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Understanding Archwire Passivity: Photo Monitoring Full (PMF) vs. 3D Monitoring Light (3DL)/3D Monitoring Full (3DF) Tracking
Understanding Archwire Passivity: Photo Monitoring Full (PMF) vs. 3D Monitoring Light (3DL)/3D Monitoring Full (3DF) Tracking
Emma Foures avatar
Written by Emma Foures
Updated over 9 months ago

Thanks to the DentalMonitoring technology, monitoring the tooth movement expressed by the archwire and/or auxiliaries (ex. elastics) has become more efficient and precise. This article provides an overview of our passive archwire and auxiliaries goal, including how it is triggered and the difference between Photo Monitoring Full (PMF) and 3D Monitoring Light (3DL) / 3D Monitoring Full (3DF) tracking methods.

What Triggers Archwire Passivity?

Archwire passivity is triggered when no clinically significant tooth movement is detected for two successive scans. See the example below:

PMF and 3DL/3DF Tracking

Tooth movement can be tracked with both PMF and 3DL/3DF. To track it you can activate the "passive archwire and auxiliaries" goal directly on the patient card. You can set a deadline for the goal: this will send a notification if the goal has not been reached during the expected period of time.

If you want to keep tracking the archwire passivity once it has been achieved, please remember to reset the goal.

Although tooth movement can be triggered through both PMF and 3DL/3DF, here are the key differences:

Photo Monitoring Full (PMF)

3D Monitoring Light/Full (3DL/3DF)

Tracked through the "passive archwire and auxiliaries" goal

Tracked through the "passive archwire and auxiliaries" observation in the protocol or the goals

Can only be used for buccal (not lingual) braces

Can be used for any type of treatment, including both buccal and lingual braces

Does not need a 3D model

Initial 3D model needed

No graph visualization

Tooth movement graphs visualization (translation, intrusion/extrusion, torque, rotation, angulation)

Analysis done from second premolar to second premolar (5-5)

Analysis based on all present teeth in the mouth

With the availability of both PMF and 3D monitoring (light or full) methods, you can choose the best method for your patients based on treatment type, braces type, and personal preference. By keeping track of archwire passivity, you can make necessary adjustments to treatment plans and ensure successful outcomes for your patients.

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