It is not uncommon for the teeth to shift slowing over time due to the daily use of the teeth and the body's normal aging process. If you had orthodontic treatment when you were a teenager and now your teeth have had some undesirable changes, consider INVISALIGN as an excellent opportunity to touch up your smile. Invisalign uses clear tooth aligners to re-align the teeth and helps re-create a beautiful smile!
Call our office at 269-4715 to set up a FREE ORTHODONTIC EXAMINATION! See what Invisalign can do for YOU and your smile!
Showing posts with label Orthodontic Treatment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Orthodontic Treatment. Show all posts
Monday, July 27, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
"Orthodontic braces have become a popular orthodontic procedure to improve the appearance of your teeth. Benefits of braces that are used for aligning or straightening the teeth are many. It gives you a straight row of teeth, a beautiful smile and consequently improved looks. All these benefits will serve to boost your self-esteem.
If the basic dental problems are left untreated, they may become worse and more complex to correct over the years. Improper bite can lead to chewing difficulties and irregular wear of tooth surfaces. Better aligned teeth helps to overcome problems such as tooth decay, gum problems, tooth loss and other severe orthodontic issues. Common issues such as crowded teeth, protruded teeth, spaced teeth, buck teeth, widely spaced teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites and more can be treated with this treatment.
There are various types of fixed and removable orthodontic braces used to reposition the teeth. The different types of braces include traditional metal braces, ceramic braces and clear plastic braces. Metal ones are mostly used for orthodontic treatment of children. Treatment with the clear ceramic and invisible ones is beneficial for those who do not want their braces to be noticeable. These realign teeth in the same way as the metal ones do. The invisalign braces, virtually invisible ones, are modern alternatives to traditional braces.
Orthodontic specialists give close attention to the particular problems of each patient. By analyzing the patient's orthodontic problem, the orthodontist will decide on the right orthodontic braces treatment procedure. The average duration of this treatment is 2 to 3 years. Many orthodontic care service providers offer treatment options with affordable payment plans."
Author: Dr. Peter J. Theodorou
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
If the basic dental problems are left untreated, they may become worse and more complex to correct over the years. Improper bite can lead to chewing difficulties and irregular wear of tooth surfaces. Better aligned teeth helps to overcome problems such as tooth decay, gum problems, tooth loss and other severe orthodontic issues. Common issues such as crowded teeth, protruded teeth, spaced teeth, buck teeth, widely spaced teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites and more can be treated with this treatment.
There are various types of fixed and removable orthodontic braces used to reposition the teeth. The different types of braces include traditional metal braces, ceramic braces and clear plastic braces. Metal ones are mostly used for orthodontic treatment of children. Treatment with the clear ceramic and invisible ones is beneficial for those who do not want their braces to be noticeable. These realign teeth in the same way as the metal ones do. The invisalign braces, virtually invisible ones, are modern alternatives to traditional braces.
Orthodontic specialists give close attention to the particular problems of each patient. By analyzing the patient's orthodontic problem, the orthodontist will decide on the right orthodontic braces treatment procedure. The average duration of this treatment is 2 to 3 years. Many orthodontic care service providers offer treatment options with affordable payment plans."
Author: Dr. Peter J. Theodorou
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Thoughts and Quotes: "Family"
... Discover a Practice
........Where Patients
............. Becomes Family
.................. And Smiles
...................... Becomes Reality
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Summer & Braces
SUMMER BREAK is here!!!. Schedule a FREE Orthodontic Examination for the Kids TODAY by calling our office for your complimentary appointment!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Orthodontics: Brief Explanation
"Orthodontics is the specialized field of dentistry concerned with treatment, correction and prevention of malocclusion of teeth. The word malocclusion refers to “improper or irregular bites” and is the direct opposite of the term occlusion. Within the entire field of dentistry, Orthodontics is probably the most well-known specialized branch and is largely associated with braces, which will be explored in this article.
Why?
You may be wondering what exactly is the purpose of Orthodontics and why a specialized field has been developed for this. You may even be wondering why a normal dentist could not practice what an orthodontist does.
