Table 2: Evaluation of knowledge, attitude and practice of digital orthodontics among study participants.

Question

Options

N (%)

Are you aware of digital orthodontics

Yes

307 (100.0)

No

-

There are several digital tools and platforms that aid in enhancing the orthodontic treatment, accuracy and efficiency. Which of these are you aware of?

DP, DI, DSM, DR (CBCT, OPG, etc.), DCA, DSP, VBPR, Digital fabrication of appliances and retainers, CA, 3D printing in Orthodontics

50 (16.3)

DP, DI, DSM, DR (CBCT, OPG, etc.), DCA, DSP, VBPR, Digital fabrication of appliances and retainers, CA, 3D printing in Orthodontics, RP

12 (3.9)

DP, DI, DSM, DR (CBCT, OPG, etc.), DCA, DSP, VBPR, Digital fabrication of appliances and retainers, FEM, CA, 3D printing in Orthodontics

62 (20.2)

DP, DI, DSM, DR (CBCT, OPG, etc.), DCA, DSP, VBPR, Digital fabrication of appliances and retainers, FEM, CA, 3D printing in Orthodontics, RP

99(32.2)

DP, DI, DSM, DR (CBCT, OPG, etc.), DCA, DSP, Digital fabrication of appliances and retainers, CA, 3D printing in Orthodontics, RP

71 (23.1)

DP, DI, DSM, DR (CBCT, OPG, etc.), DCA, DSP, Digital fabrication of appliances and retainers, FEM, CA, 3D printing in Orthodontics

13 (4.2)

Which of these digital platforms are you currently utilizing? Name them.

 

DP, DR

135 (44)

DP, DR, DI

61 (19.9)

DP, DR, DI, DCA, CA

61 (19.9)

DP, DR, DI, DCA, CA, surgical planning

50 (16.3)

What method do you practice for making impressions of patients?

Conventional

146 (47.6)

Digital

24 (7.8)

Both

137 (44.6)

Which method of making impression gives more convenience as per operator and patient perspective according to you? 

Conventional

49 (16)

Digital

220 (71.7)

Both give same results

38 (12.4)

In the COVID-19 pandemic, which method of impression making will be a better option according to you?

Conventional

11 (3.6)

Digital

272 (88.6)

Either of the above

24 (7.8)

What method of radiographic analysis do you practice?

Manual

36 (11.7)

Digital technique (e.g., NemoCeph, Dolphin, etc.)

61 (19.9)

Both

210 (68.4)

Do you use 3D soft tissue prediction softwares for orthognathic surgeries?

Yes

172 (56)

No

135 (44)

Do you think that with usage of digitally customized bracket systems and wires along with virtual diagnosis and treatment planning, total orthodontic treatment time will decrease compared to the conventional methods?

Yes

199 (64.8)

No

48 (15.6)

Maybe

60 (19.5)

Will you be investing in digital and customized orthodontic systems in the future? 

Yes

307 (100)

No

-

Which digital technologies used in orthodontics would you like to invest in?

CA

122 (39.6)

CA, DI, Intraoral Scanners:

56 (18.2)

CA, DI, Intraoral Scanners, DCA:

28 (9.1)

3D Printing, Digitally Fabricated Appliances

28 (9.1)

Intra-Oral Scanner, 3D Printing

37 (12)

CA, DI, Intraoral Scanners, 3D Printing, Digitally Fabricated Appliances, DCA

37 (12)

Is the increased cost of these digital technologies deterring you from using them in your routine practice?

Yes

282 (91.9)

No

25 (8.1)

Are you concerned about the availability of 3D printers and digital tools in today's world starting a trend for companies to directly deliver aligners and orthodontic appliances to patient at doorstep?

Yes

232 (75.6)

No

12 (3.9)

Maybe

63 (20.5)

Do you think digital orthodontics will have a significant role in the field of orthodontics in future?

Yes

307 (100)

No

 

Maybe