Tung Thanh Nguyen, DMD, MS

Customized appliances, does it live up to the claims? 

The past two decades have seen a tremendous increase in the introduction of technology into the field of orthodontics. Rapid advancements and decreasing production cost for computer hardware and software technology, CAD-CAM appliances, 3D imaging and 3D printing have made it possible to incorporate this technology into daily clinical practice. However, the basic question remains “what is efficient and effective, what is not, and what is best for our patient?” This presentation will discuss current available “customized appliances”, shows clinical cases using the technology, and examine the data (or lack of data) regarding their effectiveness. Learning objectives: 1. Discuss 3D Imaging technology and highlight current and future applications in orthodontics. 2. Discuss the pros and cons of incorporating a 3D customized appliances into your practice. 3. Review “customized brackets” and discuss the current available data on their efficacy.

Dr. Tung Nguyen completed his dental training at Tufts University and received his master’s degree and Certificate in Orthodontics at the University of North Carolina. He completed the William R Proffit Teaching Fellowship before joining the faculty at the University of North Carolina. He is the Zaytoun Endowed Professor and Program Director at UNC, a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and a member of the Angle Society of Orthodontists. He received the BF and Helen Dewel Award for best clinical research from the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics for the work done on Class III bone anchors. Dr. Nguyen has over 90 publications and book chapters and has lectured nationally and internationally. His research interests are 3D imaging, technology and dentofacial orthopedics.