Orthodontics is sought for two main reasons. Firstly, it is sought for the practical reason of providing the patient with a fully functional, improved and regular bite. It certainly isn’t too comfortable eating with a bite that’s slightly out of line and twisted. This is by far the number one reason why Orthodontics is sought.
The other reason why people seek this type of treatment is for purely aesthetic reasons (or more commonly known as cosmetic reasons). The patient may already possess a regular bite, however, they are not satisfied with the appearance of their teeth especially when they smile. The amount of people seeking Orthodontics for this very reason has been growing rapidly over the last couple of years.
Benefits
There are several benefits that can be gained from seeking Orthodontics apart from simply improving an irregular bite or improving the appearance of your teeth. Below are some of these.
Orthodontics allows people to experience long-term dental health. This is because properly aligned teeth makes it easier to maintain a good level of oral hygiene. Crooked teeth always make it difficult to reach certain places when cleaning your teeth. This in turn, reduces the risk of tooth decay.
One of the most unknown benefits of Orthodontics, is the fact that a good bite can allow you to chew more efficiently leading to improved digestion. Those can cannot chew in an efficient manner can potentially experience nutritional deficiencies.
In addition, seeking treatment from an orthodontist can improve your speech. Many people who possess misaligned teeth experience speaking difficulties which can be easily resolved by repositioning teeth.
Lastly, it’s an unknown fact that those with improper bites are also the ones whose back teeth will wear out more quickly than normal. Orthodontics is able to treat such a problem and give you better, healthier teeth in the long-term.
What Tools Are Used?
There are number of tools are that commonly used in the field of Orthodontics. However, there are 2 main ones which will now be quickly discussed.
The most common tool and the one which Orthodontics is most associated with are dental braces (orthodontic braces). These are used to align people’s teeth according to their bite. Orthodontists have to assess a person’s correct or ideal bite before proceeding to putting braces on the teeth.
The next most common tools in Orthodontics are retainers, which may be used for 2 different reasons. They may be used to realign teeth before using dental braces or after using dental braces to hold teeth in their new position. They are typically made out of wires and plastic."
Article Reference Source: http://www.dentalcarecentral.net/dental-services/orthodontics
Why?
You may be wondering what exactly is the purpose of Orthodontics and why a specialized field has been developed for this. You may even be wondering why a normal dentist could not practice what an orthodontist does.
Orthodontics is sought for two main reasons. Firstly, it is sought for the practical reason of providing the patient with a fully functional, improved and regular bite. It certainly isn’t too comfortable eating with a bite that’s slightly out of line and twisted. This is by far the number one reason why Orthodontics is sought.
The other reason why people seek this type of treatment is for purely aesthetic reasons (or more commonly known as cosmetic reasons). The patient may already possess a regular bite, however, they are not satisfied with the appearance of their teeth especially when they smile. The amount of people seeking Orthodontics for this very reason has been growing rapidly over the last couple of years.
Benefits
There are several benefits that can be gained from seeking Orthodontics apart from simply improving an irregular bite or improving the appearance of your teeth. Below are some of these.
Orthodontics allows people to experience long-term dental health. This is because properly aligned teeth makes it easier to maintain a good level of oral hygiene. Crooked teeth always make it difficult to reach certain places when cleaning your teeth. This in turn, reduces the risk of tooth decay.
One of the most unknown benefits of Orthodontics, is the fact that a good bite can allow you to chew more efficiently leading to improved digestion. Those can cannot chew in an efficient manner can potentially experience nutritional deficiencies.
In addition, seeking treatment from an orthodontist can improve your speech. Many people who possess misaligned teeth experience speaking difficulties which can be easily resolved by repositioning teeth.
Lastly, it’s an unknown fact that those with improper bites are also the ones whose back teeth will wear out more quickly than normal. Orthodontics is able to treat such a problem and give you better, healthier teeth in the long-term.
What Tools Are Used?
There are number of tools are that commonly used in the field of Orthodontics. However, there are 2 main ones which will now be quickly discussed.
The most common tool and the one which Orthodontics is most associated with are dental braces (orthodontic braces). These are used to align people’s teeth according to their bite. Orthodontists have to assess a person’s correct or ideal bite before proceeding to putting braces on the teeth.
