19 September 2022

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The power of AI in orthodontics: Dr. Marina Domracheva, 3D Predict

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Artificial intelligence (AI) has immense power, with applications that use data and results in near real-time. The technology analyzes new information from many sources and adapts accordingly, with a level of accuracy that can be invaluable to clinicians and researchers. Dentistry33's Paola Omini recently spoke with Dr. Marina Domracheva, founder, and owner of 3D Predict®, about using AI in orthodontic treatment.

Q: Dr. Domracheva, you bring a new approach to orthodontics treatments in the dental industry. When and why did you create 3D Predict?

A: I created 3D Predict because I wanted to give doctors aligners that they can use to treat complex patient cases. I wanted to convert aligners from a plastic commodity for cosmetic dentistry to a medical device that delivers uncompromised patient outcomes.

I'm a medical doctor by training and I specialized in infectious diseases and vaccinations. I was previously involved in clinical trials and research. 

I first learned about aligners in 2014 from a friend who was going to straighten his teeth and asked for my advice, as people always do when you are a medical doctor. At that time, I knew nothing about orthodontics. However, I was curious as to how plastic trays could move teeth. I read countless articles about biomechanics, bone structure, osteoclastic and osteoblastic activity, aligners, and braces. I talked to orthodontists to find out their unmet needs. At that time, doctors used aligners for cosmetic dentistry and braces for orthodontic treatment. 

When I founded the company, I did not want to be one more manufacturing company producing similar but cheaper aligners. I wanted to bring value. I wanted to improve the effectiveness of aligner treatments. The company's mission was and is to create the most advanced technology, which would allow orthodontists to use aligners for 90% of their patients. I used my research background to develop 3D Predict.  

Q: 3D Predict's aligner combines AI, machine learning, math algorithms, and 3D printing. How do these different technologies work together to design and manufacture a clear aligner?

A: We use AI to design aligners; our software is a key differentiator. AI is a generic term that includes machine learning and mathematical algorithms. Machine learning is a key component of AI-based software. Software is programmed to 'learn' from experience, like human beings, and we developed the first generation of our software in 2017. 

This AI-based software created precise and accurate 3D models of teeth roots and bones. We used these models to plan tooth movement. Every year, our software uses data from our patients and every year, our software is much better than it was five years ago when we started. Unlike other companies, we do not use a library of artificial data. This allows doctors to plan treatments with accuracy, using our experience with real teeth roots, and bone. 

Q: You also developed CBCT software called 'Deep CBCT Analysis.' How is this technology incorporated into orthodontic treatment?

A: Similar to our other software, the Deep CBCT Analysis allows doctors to approve predictable treatments for their patients. This approach improves patient outcomes and significantly reduces the number of refinements and time in the chair for patients.

Q: What is the process for obtaining a 3D Predict's aligner? Can you walk us through this from the patient's first visit to receiving the device?

A: Dentists or orthodontists first have a consult visit with a patient about 3D Predict aligners. They will explain the treatment plan to the patient – including which future dental problems could be prevented if the teeth are straightened. Having straight teeth is all about health; a beautiful smile is a nice bonus. At the second visit, the medical team will take photos and radiological images, conduct intraoral scanning, or make impressions. The dentist then submits medical records to 3D Predict, and they also provide treatment instructions to the patient. 

We use our software to create a digital 3D Plan, which includes crown and root movement as well as bone treatment. This keeps the roots inside the bone, making them parallel while planning predictable torque. When doctors approve the 3D Plan, we manufacture and ship the aligners. The turnaround time is typically two to three weeks.

When the aligners are delivered, the doctor gives the first set of aligners to their patients and educates them about compliance, hygiene, etc. Follow-up visits are short and take place every two to six months. 3D Predict technology increases the predictability of tooth movements, which reduces the number of refinements by 2.5 times. That is why the number of patient visits is up to 70% less than a typical aligner process.

Q: What is the most challenging orthodontic case that 3D Predict can help with? 

A: With 3D Predict, doctors can treat challenging cases - bone issues are the only limit. If there is a bone, we can move teeth. We've had cases with four to six-millimeter bodily arch expansion within the bone, which was achieved without refinements. Other aligners and braces usually tip teeth; bodily expansion is a challenging movement by itself. 

Distalization is another challenging procedure. Dentists use additional appliances for it, which requires extra patient compliance, additional chair time, and lab fees. Our technology allows clinicians to achieve up to three millimeters of distalization without additional appliances, which is important to treat class II bites or to create space for implants. 

Q: What advice do you have for a dentist just starting to use a 3D Predict aligner: which case would you begin with, and how do you support new adopters of your technology?

A: When dentists are just starting to use 3D Predict, I would suggest beginning with a case of moderate crowding. It is similar to implants – when you start using new systems, begin with posterior teeth, and when you are confident, you place implants in the anterior region. Correcting moderate crowding will allow dentists to see the benefits of 3D Predict, including accurate root and bone treatment planning, bodily movements, fewer refinements, and reduced chair time. After a dentist is confident using 3D Predict for moderate cases, you can switch to more complex cases and patients will benefit even further.

We provide a lot of support to dentists who are starting to use 3D Predict. All 3D Plans are created and reviewed by orthodontists. Dentists can schedule a Zoom call with our clinical experts, board-certified orthodontists, who use 3D Predict. This allows practical and theoretical support. 

Q: How can your technology be used on other devices? For example, can we expect to see it applied to planning and manufacturing mandibular advancement devices to treat sleep apnea?

A: Our Deep CBCT Analysis could be used for planning any treatment that incorporates roots and bone. Our customers use 3D Predict to treat sleep apnea, where bodily arch expansion is crucial for success. Other doctors use 3D Predict before and after orthodontic surgery. 

Q: Based on your experience, what do you believe orthodontics will look like in the future?

A: Cutting-edge technology will make orthodontics safer, more precise, and more efficient. In orthodontics, doctors move teeth in 3D. This is why it is crucial to plan treatment in 3D, as this prevents bone dehiscence. Doctors will spend less time on refinements in the future, and technology will make treatment more predictable. Both doctors and patients will benefit from it. 

To learn more about 3D Predict, what cases can be treated using its aligners, and more, visit the company's website. 

About Dr. Maria Domracheva 

Dr. Maria Domracheva's passion for mathematics drives her work in advanced technology to improve clinical effectiveness in dental care. She trained as a medical doctor and founded her first MedTech startup in 2014. Domracheva used her extensive clinical research experience to develop 3D Predict, which offers increased effectiveness and reduced treatment time by 30%. 3D Predict aligners were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2020. Domracheva received a medical degree from Moscow State University in Russia. She was previously a medical advisory at Merck and a medical and scientific advisor at GlaxoSmithKline.  

About 3D Predict

3D Predict was founded by renowned and respected Dr. Marina Domracheva, who has years of extensive clinical trial experience. When the business started in 2014, orthodontists dreamed of planning root movements and knowing what was inside the bone. Under Dr. Marina's leadership, 3D Predict developed a one-of-a-kind Deep CBCT® Analysis, which creates highly precise 3D models of a patient's crowns, bone, and roots. 3D Predict is revolutionizing the dental industry, using proprietary, patented AI technology to treat patients predictably, quickly, and safely with uncompromised clinical outcomes.