Background: Digital orthodontics has transformed treatment planning through the integration of three-dimensional imaging modalities, including cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and intraoral scanning, facilitating individualized, evidence-based care.
Objective: To evaluate the clinical impact of digital orthodontic workflows, with emphasis on CBCT integration, imaging accuracy, and patient-centered treatment outcomes compared to conventional approaches.
Methods: A comparative prospective study was conducted involving 120 orthodontic patients assigned to either a digital (n = 60) or conventional (n = 60) treatment arm. Metrics included planning time, bracket placement accuracy, treatment duration, patient satisfaction, and imaging re-take rates over a 24-month follow-up.
Results: Digital workflows significantly reduced treatment planning time by 57%, improved bracket placement accuracy from 72.3% to 94.6%, decreased mean treatment duration by 18.3%, and improved patient satisfaction scores from 6.8 to 8.7 on a ten-point visual analogue scale.
Conclusion: Digital orthodontic frameworks incorporating three-dimensional imaging deliver measurable improvements in clinical precision, workflow efficiency, and patient experience, substantiating their widespread adoption in contemporary orthodontic practice.