Abstract: Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, the most complex branch of dentistry, assume a careful acquisition and interpretation of a large amount of information to achieve a correct diagnosis and treatment planning. Medical imaging has become a major tool in almost every aspect of orthodontic practice, research and education. Three-dimensional imaging had a great evolution in recent years and has found various applications in orthodontics as well as in oral and maxillofacial surgery. The paper will present the most recent uses of biomedical imaging in the orthodontic practice. Digital photographs, digital models, digital radiology and cone beam computed tomography will be presented and evaluated. We outlined the specific clinical problems where this digital technology can best help the orthodontist in providing improved diagnosis and treatment planning. The specialists from dental medicine are encouraged to exploit the potential of this technology and to contribute to the development of these powerful diagnostic tools.

Brief Biography of the Speaker:
Alexandru S. Ogodescu graduated in 1993 the “Grigore Moisil” Computer Science High School in Timisoara, specializing in computers, getting the degree of programmer. In 1999 he graduated the School of Dentistry form the University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babes” Timisoara, Romania obtaining the degree of doctor-medical-doctor (DMD) in dentistry. After 3 years of postgraduate specialization (2000-2003) in the same University he obtained the title of Specialist in Orthodontics and Dento-Facial Orthopedics. In 2001 he graduated the postgraduate course about “Computer Science for Dentists”. In 2006 he presented his PhD Thesis about “The Interdisciplinary of Modern Orthodontics” and received the degree of PhD in dental science. The author’s major fields of study are interdisciplinary orthodontics, orthodontic treatment of adult patients, biomechanics, computer science in orthodontics, digital tools, and management of dental surfaces during the orthodontic treatment. He works now as Ass. Prof. in the Department of Orthodontics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babes” Timisoara, Romania and also in his own private dental practice (1999-present). In 2008 he published the first monograph about adult orthodontics in Romania : “Tratamentul orthodontic la adult”, Timisoara, Romania, Ed.Eubeea, 2008. He presented and published together with his wife, Dr. Emilia Ogodescu, also orthodontist, a lot of papers in the fields of orthodontics and received awards. Dr. Ogodescu is member of the Romanian Society of Straight-Wire, European Orthodontic Society, World Federation of Orthodontics, International Association of Dental Research and Association for Computing Machinery.