Hi neighbors! Thank you so much for all of the wonderful feedback about last month’s interview. I am honored to be surrounded by such a welcoming community.
My team and I are often asked about orthodontic treatment with aligners, which are a series of customized trays, similar to clear retainers in appearance, which slowly move your teeth. You are probably familiar with the name Invisalign, which pioneered this technology. Initially, aligner therapy was only able to make minor tooth movements, but the technology has advanced considerably in recent years. The aligners are only one component of the orthodontic treatment. Trained orthodontists are able to utilize buttons, elastics, and other devices to supplement the functionality of the aligners. My dental colleagues are often amazed at the results that I have been able to achieve with Invisalign treatment.
The most important part of any orthodontic treatment is proper diagnosis and treatment planning, along with ongoing monitoring. It is critically important to assess a patient’s bite, jaw mechanics, and underlying dental health before proceeding with any orthodontic treatment. Every patient must be evaluated and diagnosed with a thorough in-person exam and special x-rays. In our office, we also utilize a state-of-the-art intraoral scanner that is able to record accurate 3-D images of the teeth instead of the traditional impression method using gooey putty material.
That brings me to these new direct-to-consumer orthodontic companies such as Smile Direct Club. Maybe you’ve seen ads or sign-up booths in malls. They claim that they will straighten your teeth without actually seeing an orthodontist. After sending them impressions and photos of your teeth, they will send you sets of clear aligners. While it may be tempting to save a few dollars, mail-order aligner treatment is very dangerous and can cause permanent damage. It truly breaks my heart to the hear stories of patients who need to seek an orthodontist’s help after completing at-home treatment that resulted in bite issues, tooth and gum loss, or other problems. In many cases, full orthodontic treatment is required to treat these subsequent issues, which adds to the patient’s overall treatment cost and time.
As an orthodontic specialist and a Preferred Invisalign Provider, I have gone through years of extensive training to learn how to move teeth safely. The effectiveness of orthodontic appliances, including clear aligners, depends on the skill and expertise of the treating orthodontist. While digital simulation of your teeth on a computer screen may show them getting straighter, our teeth in real life do not always respond in the same way. An orthodontist is needed to oversee your treatment to ensure that the teeth are tracking correctly and your treatment is progressing as planned.
You and your loved ones deserve a lifetime of smiles by receiving specialized care for your dental health. If you are considering orthodontic treatment, contact our office to schedule a free consultation. We are looking forward to hearing from you.
Schmidl Orthodontics
254 Palm Ave, Ashland
SchmidlOrthodontics.com
541-482-4343
