Abstract
Background and objectives: Modern dentistry is rapidly evolving with the integration of digital technologies aimed at enhancing the quality, convenience, and overall experience of care. Orthodontics is actively following this trend. The aim of this narrative review was to provide general dentists with a practical overview of digital orthodontic workflows by exploring the role of digital workflows in orthodontics, drawing from current and relevant literature to evaluate their impact on diagnosis, treatment planning, and delivery.
Findings: The findings highlight the growing expectation for clinicians to adopt digital workflows, emphasising the need for ongoing education and adaptation. Key areas covered in the literature include the use of intraoral scanners, 3D printing technologies, indirect bonding trays, and the rising popularity of clear aligner therapy.
Conclusions: While digital tools offer notable advantages such as improved accuracy, efficiency, and patient communication, they also present limitations including high initial costs, steep learning curves, and potential inaccuracies in specific applications. General dentists are recommended to adopt a critical yet proactive approach to the integration of digital technology into daily practice.