Digital planning in orthodontics. Applicability of the Kau, Pan, Gallerano index in contemporary orthodontics

Abstract

Introduction. Digital planning in modern orthodontics is crucial in contemporary era, as it allows dentists to expand the limits of patients’ diagnosis and clinical treatment. Using tools such as 3D scanners, cone beam computed tomography with various software gives clinicians the opportunity to achieve more precise diagnoses and accurate predictions of treatments. In this way, digital imaging offers a precise localization of impacted canines which allows for the integration and applications of the Kau, Pan, Gallerano index. Material and methods. To assess the applicability of the Kau, Pan, Gallerano index and digital planning in orthodontics, this review evaluates key studies that explore various aspects of the topic. Scientific databases such as Cochrane Library, Medline, Scopus, Medicus, NCBI, PubMed, and Google Scholar were used to find the necessary articles. Research methods like analysis, synthesis, systematization and description were applied. Results. After analyzing the available data, this review presents the benefits and opportunities of digital orthodontics. The findings demonstrate that the Kau, Pan, Gallerano index offers high diagnostic accuracy by effectively categorizing various types of impactions. Moreover, the analysis reveals a strong correlation between the Kau, Pan, Gallerano index scores and successful treatment outcomes, showing that the index with digital technologies improves diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning. Conclusions. The reviewed literature collectively indicates that this index is a valuable tool in contemporary digital orthodontics. Its interdisciplinary connection with digital planning which provides strong predictive value, and its comprehensive assessment approach make it an important component in modern orthodontic practice. Future research should continue to explore the advantages and disadvantages of modern technologies used in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning, thus validating their efficiency and their applicability across diverse complex orthodontic cases.