3D printing

DCO: The Humanized Digital Experience

We are all deeply familiar with the capability of digital technology to revolutionize the way we do things. Twenty years ago, we all would have had trouble believing that most of society would be connected via mini, hand-held computers that magically merged with our phones.  At that point, we were still grappling with the concept of the internet and hoping that the world did not end on “Y2K.”  As we know, in many arenas and in many ways, digitization has spelled dehumanization of experiences for customers.

At DCO, we are constantly seeking to combine the awesome capabilities of digital technologies to enhance the personal experience patients have while in treatment.  Each patient is assigned to a DCO Experience Concierge whose sole mission is to guide individuals through the treatment process. The DCO Experience Concierge ensures seamless coordination, high-quality service, and a personal connection throughout treatment.

Our practice has carefully and deliberately selected technologies that add value to the personal experience of each patient.  Below are three examples:

1. 3D Printing-  A true win-win for patients is technology that improves treatment quality, enhances treatment efficiency, and provides a more comfortable experience. Three-dimensional scanning and printing has allowed us to be extremely precise in creating a digital 3D model of our patients’ teeth to aid us in accurate diagnosis and treatment.  We are able to work with laboratories to 3D print and create accurate appliances like expanders for children and Invisalign aligners for teens and adults.  The upsides to this technology are a huge increase in patient comfort through the elimination of the need for impressions and the improved accuracy of our diagnosis and treatment.  The downsides are none.

1. Digital Workflow- Your healthcare experience will no longer be defined by having to fill out 15 paper forms while the reception staff sits behind a glass partition.  At our practice, from beginning to end, the DCO Experience Concierge is always with the patient along the way, answering questions and lending support. Our digital treatment experience is built around elimination of unnecessary steps, clear communication, and paperless management of each patient’s personalized treatment. We use sophisticated digital diagnostic, practice management and treatment planning software that allows us to make things simple for our patients while leaving a green footprint.  Among these technologies are digital radiographs and three dimensional model generation which provides enhanced comfort to patients, appliances that fit more precisely, and creates efficiencies to allow for fewer visits during treatment for each patient.

1. Invisalign- Clear aligner treatment (Invisalign) has enabled us to make treatment virtually invisible. Additionally, it allows for flexible for adults and has improved the quality of life, function, and confidence for many who would not pursue orthodontic treatment otherwise.  Invisalign’s innovations are centered around using 3D models to virtually move teeth and manufacture clear aligners to be worn sequentially at each stage of tooth movement.  Invisalign's digital technology dovetails perfectly into 3D printing and scanning technological advancements that we have harnessed in other areas of our practice.  Adults are now free to pursue orthodontic treatment with extremely little impact on their lifestyle or work schedule.

The future is here and it is exciting!  At DCO Orthodontic Specialists, we have harnessed the power of digital technology to enhance human interactions, not replace them.