Adaptive wear cycles represent an innovative, patient-centric approach to clear aligner therapy that adjusts clear aligner wear timing based on individual patient response. Orthosnap utilizes Dental Monitoring to provide tailored wear schedules, optimizing treatment outcomes while enhancing patient compliance and satisfaction.
What are Adaptive Wear Cycles?
Clear aligner treatment with most brands typically involves fixed intervals—commonly weekly or biweekly—regardless of individual tooth movement response.
In contrast, Orthosnap implements adaptive wear cycles that leverage ongoing monitoring to determine precisely when patients should progress to the next set of aligners. This method ensures that tooth movements align closely with the projected treatment plans and timeframe for completion.
Dental Monitoring helps us track patient progress remotely. Your patients will submit images through a smartphone app, enabling Orthosnap to analyze alignment status and inform patients precisely when to switch to their next aligner set.
Benefits of Adaptive Wear Cycles
1. Improved Efficiency - Adaptive cycles minimize unnecessary treatment progression delays. Patients may advance through aligners efficiently and safely, reducing overall treatment duration.
2. Enhanced Compliance - Regular remote check-ins help maintain patient motivation and accountability, improving adherence to wear guidelines.
3. Superior Clinical Outcomes - Adaptive wear cycles reduce the likelihood of tracking issues and refinements by ensuring teeth have achieved the desired orthodontic movement before advancing.
How Adaptive Wear Cycles Work in Practice
Orthosnap patients using adaptive wear cycles typically follow these steps:
Initial Setup: Orthosnap will program the patient's profile and treatment in Dental Monitoring, usually with a recommended 7-day aligner wear cycle.
Dental Monitoring Scans: Patients regularly submit images through the Dental Monitoring app on the last day of each wear cycle.
Real-time Evaluation: Orthosnap evaluates tooth positions using AI-powered image recognition analytics and visually with our team of clinical account managers.
Customized Instructions: Patients receive notifications confirming when it's optimal to advance to the next aligner.
Adaptation to Patient Reality: If the patient gets 3 GO indications in a row (corresponding to 3 weeks), the wear cycle will automatically reduce 1 day from 7 days to 6 days. If the patient gets 3 NO-GOs/GO-BACKs in a row, increase the scan interval by 1 day - not above 14. If the patient has not fully achieved the orthodontic tooth movement in any week the patient will be asked to wear that particular aligner for an extra day or two and then rescan to ensure that the movements have fully expressed.
Managing Non-Compliance and Wear Cycle Extensions
Patient non-compliance can significantly impact aligner therapy effectiveness. Adaptive wear cycles enable early detection of insufficient wear or treatment lag. Orthosnap proactively addresses compliance issues by extending wear periods when necessary, ensuring teeth reach the appropriate alignment before proceeding.
Tips for Improving Compliance:
Clear patient education on the importance of compliance
Encouraging consistent use of Dental Monitoring
Regular positive reinforcement and patient engagement