The next most common tools in Orthodontics are retainers, which may be used for 2 different reasons. They may be used to realign teeth before using dental braces or after using dental braces to hold teeth in their new position. They are typically made out of wires and plastic."
Article Reference Source: http://www.dentalcarecentral.net/dental-services/orthodontics
Friday, May 29, 2009
Invisalign & Vivera Retainers
"Align Technology, Inc. today announced the launch of Vivera retainers, a new subscription-based program that delivers clear, fresh retainers to orthodontic patients every three months for an entire year. Studies show that without retention, even perfectly aligned teeth can gradually revert to their pre-treatment state, and that dentition continues to change into a patient's 50s and beyond.
Vivera retainers is an effective, aesthetic retention solution that delivers new retainers directly to patients or to the treating doctor four times a year. Unlike other traditional clear retainers, Vivera retainers are made with the same state-of-the-art technology as Invisalign aligners, which employ 3-D digital imaging, proprietary clear thermoplastic material and advanced fabrication technology to create a strong retainer with a precise, comfortable fit.
Retainers need to be strong enough to maintain tooth position. Align's lab tests show that Vivera's proprietary thermoplastic material is more than 30 percent stronger than other leading clear retainer materials. That strength is a key quality for retaining teeth in their final position. Align's research also demonstrates that many clear thermoplastic retainers begin to deform (warp or crack) after as little as two months of simulated daytime wear, impacting their ability to maintain teeth in their final retained position.
"Vivera retainers were created to fit the needs of patients' busy lifestyles," stated Rick Matty, general manager, new products at Align Technology. "Not only do patients get the convenience of fresh retainers delivered to their door throughout the year, they get a retainer that works."
"Vivera retainers are going to help me keep my patients in working retention," said Kenneth Carver DDS. Dr. Carver has a private practice in Kingsport, Tennessee and is CEO of U.S. Dental Institute, an organization that has provided continuing education courses to dental professionals for more than thirty years. "Vivera is a complete program that overcomes the typical barriers to good retention by delivering fresh, aesthetic retainers on a set schedule and by providing an easy process for replacing lost or damaged retainers."
Article Reference Source: Align Technology
Vivera retainers is an effective, aesthetic retention solution that delivers new retainers directly to patients or to the treating doctor four times a year. Unlike other traditional clear retainers, Vivera retainers are made with the same state-of-the-art technology as Invisalign aligners, which employ 3-D digital imaging, proprietary clear thermoplastic material and advanced fabrication technology to create a strong retainer with a precise, comfortable fit.
Retainers need to be strong enough to maintain tooth position. Align's lab tests show that Vivera's proprietary thermoplastic material is more than 30 percent stronger than other leading clear retainer materials. That strength is a key quality for retaining teeth in their final position. Align's research also demonstrates that many clear thermoplastic retainers begin to deform (warp or crack) after as little as two months of simulated daytime wear, impacting their ability to maintain teeth in their final retained position.
"Vivera retainers were created to fit the needs of patients' busy lifestyles," stated Rick Matty, general manager, new products at Align Technology. "Not only do patients get the convenience of fresh retainers delivered to their door throughout the year, they get a retainer that works."
"Vivera retainers are going to help me keep my patients in working retention," said Kenneth Carver DDS. Dr. Carver has a private practice in Kingsport, Tennessee and is CEO of U.S. Dental Institute, an organization that has provided continuing education courses to dental professionals for more than thirty years. "Vivera is a complete program that overcomes the typical barriers to good retention by delivering fresh, aesthetic retainers on a set schedule and by providing an easy process for replacing lost or damaged retainers."
Article Reference Source: Align Technology
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Orthodontics
"Orthodontics is the specialized field of dentistry concerned with treatment, correction and prevention of malocclusion of teeth. The word malocclusion refers to “improper or irregular bites” and is the direct opposite of the term occlusion. Within the entire field of dentistry, Orthodontics is probably the most well-known specialized branch and is largely associated with braces, which will be explored in this article.
Why?
You may be wondering what exactly is the purpose of Orthodontics and why a specialized field has been developed for this. You may even be wondering why a normal dentist could not practice what an orthodontist does.
