A digital orthodontics initiative
Clinical structure for digital orthodontics
Moving teeth on a screen is not the same as deciding whether those movements are clinically appropriate, biologically reasonable, or biomechanically predictable. CSMI brings a structured clinical assessment to the case before digital treatment planning begins.
CSMI · Comprehensive Severity of Malocclusion Index
CASE-7F3A · deidentifiedIllustrative output. Not a real patient.
What is CSMI?
A structured approach to evaluating orthodontic case complexity
Digital treatment planning is extraordinarily powerful. It still begins with a desired final tooth position. CSMI begins with the patient.
The Comprehensive Severity of Malocclusion Index organizes clinical records into a consistent assessment of the case, so that clinicians, treatment planners and technicians start from the same clinical picture.
CSMI does not replace the orthodontist. It supports clinical judgment and makes it easier to communicate.
A structured clinical reasoning framework for digital orthodontics.The index is the engine. The clinical reasoning framework is the product.
CSMI evaluates
- Malocclusion severity
- Treatment complexity
- Biological considerations
- Biomechanical considerations
- Treatment suitability
- Predictability
- Need for additional review
How CSMI is used
From clinical assessment to digital treatment planning
CSMI sits between the patient records and the planning software. The assessment is completed first, and the setup is built with that context in hand.
- Patient recordsScans, photographs, radiographs and clinical findings.
- Structured assessmentClinical information is organized in a consistent format.
- CSMI profileSeverity, complexity and predictability are summarized.
- Clinical reviewFlagged factors are checked by the clinician.
- Digital planningThe setup proceeds with clinical context established.
Understand
Transforms clinical records into a structured assessment of the case.
Identify
Highlights factors that may increase complexity or reduce predictability.
Communicate
Gives clinicians, planners, technicians and researchers a common framework.
Review
Signals cases and objectives that deserve attention before proceeding.
Clinical applications
Screening, treatment planning, communication, research and education
Clinical screening
A structured overview of the case before any treatment planning begins.
Digital treatment planning
Clinical context is in place before the software begins moving teeth.
Treatment plan quality control
Helps reveal discrepancies between the clinical problem, the prescription and the proposed setup.
Research and education
Standardized, structured case information for validation studies, teaching and investigation.
One clinical framework. Multiple digital applications.
Science and validation
Developing and validating CSMI as a clinical assessment framework
CSMI is being developed as a clinically grounded and testable framework. Independent validation is being designed to compare CSMI with established clinical references.
AGREEMENTExpert evaluationComparison of CSMI assessments with expert clinical judgment.CONCURRENTEstablished indicesComparison with recognized orthodontic indices.RELIABILITYReproducibilityConsistency of results between different users.PREDICTIVETreatment outcomesRelationship to actual outcomes, where suitable longitudinal data exist.IN DESIGNValidation program
The CSMI decision engine is proprietary. Validation evaluates its inputs and outputs rather than disclosing its internal rules.
CSMI Deidentifier · free
Deidentify first.
Share second.
Free local deidentification for orthodontic clinical files. Remove patient-identifying information before records go to a laboratory, a planning platform, a research partner or an AI system.
- Local. Runs on your own computer.
- Free. No cost to use.
- Simple. Built for the orthodontic workflow.
Downloads are currently restricted to CSMI applications users. Contact info@csmi.tech if you wish to enroll.
About CSMI
The people and philosophy behind the project
CSMI is developed by a team drawing on clinical orthodontics, biomechanics, academic research and digital workflow experience.
The project starts from a simple conviction: digital tools should serve clinical reasoning, not replace it.
Resources
Publications, presentations and supporting information
Coming soonPublicationsPeer-reviewed articles and abstracts.Coming soonPresentationsLectures, posters and conference material.Coming soonWhite paperAn overview of the CSMI framework.