The clinic is one of only three centres in the world dedicated to lingual treatment using the Suresmile system.
Asif explained that his preference for this method is due to its customisation capabilities; whilst traditional orthodontic techniques treat each patient in the same way, this system enables him to take each individual’s unique facial forms and formulate an equally unique treatment plan. Asif said: “Because the technology is customised, in my opinion you are providing the best possible treatment for the patient because you are treating them as an individual, not as an average.”
Asif also showed great enthusiasm for digital technology generally, saying: “Digital technology is now present in every facet of modern life, and definitely in orthodontics; it’s just a matter of whether we embrace the technology or not.” Asif believes that whenever a new piece of technology is introduced evaluation is an important part of the process; clinicians should be aware of the clinical benefits afforded by a piece of technology but also, most importantly, understand what benefits will be derived by the patient.
The London Lingual Orthodontic Clinic has been making use of an intraoral scanner for the past few years to build up a 3D framework of each individual patient’s teeth which is then related to X-rays, models and photography; this enables Asif and his team to see what effect potential treatment can achieve.
One advantage of this method is that appliances can be designed digitally using Suresmile’s 3D design function, retaining all of the detail captured from the scanning stage. Communication with the patient and referring dentist is greatly enhanced and expectations are managed effectively; being able to show patients their starting point and prospective end result, as well as their progress along the way, is a useful tool in incentivising, motivating and reassuring.
Suresmile makes use of robots to create the customised appliances; 16 robots, each calibrated to one specific type of wire, bend the wires to their prescribed positions. This process is precise to a fraction of a millimetre. In Asif’s opinion, greater control over the process from start to finish is a major benefit for clinicians.