Orthodontics is sought for two main reasons. Firstly, it is sought for the practical reason of providing the patient with a fully functional, improved and regular bite. It certainly isn’t too comfortable eating with a bite that’s slightly out of line and twisted. This is by far the number one reason why Orthodontics is sought.
The other reason why people seek this type of treatment is for purely aesthetic reasons (or more commonly known as cosmetic reasons). The patient may already possess a regular bite, however, they are not satisfied with the appearance of their teeth especially when they smile. The amount of people seeking Orthodontics for this very reason has been growing rapidly over the last couple of years.
Benefits
There are several benefits that can be gained from seeking Orthodontics apart from simply improving an irregular bite or improving the appearance of your teeth. Below are some of these.
Orthodontics allows people to experience long-term dental health. This is because properly aligned teeth makes it easier to maintain a good level of oral hygiene. Crooked teeth always make it difficult to reach certain places when cleaning your teeth. This in turn, reduces the risk of tooth decay.
One of the most unknown benefits of Orthodontics, is the fact that a good bite can allow you to chew more efficiently leading to improved digestion. Those can cannot chew in an efficient manner can potentially experience nutritional deficiencies.
In addition, seeking treatment from an orthodontist can improve your speech. Many people who possess misaligned teeth experience speaking difficulties which can be easily resolved by repositioning teeth.
Lastly, it’s an unknown fact that those with improper bites are also the ones whose back teeth will wear out more quickly than normal. Orthodontics is able to treat such a problem and give you better, healthier teeth in the long-term.
What Tools Are Used?
There are number of tools are that commonly used in the field of Orthodontics. However, there are 2 main ones which will now be quickly discussed.
The most common tool and the one which Orthodontics is most associated with are dental braces (orthodontic braces). These are used to align people’s teeth according to their bite. Orthodontists have to assess a person’s correct or ideal bite before proceeding to putting braces on the teeth.
The next most common tools in Orthodontics are retainers, which may be used for 2 different reasons. They may be used to realign teeth before using dental braces or after using dental braces to hold teeth in their new position. They are typically made out of wires and plastic.
There’s no doubt that dental care is an important facet of your health and that Orthodontics is one of the best ways to achieve this."
Article Source: http://www.dentalcarecentral.net/dental-services/orthodontics
Why?
You may be wondering what exactly is the purpose of Orthodontics and why a specialized field has been developed for this. You may even be wondering why a normal dentist could not practice what an orthodontist does.
Orthodontics is sought for two main reasons. Firstly, it is sought for the practical reason of providing the patient with a fully functional, improved and regular bite. It certainly isn’t too comfortable eating with a bite that’s slightly out of line and twisted. This is by far the number one reason why Orthodontics is sought.
The other reason why people seek this type of treatment is for purely aesthetic reasons (or more commonly known as cosmetic reasons). The patient may already possess a regular bite, however, they are not satisfied with the appearance of their teeth especially when they smile. The amount of people seeking Orthodontics for this very reason has been growing rapidly over the last couple of years.
Benefits
There are several benefits that can be gained from seeking Orthodontics apart from simply improving an irregular bite or improving the appearance of your teeth. Below are some of these.
Orthodontics allows people to experience long-term dental health. This is because properly aligned teeth makes it easier to maintain a good level of oral hygiene. Crooked teeth always make it difficult to reach certain places when cleaning your teeth. This in turn, reduces the risk of tooth decay.
One of the most unknown benefits of Orthodontics, is the fact that a good bite can allow you to chew more efficiently leading to improved digestion. Those can cannot chew in an efficient manner can potentially experience nutritional deficiencies.
In addition, seeking treatment from an orthodontist can improve your speech. Many people who possess misaligned teeth experience speaking difficulties which can be easily resolved by repositioning teeth.
Lastly, it’s an unknown fact that those with improper bites are also the ones whose back teeth will wear out more quickly than normal. Orthodontics is able to treat such a problem and give you better, healthier teeth in the long-term.
What Tools Are Used?
There are number of tools are that commonly used in the field of Orthodontics. However, there are 2 main ones which will now be quickly discussed.
