Practice Management The Wired Orthodontist The In-House Aligner Revolution Note: Please be aware that the PCSO Bulletin does not endorse or promote any brands. Dr. Matthew Cozin San Francisco, CA PCSO Bulletin Columnist 62 Systems that allow orthodontists to fabricate their own clear aligners are developing rapidly. Doctors that choose to use these systems enjoy saving costs on expensive lab fees as well as more freedom to control delivery time. Doctors that have not yet tried these systems may be turned off by the upfront costs to purchase software and hardware, the potential increased staff time required to perform more lab work on site, or perhaps they are simply overwhelmed by the many options available on the market. The following is a list of companies that offer doctors a system to develop their own in-house aligners, each offering subtle differences that may appeal to different clinicians. in the development of each case, so that all steps of the aligner development process are in-house. With full control of each case, doctors are able to start aligner treatment on the same day they acquire a patient's records. Doctors also have the option of ordering printed models if they do not have their own 3D printers. 3Shape Clear Aligner Studio software gives doctors full control to develop their own digital setups without technicians but uses automated features that place attachments and stage tooth movements. This software is compatible with most intraoral scanners. The end product is a set of digital files that can be used for 3D-printing models from which aligners can be fabricated or outsourced to another laboratory for fabrication. SureSmile® Aligners The SureSmile Aligner system is compatible with most 3D scanners and offers a range of products. The system can either deliver the models to its users or simply generate the appropriate series of STL files. These files allow doctors to print models themselves and use them to make their own aligners. Their software allows clinicians to alter the level of gingival coverage in each aligner as they see fit. Arcad Digital Orthodontic Solutions Arcad Align Design 3D software is compatible with most scanners. This system provides doctors the option of ordering digital models they print themselves, the delivery of a completed set of printed models for in-house fabrication of aligners, or the aligners themselves. Their app allows patients to accept their own digital setup. The system involves a technician that completes the initial digital setup, which the doctor is then able to modify. Orchestrate3D Orchestrate 3D version 4.0 software is compatible with most major brands of intraoral scanners. This system eliminates the laboratory technician iROK™ Digital Dental Studios iROK is a digital laboratory that delivers staged STL files for 3D printing. Their price includes refinement. PCSO Bulletin Winter 2021