SmartSTL

SmartSTL is an innovative software feature that allows us to generate 3D models of dental arches using recently obtained DentalMonitoring scans. This can eliminate the need for your patient to return to your practice for additional diagnostics at the finishing protocol or retention stages.

• We are not creating a new set of 3D models from the DentalMonitoring scans - we are using the scan images to update the tooth positions of the existing 3D models that the aligners were printed from.
• This means:
  • The case must be a finishing protocol or retainer case
  • DentalMonitoring scan quality is essential. All teeth and tooth cusps must be clearly visible 
  • Accurate scans will lead to quicker production
  • We cannot generate new or changed dentition that was not present in the previous treatment plan models

How it works

When your eligible patient is ready for finishing protocols or retention, stop them in their current aligner stage, advise them to continue wearing it, and ensure that they take an excellent last scan in that step. If you would like for us to communicate with the patient via DentalMonitoring, let us know. This scan must meet the criteria below. 

Scan quality

• Cannot be excessively blurry
• Must show all teeth on each arch, including occlusal cusps and incisal edges
• The tongue must be sufficiently retracted or curled to show the lingual gingiva
• The scan must be less than two weeks old

It is strongly recommended that the patient scan using a large-sized cheek retractor tube. Medium-sized tubes only rarely allow the full view that is needed for treatment planning, and so will very likely be rejected in quality checks. To proactively ensure a good scan, we would like to send a large cheek retractor tube for the patient to use. Please tell us if you would like this shipped to your practice or to the patient’s home. 

In order to start the case, you will contact Oliv Provider Support to initiate a SmartSTL case for your patient. You will be directed to complete a SmartSTL intake questionnaire by email response, after which Provider Support notifies DentalMonitoring when the patient scans so that SmartSTLs can be created. 

Oliv treatment planners will use those SmartSTLs to create your new treatment plan or retainer models. Finishing plans created from the latest scans will be submitted to you for your revision or approval, and then produced and shipped, as normal.

Eligibility

Not all patients will be eligible for SmartSTL submission. Aside from the necessary scan quality above, the patient must also:

• Have had any dental work or dental changes since their latest diagnostic scans were taken. This includes new crowns, bridges, or implants; new teeth that have erupted; noticeable damage, chipping, or any changes to the shape of the teeth; or new IPR or bonding
• Have not had too much arch expansion already (for scan visibility)

What we need from you and your patient

If you have a patient who may be eligible for SmartSTL submission, please ensure that they meet the above criteria, that they will remain in their current aligner stage, advise them on what is needed to ensure excellent scan quality, and contact Oliv Provider Support to open the SmartSTL case. 

The SmartSTL intake questionnaire will ask for the following information

• The Oliv Patient ID
• DentalMonitoring’s Patient ID (PID)
• The step number that the patient is holding in
• The case type: finishing protocol or retainer
• Your permission for Oliv to communicate with the patient if the scan received was not of good quality: yes or no
• Any changes, even if very minor, to dentition since the most recent intraoral scan. If so, the tooth numbers. Including:
  • Chipped teeth
  • Eruptions (new or mixed dentition)
  • Restorative Work: crowns, bridges, implants

For any further questions about participation or submission, please contact Oliv Support at [phone] or [e-mail].