Conventional versus digital workflows for palatal TADs?

Abstract

Recently the feasibility of modern CAD/CAM workflows were described to manufacture insertion guides and metal printed appliances to improve the possibilities of palatal TAD anchorage. Both conventional and digital workflows are safe and efficacious and broaden the treatment options significantly. Advantages of digital workflow are that TADs and appliance can be inserted in just one appointment, more rigid appliances can be designed and a higher precision can be obtained due to the use of scanners. Disadvantages of the new digital workflow may be higher cost and more time that is needed for the incorporation of digital workflows and design of the appliances. Additionally, there is always need for a laboratory process, whilst some conventional TAD appliances can be bend and adapted directly chairside. Metal printed appliances are very rigid and not flexible and thus cannot be activated or bent easily, which may also be considered as a disadvantage compared to conventional TAD borne sliders.