple teeth at once. He showed
several clinical examples of SureSmile cases with
excellent results. 

Getting Found and Looking Your Best Online
A second part of SEO is getting your website
listed correctly and consistently across the Internet. References to your business (citations) must
be consistent or patients (and Google) may be
confused about who and where you are. Visit
Moz.com to learn about an easy way to determine the consistency of your online business
information, whether your listings are complete,
and whether there are duplicates (which also
confuse Google). If your site is modern, attractive,
up-to-date, and accurately listed, and you still

Summer 2017  PCSO Bulletin

continued from page 66

don't show up on the first page of search results,
Dr. Jorgensen recommends that you invest in SEO
services and Google AdWords.
The process of attracting patients to a practice
has changed over the past 25 years. Now, more
than ever, it is essential to be easily found online
and to look good when patients find you. Start
with your website and Google My Business listings. If you are still not having the success you
desire, hire someone to help you with SEO, online
advertising, and reputation management. 

http://Moz.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Summer 2017