Before studying graduate orthodontics at Baylor College of Dentistry, Dr. Roblee practiced restorative dentistry in Dallas, Texas. He is recognized worldwide for his work in esthetic dentistry, orthodontic techniques, and interdisciplinary therapy; and has given more than 500 professional presentations in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Japan. Dr. Roblee is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. He has authored numerous publications and videos, including a textbook entitled “Interdisciplinary Dentofacial Therapy: A Comprehensive Approach to Optimal Patient Care” (Quintessence Publishing Co., Inc.). He is an active member in numerous prestigious dental organizations, including the American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics, the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry, and the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, of which Dr. Roblee is a Past-President.
Rick Roblee
The Future of Interdisciplinary Esthetic Dentistry: Digitally Empowered with an Airway Focus
Experience consistently reminds us that the most challenging esthetic and restorative dilemmas are those that fall into a “gray zone” between traditional dental specialties and therapies. The complexities of diagnosing these problems, coupled with the lack of optimal treatment options, have historically led to inappropriate treatment and disappointing compromises. The cutting-edge restorative dentist must be able to quarterback and effectively collaborate with his/her interdisciplinary team to address all these concerns optimally. These leadership skills are even more critical today with our new understanding of the Airway and dentistry’s role in developing and maintaining it. Traditionally, this Interdisciplinary Team Leader role has been challenging at best, but digital technology is here to help. This presentation will focus on the time-proven philosophy of Interdisciplinary Dentofacial Therapy (IDT) that has undergone over thirty-five years of evolution. It diagnoses the Fundamental Components of Dentofacial Problems and optimally manages them by combining traditional therapies with the newest treatment modalities and philosophies to address the underlying issues ideally and more predictably to achieve optimal long-term success. These new interdisciplinary options include Digital Smile Design (DSD), Digital Collaboration, Airway-Focused Diagnosis and Treatment, High-Tech Clear Aligner Therapy, Mini-implant Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE), and Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Therapy (SFOT).
Learning Objectives:
• Solutions to esthetic and restorative dilemmas often fall into a “Gray Zone” between the different disciplines.
• An interdisciplinary approach is needed to diagnose correctly, and treatment plan these problems.
• The future of Interdisciplinary Dentofacial Therapy (IDT) is “Digitally beginning with the end in mind.”
• Digital technology can significantly strengthen and simplify the Interdisciplinary process.
• An “Airway-Focused” approach empowers the IDT team to treat major underlying health issues while making the patient more beautiful at the same time.
