Cosmetic Dentistry News » Orthodontist

Orthodontist Compares Traditional Braces to Invisalign

admin — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:42:00 +0000

Just by looking at the two, one can make several comparisons between traditional braces and Invisalign. But, can you judge them by their covers, or is there more to the story than the eye can tell?

“There are many ways to compare Invisalign and braces,” said Lithia Invisalign orthodontist Dr. Michael Hess. “From an orthodontist’s perspective, both treatments are fine, but when it comes to patients, there are all sorts of preferences that come into play. What I’ve seen my patients most concerned with are costs, esthetics, treatment, results, and maintenance.”

Reead full article via Fast Pitch.

Adult braces on the rise

admin — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 02:32:09 +0000

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, more than a million adults in North America have braces on their teeth. The survey showed a 37-percent increase in the number of adult patients from 1994 to 2004

Read full story via San Bernardino County Sun.

Tooth Gel: Healing Power Of Aloe Vera Proves Beneficial For Teeth And Gums, Too

admin — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:11:31 +0000

Recently, aloe vera has gained some popularity as an active ingredient in tooth gel. Similar to its use on skin, the aloe vera in tooth gels is used to cleanse and soothe teeth and gums, and is as effective as toothpaste to fight cavities, according to the May/June 2009 issue of General Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry’s AGD clinical, peer-reviewed journal.

Read full story via sciencedaily.com

Concern about Invisalign® product proficiency requirements

admin — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:29:32 +0000

Scores of Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) members have contacted the AGD with their concerns about how the new Invisalign® product proficiency requirements introduced by Align Technology may adversely impact their practices. In response, the AGD has created this communication vehicle for its members and non-member general dentists to use in sharing their reactions with Align Technology.

Read full story via AGD

New technology shortens time braces are needed

admin — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 10:43:36 +0000

SureSmile is an amalgam of dental technologies — starting with an imaging system dentists use to create a 3D image of their patients’ mouths. The results are sent to OraMetrix in Dallas, where a robot shapes the ideal braces wires for the patients. The idea is that a precise fit the first time cuts down on adjustments and moves teeth into place faster.

Read full story via TwinCities.com.

Braces Cost a Little More from Orthodontists

admin — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:41:12 +0000

Braces typically cost about $5,000, but there is significant variation. In a poll of general dentists and orthodontists, continuing dental education resource The Wealthy Dentist found that general dentists charge an average of $5,040 for orthodontic work, while orthodontists charge about $5,600. While a general dentist may be fully qualified to offer braces, an orthodontist will have completed several extra years of study.

The cost of braces varies by region. Orthodontic treatment costs the most in the Northeast, the Pacific states, and Canada. Affordable braces can most easily be found in the Western mountain states. In addition, urban dentists charge more for orthodontic treatment than do suburban or rural doctors. In fact, city dentists charge about $500 more than do country doctors.

How much dental braces cost also depends on what sort of orthodontic treatment a patient needs. This survey found that adult braces and Invisalign costs were roughly equal. Teen braces were the least expensive option, costing several hundred dollars less. Since teens’ teeth are still developing, it can be technically easier to straighten crooked teeth.

Though dental braces cost thousands of dollars, dentists feel they are worth every penny. “Over that past 30 years the cost of braces has not kept pace with cost-of-living increases,” mentioned a Washington orthodontist. “Thankfully technology has allowed greater efficiency and consequently reasonable profitability for the orthodontist and a good price for the consumer.”

Read full press release…Braces Cost a Little More from Orthodontists.

Cost of Braces from Orthodontists and General Dentists

admin — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:55:51 +0000

The cost of braces is typically about $5,000, but there is significant variation. In a poll of general dentists and orthodontists, dental marketing resource The Wealthy Dentist found that general dentists charge an average of $5,040 for orthodontic work, while orthodontists charge about $5,600. While a general dentist may be fully qualified to offer braces, an orthodontist will have completed several extra years of study.

Braces fees vary by region. Orthodontic treatment costs the most in the Northeast, the Pacific states, and Canada. Affordable braces can most easily be found in the Western mountain states. In addition, urban dentists charge more for orthodontic treatment than do suburban or rural doctors. In fact, city dentists charge about $500 more than do country doctors.

Read full press release…Cost of Braces from Orthodontists and General Dentists

Braces for children

admin — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 02:01:36 +0000

Most orthodontic treatment begins in the early teens, when all of the permanent teeth, except the wisdom teeth, are in place. Minor misalignments may be treated around age eight, with a removable headgear appliance. Some orthodontists believe that the use of preventative orthodontics on children can later simplify the correction needed by braces. Such preventative orthodontics involves using space maintainers to allow room for the child’s permanent teeth to grow in correctly.

Read Full article…
Braces for children - CBS 12 Action News.

Braces for adults gaining popularity

admin — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 01:59:38 +0000

Linda Noone had waited for this day for a long time. Though excited, the 50-year-old Indianapolis woman calmly lay back in the dentist’s chair at Pritchett Orthodontics and opened her mouth.

One by one, the dental assistant attached a tiny metal bracket to the front of each tooth. An ultraviolet light activated an adhesive to make the brackets stick. Thin wires linked them.

No shots, blood or pain. Yes, her mouth was sore for a few days and likely will be again over the next 18 months or so. But that doesn’t matter to Noone.

“I’ve waited so long, it will be well worth it,” she said before her braces were put on. “I’ve been looking forward to this and saving for years. My two youngest sons had to have braces.”

Read Full Article…
Braces for adults gaining popularity Detroit Free Press.

FDA Clears Expanded Labeling for the Invisalign System

admin — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 01:58:09 +0000

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Align Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALGN) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared new labeling for the Invisalign system, thereby removing the permanent dentition limitation from the indications for use. In addition, certain conditions previously listed as contraindications will now be listed as precautions.

“Over the years, our customers have demonstrated that many different types of malocclusion can be effectively treated with Invisalign,” said Thomas M. Prescott, president and CEO. “Their clinical successes, along with our manufacturing and process improvements, have enabled us to amend our product labeling to reflect this broader applicability.”

“Today, doctors are offering Invisalign primarily to adults and teens. This change is an important step towards facilitating our long term goal of making Invisalign the preferred orthodontic treatment option for patients of all ages and for more severe types of malocclusion,” said Dr. Eric Kuo, vice president of clinical technology.

Read Full Article…
Align Technology, Inc. :: FDA Clears Expanded Labeling for the Invisalign System.