The most common tool and the one which Orthodontics is most associated with are dental braces (orthodontic braces). These are used to align people’s teeth according to their bite. Orthodontists have to assess a person’s correct or ideal bite before proceeding to putting braces on the teeth.
The next most common tools in Orthodontics are retainers, which may be used for 2 different reasons. They may be used to realign teeth before using dental braces or after using dental braces to hold teeth in their new position. They are typically made out of wires and plastic.
There’s no doubt that dental care is an important facet of your health and that Orthodontics is one of the best ways to achieve this."
Article Source: http://www.dentalcarecentral.net/dental-services/orthodontics
Monday, May 18, 2009
Orthodontic Treatment with Suresmile (Robotics)
The latest advances in clinical technology now allow for the use of robotics to bend the orthodontic wires so that individual tooth movements can be incorporated simultaneously throughout the entire mouth. Therefore, the actual treatment results are completed more quickly .... approximately 40% faster than traditional braces! The most amazing aspect of this technology is that the robots can place bends in the wires in all three planes of space for every tooth, and it can all be completed at the same time.
The Answer for today's Twitter Contest: SURESMILE
Tweet back the answer, and you win raffle tickets for the prizes and drawing to be held at the annual Summer Movie Bash event in July! Hope to see you there.
The Answer for today's Twitter Contest: SURESMILE
Tweet back the answer, and you win raffle tickets for the prizes and drawing to be held at the annual Summer Movie Bash event in July! Hope to see you there.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
2009 AAO Meeting (Boston) Early Treatment Outcomes
Research studies into the overall treatment outcomes for orthodontic patients has been reviewed with the following conclusions:
1. Early orthodontic treatment does not provide any better treatment outcomes. Therefore, there are no distinct treatment advantages of early treatment.
2. Prolonged Phase I (Early) and Phase II treatment leads to patient "burn out" with less patient compliance resulting in inadequate oral hygiene care and orthodontic therapy over time.
3. When treatment efficiency as assessed, combining Phase I & Phase II therapy less efficient when compared to Phase II treatment alone with its corresponding shorter overall treatment time.
4. In reviewing orthodontic retention for Phase I patients, there are more retention problems in the younger patients as reported by Wheeler (AJO 2002) and Weislander (AJO 1993).
5. A clinical analysis of the "Best Treatment Time" for patients reveals that the ideal time is between the ages of 10-13 immediately following the exfoliation of the E's and in conjunction with the eruption of the 12-year molar teeth.
1. Early orthodontic treatment does not provide any better treatment outcomes. Therefore, there are no distinct treatment advantages of early treatment.
2. Prolonged Phase I (Early) and Phase II treatment leads to patient "burn out" with less patient compliance resulting in inadequate oral hygiene care and orthodontic therapy over time.
3. When treatment efficiency as assessed, combining Phase I & Phase II therapy less efficient when compared to Phase II treatment alone with its corresponding shorter overall treatment time.
4. In reviewing orthodontic retention for Phase I patients, there are more retention problems in the younger patients as reported by Wheeler (AJO 2002) and Weislander (AJO 1993).
5. A clinical analysis of the "Best Treatment Time" for patients reveals that the ideal time is between the ages of 10-13 immediately following the exfoliation of the E's and in conjunction with the eruption of the 12-year molar teeth.
2009 AAO Meeting (Boston) Skeletal Changes Associated With Early Treatment
Various research studies has been used to assess the effect of "Extraction Treatment" on skeletal changes to the facial profiles and overall "looks". McNamara (AJO 1985), Panchez (AJO 1985), Bacetti (AJO 2000), and Faltin (AL 2003) reported that "Extraction Treatment" protocols are not effective or even recommended for achieving skeletal changes. Additionally, extraction therapy does not cause any negative effects to the facial profile, and therefore, the unsubstantiated belief of altered profile changes was proven to be false.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
2009 AAO Meeting (Boston) Phase I & Phase II Treatment
Three randomized clinical trials were conducted at the University of North Carolina (Dr. Tulloch), the University of Florida (Dr. Wheeler), and the United Kingdom (Dr. O'Brien) to assess the clinical effectiveness of Phase I & Phase II therapy versus Phase II treatment by itself. Although these studies have evaluated many facets of orthodontic treatment outcomes, the overall conclusion of all three RCT's was that there is no clinically significant differences between Phase I therapy when combines with Phase II therapy versus Phase II treatment by itself. The only statistically significant difference was related to the overall treatment time, and the Phase II treatment was approximately seventeen (17) months shorter than the combined therapy of a Phase I and Phase II approach.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
2009 AAO Meeting (Boston) Extraction Treatment & TMD Syndrome
Although the concept of TMD and its relationship to premolar extraction therapy has a historically significant perspective in the field of orthodontics, the research in this area is definitive and conclusive. Essentially, there are several clinical investigations related to the topic of premolar extraction cases that have proven beyond any reasonable doubt that orthodontic treatment does not cause or contribute to TMD related symptoms.
