What makes this process even easier is the development of a new way to move teeth. In the past the orthodontist would have to place brackets and wires to change the alignment of teeth. This is the ‘common’ version of orthodontics. But now he has a new, high tech tool that often can be used. It’s called Invisalign. I won’t go into the details, but I will tell you that it’s by far easier and FASTER than conventional braces. And without all the added ‘hardware’ that comes with traditional braces, there’s less trauma and complications for the patient. I can’t tell you how may times I’ve had people tell me what a breeze their Invisalign treatment has been!
So if you need to have teeth realigned in order to make your dental work ideal, you’ve got a great new way to do it! Ask us about Invisalign and we can get you some more information.
Let’s look at a great example. Greg had front teeth that needed to be restored after having plastic (or composite) veneers for many years. But the spaces between his teeth were very large. To properly restore these teeth and make them look their best I recommended Greg see the orthodontist first. He wasn’t happy. Especially after he got the braces placed on his teeth.
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But the treatment time wasn’t too long and afterwards I was able to craft a beautiful new smile with only a few porcelain veneers. The ultimate result required less work, involved fewer teeth, and looked FAR better than if we tried the ‘instant’ method!
So to continue, the instant ortho craze has been fueled by people’s desire for an immediate change. And it can be impressive. Who wouldn’t want to walk in with a mouth full of yellowed, worn, misaligned teeth and leave with a gleaming, straight, gorgeous smile? Few things can change a person’s appearance as dramatically and easily.
But let’s look at it differently. If the same teeth can be moved to a more ideal position first, a few things occur. First, the final ‘look’ many times will be enhanced significantly because the spacing between teeth will be ideal, allowing for the correct size of the new teeth. Second, less teeth may have to be worked on to get this great new look, saving the patient money. Also, less work may have to be done on each individual tooth. What I mean by this is that a more conservative preparation (or less ‘grinding’ of each tooth) will occur if it is in the right spot.
Often the decision comes down to an ‘immediate’ fix versus one that takes a little longer, but frequently is more conservative. Which way would you go?
Sometimes orthodontics alone can’t solve a dental misalignment. A great example is teeth that are in the wrong position AND are broken down or worn out. In this case the orthodontist will place the teeth in the correct position and then it’s up to the restorative dentist to properly finish the case. Often these are the cases a ‘cosmetic’ dentist will try and ’sell’ what is called ‘instant orthodontics’. He/she will place veneers or crowns to alter the position and contour of the teeth. Here’s the problem…often there are more teeth prepared (or ‘ground down’) than necessary. And these teeth many times have more ground off of them to change their position. This can lead to more problems later.
I’ll admit something up front…I’m a much better dentist than graphics designer! With that in mind, take a look at my rendition of what some patients look like after having unnecessary extractions before orthodontics. Yes, as I stated earlier, the TEETH are straight. But the ultimate result is a ‘caved in’ or ‘pulled back’ look to the lower face. The next time you take a look at someone who has braces or needs them, keep this in mind.
And don’t worry….I won’t be trying a new career as a Photoshop editor!
So to continue with the last post. Yes, I know I’m a Charlotte dentist, and not orthodontist. But I still find the current state of moving teeth (orthodontics) to be as much an art as science. As I discussed before, straight teeth are not the only ultimate goal. 
The final ‘profile’ of the patient is just as important. Extracting a bunch of teeth to expedite treatment ultimately only helps one person….the orthodontist. When does someone need to have teeth pulled? It sure varies on a case-by-case basis, but one thing is absolutely true…..it happens WAY too often! Here’s a ‘normal’ profile after orthodontic treatment (with NO extractions!):
Had a great discussion with a local specialist about the referral pattern of some orthodontists. It seems their common treatment plan is to automatically extract 4 bicuspids, place brackets, and then pull everything ‘back’. In the end, yes, the teeth are straight. But at what expense? Take a look at the profiles of some of these cases after treatment. Instead of being full, pleasing, naturally contoured profiles it looks like their whole lower face is ‘pulled back’.
This is disturbing enough, but often these same othodontists are too quick to refer to the oral surgeon for jaw surgery to move the upper, lower, or often both jaws into alignment. Does this occur too often? I’m certainly not an orthodontist but in my opinion….yes. We’ll talk more about it later. Watch for more before and after smiles here: before and after
Saw an interesting case a few days ago. Lady had been told by a local ‘cosmetic’ dentist she needs a slew of veneers and was looking for a second opinion. She didn’t like the spacing or positioning of her teeth and was concerned with the difference in the level of the gum tissue around her front teeth. After examining and photographing her teeth I determined there was NO reason to have veneers. The teeth were perfectly healthy with no fillings or excessive wear. They were the correct ’size’ and proportion. A few months with Invisalign braces, a trip to the gum specialist for a slight alteration in her tissue heights, and some whitening (or bleaching) is all she needed. She’s heading to see the orthodontist to get started!
How many times would she have been told she needs veneers, when some ‘minor’ tooth movement is all that is necessary?
Check out a brief description of veneers here: Veneers
Amazon has just come out with pricing on the new Windows Vista….$399. for an operating system?? I’m sure I’ll be switching my dental software to this new system…eventually. But I’m sure going to wait a while. It’s going to be something we all have to deal with in the future. Take a look: Amazon Windows Vista
I’ll be periodically posting my thoughts on dental information, and on occasion, technology that has an effect on my practice and possibly on your life, too. I look forward to your comments and hope you will find something that interests you!!
