W/C 11.02.19

6. The Technology Killing Our Brains

Weekly Event: 
Concept Feasibility Calculations - a workshop by Ben Craven
This week Ben spoke to us about the power of simple calculations to quickly judge the feasibility of a concept. It’s a great time saving tool which I will definitely use in future projects in an attempt to stop myself perusing unrealistic ideas.

Something that I realised isn’t so great is my mental arithmetic. I was a fourth year engineering student watching in awe as Ben quickly worked through the numbers in his head. They weren’t even particularly difficult. I could have worked them out, but I’m completely calculator dependant – my first thought was to reach for the one in my phone.

It’s funny how my brain can grasp complex engineering modules at university, but I don’t consider using it for basic maths. I think we have become so reliant on technology for basic skills. It’s not that we can’t do it, but we delegate, and become unpractised and inefficient.

I saw this recently in a 1st year engineering laboratory that I teach. The students are faced with a simple pendulum experiment. It has markers on so that the pendulum can be released from a set angle. Then the students are asked to start the pendulum from 60 degrees – but the scale only goes up to 40 degrees. The solution to which is to use basic trigonometry to work out the equivalent height. This usually results in some head scratching and the waving around of rulers until the height it worked out. But not this time. The students downloaded a spirit level app to let their phone do the maths for them. Intuitive, I thought at first; but then I realised that the more we get technology to think for us, the less able our brains are to solve problems. If we keep getting machines, apps and google to do our thinking for us, what will be left of our brains?

Digitisation Of Orthognathics

Increased Efficiency

The main attraction of a digital workflow is efficiency. ​3D scanning technologies mean that models can be made of the patient mouth without them being subject to an uncomfortable mouthful of goo – I had countless impressions made over the years and it’s definitely one of the worst parts of orthodontic treatment. Digital impressions can be made faster, more accurately and are much better for the patient. They can also be viewed immediately, rather than waiting for cast pieces to come back from the lab, which requires another appointment.  CEREC provide 3D scanners and modelling software for use in the dental industry. They focus on supplying prosthetics such as veneers and crowns where the mouth can be scanned, the prosthetic made and fitted all in the same appointment. Scanners use shade detection to ensure a good colour match. Data from the can scanners also be used to create Invisalign braces. 

Reducing Human Error

In my response to Ben Cravens talk (above) I questioned our increasing reliance on technology, and blamed the lack of practice it results in for slowly killing our brains. The same could  be said for technology in orthodontics; it reduces the need for orthodontists fine motor skills and visual judgement. However, when technology has the potential to produce better outcomes for the patient it can't be frowned upon. Orthodontists clearly are highly skilled in other areas anyway. Digitisation in the manufacture of appliances has the potential to greatly increase effectiveness and reduce treatment times. Machines can be used to eliminate current causes of human error – areas where this is significant are in the bending of the arch wire, and the attachment of brackets to the teeth. ​

Below are some examples of the technology being developed to fix these problems; both from the company where I will be working this summer!
Robotic Arch Wire Bending:
With traditional orthodontics, an orthodontist will be responsible for completing any of the adjustments to an orthodontic appliance as well as bending it to the desired shape in the original manufacturing process. Wires which bent by robots can deliver a far greater level of precision, helping shorten treatment time and achieve better results. 
3D Printed Bonding Trays:
Currently orthodontists fix brackets to the teeth by hand, judging their placement by eye. The positioning of the bracket is vital to ensure that teeth will sit in the correct final position. Using 3D models and software, bonding trays can be 3D printed. Brackets are simply placed into the positioning jigs for accurate transfer into the planned position. ​
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