2009 AAO Meeting (Boston) Evidence Based Orthodontics
Early treatment philosophies in the field of orthodontics were frequently being based upon "personal opinion" through individual "testimonies" relative to treatment outcomes. Today, the specialty of orthodontics is moving to a higher standard of research investigative efforts and a hierarchy of clinical evidence has been established. Specifically, the hierarchy of evidence in ascending order from the "lowest" to the "highest" standard of evidence is as follows:
1. Expert Opinion
2. Case Report
3. Case Series
4. Case-Control Study
5. Cohert Study
6. Randomized Clinical Trial
7. Systematic Review with a Meta-Analysis
The "Gold Standard" for the clinical research is the Randomized Clinical Trial, and the current trend in research is to make clinical treatment decisions based upon the evidence provided from a randomized clinical trial.
1. Expert Opinion
2. Case Report
3. Case Series
4. Case-Control Study
5. Cohert Study
6. Randomized Clinical Trial
7. Systematic Review with a Meta-Analysis
The "Gold Standard" for the clinical research is the Randomized Clinical Trial, and the current trend in research is to make clinical treatment decisions based upon the evidence provided from a randomized clinical trial.
2009 AAO Meeting (Boston) Contemporary Trends in Orthodontics
Technological advances in medical and dental therapy have made tremendous strides in recent years. Specifically, in the areas of orthodontic treatment modalities, patients have greater treatment choices and options than ever before in the history of dentistry. Recent 3-dimensional imaging have given birth to extremely precise methods of tooth movements with both Suresmile "robotics" which utilize traditional metal brackets and Invisalign aligners with clear plastic trays .... The Suresmile system does provide more consistency and superior results with the ability to overcome the more challenging orthodontic cases. With it expensive marketing campaign, Align Technology has been able to create a large market share for their Invisalign product although the use of the aligner appliances are more limited in the scope of treatment and overall orthodontic treatment.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
2009 AAO Meeting (Boston) Invisalign Aligners
Invisalign orthodontic treatment using aligner appliances has grown in acceptance over the past few years. The clinical experts discussed "Force Systems" and the relationships between aligners & braces. The application of orthodontic forces is essentially the same for both types of appliances although the speaker indicated that the "difficult" cases are truly very difficult with the invisalign aligner plastic appliance. Braces continue to provide superior predictability of treatment success with these more challenging cases. Other topics discussed during this presentation included "invisalign attachments" and the "segmental mechanics" associated treatment sequencing with aligner therapy. Case selection and proper treatment planning along with the sequential movements associated with tooth movements will facilitate successful therapeutic outcomes and higher patient satisfaction.
2009 AAO Meeting (Boston) Risk Management
AAO panel discussion of Risk Management issues relative to the orthodontic practice in today's society. The panel discussed such topics as radiographic image quality, progress radiographic images, informed consent, informed refusal, effective treatment documentation, the referral of Cone Bean CT scans for radiographic evaluation by certified oral radiologists, electronic records systems, email correspondence, scanning orthodontically records for long-term storage capacity, records requests, patient communications, emergency contact methods, discontinuation of orthodontic treatment, and standard of care issues. This session was well-attended and enlightening. The speakers emphasized its recommendations for compliance and protection in cases of risk management exposure, and member attendance was rewarded with a premium reduction for the AAO sponsored policy coverage.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
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