Effective orthodontic collaboration depends on giving specialists a precise restorative endpoint before treatment begins. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt speaks with Dr. Bill Robbins, a general dentist, educator, and co-author of Global Diagnosis, about why conventional orthodontic referrals often produce teeth that are improved but not positioned correctly for definitive restorative treatment.
You will learn how pre-orthodontic and intermediate bonding create a three-dimensional blueprint, why the restorative dentist must be involved before appliances are placed, and how composite and printed restorations can make interdisciplinary treatment more efficient. To improve communication with your orthodontic team, listen to Episode 1076 of The Best Practices Show!
Main Takeaways:
- Traditional two-dimensional orthodontic prescriptions do not provide a precise restorative endpoint.
- Pre-orthodontic bonding makes worn teeth anatomically correct before the orthodontist moves them into position.
- Intermediate bonding may be necessary when a patient is already in appliances or when early bonding would create an unaesthetic appearance.
- The practitioner completing the final restorative treatment should be involved in treatment planning before orthodontic appliances are placed.
- Anatomically correct teeth improve communication with orthodontists, periodontists, and oral surgeons.
- General dentists who want to provide higher-level restorative dentistry need strong composite skills.
- Printed restorations may make pre-orthodontic bonding more efficient than direct composite placement.
Episode Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:05 Dr. Bill Robbins introduces the evolution of interdisciplinary communication.
03:00 Why communication with orthodontists is more complex than communication with periodontists.
04:06 The limitations of two-dimensional orthodontic prescriptions.
05:53 How pre-orthodontic bonding creates an anatomical blueprint.
07:40 Using three-dimensional communication to simplify orthodontic treatment.
09:16 When intermediate orthodontic bonding is necessary.
11:31 How anatomical correction affects implant placement and crown lengthening.
13:26 What general dentists commonly get wrong when referring adult orthodontic cases.
14:33 Why composite is an essential skill for restorative dentists.
17:54 Digital wax-ups and printed pre-orthodontic restorations.
19:21 The future of pre-orthodontic bonding.
20:00 Dr. Robbins previews his presentation at The Exchange.
20:24 The second edition of Global Diagnosis and its expanded airway component.
22:00 How to access Dr. Robbins’s pre-orthodontic bonding article.
25:15 Final Thanks and Wrap Up
Guest Bio:
Dr Bill Robbins is an acclaimed educator and author with decades of experience in restorative and interdisciplinary dentistry. His book Global Diagnosis: A New Vision of Dental Diagnosis and Treatment Planning has become a cornerstone reference for clinicians worldwide.
J. William Robbins, D.D.S., M.A., maintains a private practice and is Adjunct Clinical Professor in the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry at the U. T. Health San Antonio Dental School. Dr. Robbins has published over 80 articles, abstracts, and chapters on a wide range of dental subjects and has lectured in the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe, Middle East, China, and Africa.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
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