Rudnicke Orthodontics:
Expanding Treatment with Invisalign During 2017 BY MEGAN TAYLOR
Invisalign is not just another tool in the toolbox—it is a whole new box of tools that I’m able to use in order to expand the opportunities for patients. Since the beginning of his career, Dr. Paul Rudnicke has incorporated the latest advancements in his orthodontic practice with the goal of providing the best care and most successful treatment for his patients. Currently, he is finding that Invisalign clear aligner technology is one of the best ways to help patients achieve that perfect smile. “We have invested in a lot of additional education and training into using Invisalign,” said Dr. Rudnicke. “Today, choosing to utilize a series of clear aligners is as good as—or better—than traditional braces.”
INVISALIGN EXPLAINED
Align Technology’s Invisalign product is a series of nearly invisible, removable aligners that are custom-made specifically for the patient’s teeth. Each aligner is replaced every one to two weeks, and the patient’s teeth move—little by little, week by week—toward the projected final position.
“Invisalign is not just another tool in the toolbox—it is a whole new box of tools that I’m able to use in order to expand the opportunities for patients,” said Dr. Rudnicke. “It’s a growing opportunity for both adults and teenagers.”
INVISALIGN TREATMENT STEPS
One of the patient benefits to Invisalign is that there are fewer visits to the orthodontist. After an initial meeting to discuss if Invisalign is the right plan, the first step is to perform X-rays, impressions and pictures of the teeth and bite, all of which are scanned into a computer by Invisalign. Dr. Rudnicke then uses 3D reconstructions to virtually move the teeth precisely into a specific position and sequence. Once he approves the final plan, Align Technology manufactures a series of clear aligners that patients wear all the time—removing only for eating and drinking everything except water. The aligners are switched out for new ones every one to two weeks until treatment is completed. Rudnicke Orthodontics is getting a new piece of technology that will help make the entire process go even more efficiently. “Typically, we had to send physical impressions off to the Invisalign lab technicians to scan into their computers,” said Dr. Rudnicke. “Now, we are getting our own scanner and will be able to upload the scans, which are a series of intraoral photographic captures, from our computer to Align Technology instantly. This allows for even more accuracy in creating a better fit with the clear aligners. Another plus is not having to deal with messy impressions!”
INVISALIGN BENEFITS
Besides being more precise and predictable, Invisalign simply offers patients a better experience. Invisalign is more comfortable than traditional braces, harder to see in the mouth, and causes no lip or cheek irritation. Patients wear the clear aligners for 20 hours a day, removing them for eating, drinking and brushing. Because there are no brackets and wires, it is easier to control plaque. Additionally, the clear aligners work with teeth that have had a lot of dental work, such as crowns, because no brackets are glued to them. Even with all the benefits, it doesn’t mean that Invisalign is the right choice for EVERY patient. “I spend several hours on each patient treatment plan, making sure they are getting the best care and treatment possible,” said Dr. Rudnicke. “For some patients, Invisalign works best; for others, the traditional braces are a better option. Basically, it comes down to what I can do to help people achieve their smile goals.”
“Clear aligner therapy with Invisalign is more precise in moving the teeth because we have direct control not only of tooth position, but also the sequence of movement,” said Dr. Rudnicke. Traditionally, Invisalign has been one of the more popular options for adults who need braces. “We see patients every day whose teeth may have shifted, or some who never had the opportunity as a teen to have straight teeth,” said Dr. Rudnicke. “Invisalign gives them a chance to accomplish the dream of having straightened teeth without the look or irritation of braces.” Currently, there is much growth in the Invisalign market for teens. Align Technology has invested heavily in research and development, which has fostered a much-improved system year after year, according to Dr. Rudnicke. The company has recently removed some of the former barriers for teen treatment, including allowing a number of free replacement aligners and providing an escape clause for teenagers and their parents if the treatment isn’t working.
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Rudnicke Orthodontics is located at 2880 Lyndhurst Avenue in Winston-Salem. Call 336.768.3040, or visit online at BrightSmilesAhead.com. Be sure to like them on Facebook.