Virginia Meeting: Speaker Sneak Peek thermoforming process using a proprietary polyurethane material. Patients wear the aligners a minimum of 22 hours per day changing to the next aligners typically every two weeks. (2)(3)Various tooth colored composite resin forms called attachments may be placed using a template to aid in movement control. The treatment is carefully monitored for compliance and movement execution. Upon completion of aligner treatment, retention is prescribed per clinician preference. What makes Invisalign new and unique? Scanning and software technology creates an accurate 3D surface map of the teeth. The software is then used to simulate tooth movement and computer controlled fabrication of accurate models that reflect the virtual stages of treatment from beginning to end. Tooth motions can be analyzed by software to ensure that reasonable tooth velocities are being planned over the course of treatment. (4) This technology allows clinicians to treat a broader range of cases. Why now? There is an increased awareness of esthetics. In fact, when polled most patients do not want treatment with visible appliances. (5) Dentally, Invisalign can be a more conservative option to aggressive ceramic solutions often used to solve orthodontic problems. (6)Recent jury verdicts, as well as informed consent, dictate that patients are given treatment options such as Invisalign to weigh against aggressive ceramic solutions. (7)Recent published studies have demonstrated improved periodontal condition with aligner wear. (8)(9) As patients become more computer literate, they appreciate how technology can enhance dental treatment. Further, consumer consciousness has been raised by Invisalign ads and marketing. Is it as simple as it looks? It depends! Every case needs to have the end result in mind before starting treatment. The clinician must visualize treatment results that are in harmony with all hard and soft tissues. The treating doctor should understand the correct direction, sufficient anchorage, periodontal considerations and biomechanics involved in treatment. There are many new aspects of treatment techniques that must be learned about Invisalign to be proficient with treatment. A significant learning curve exists in order to effectively treat more advanced cases. Invisalign requires skill and training to plan the virtual tooth movements, as the clinician must be able to plan the exact path to optimal results before treatment. What are benefits of the Invisalign orthodontic movement system? There is a reduced risk of decalcification as the aligners are removable and therefore more hygienic allowing improved oral hygiene. (2) Invisalign may be used as an esthetic orthodontic movement system to position teeth to help optimize the restorative result. (10)The Invisalign technique requires minimum additional armamentarium as opposed to fixed appliance technique. Although unpredictable root resorption has been observed with tooth movement, published study indicates there is no measurable root resorption with Invisalign. (11)(8) In summary, Invisalign is a tooth movement technology that offers patients a removable, virtually invisible and comfortable orthodontic
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tooth movement technique. Adults and adolescents that wish to have straighter teeth can benefit from this technology. The first step is an Invisalign Certification. We are fortunate to have Invisalign as a sponsor of the 2007 VDA meeting offering a two day CERT I for GP’s as well as an introductory lecture. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11)
Align Technology. Invisalign (home page). Available at: www.invisalign. com. Activation time and material stiffness of sequential removable orthodontic appliances. Part 1: Ability to complete treatment. Bollen, et al. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2003; 124:496-501. Activation time and material stiffness of sequential removable orthodontic appliances. Part 2: Dental improvements. Clements, et al. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2003; 124:502-8. Beers AC, Choi W, Pavlovskaia E. Computer-assisted treatment planning and analysis. Orthod Craniofacial Res 6 (Suppl.1) 2003; 11725. Meier B, Wiemer KB, Miethke RR. Invisalign: patient profiling-analysis of a prospective survey. Journal of Orofacial Orthopedics 2003; 64(5):3528. Christensen GJ, Veneer Mania, J Am Dent Assoc. 2006 Aug; 137(8):1161-3. Zinnman E., Case presentation, WCMID, Seattle, WA, Aug. 17, 2006. Wheeler T, Taylor MG, McGorray SP, Durrett S, et al.: Effect of Invisalign aligners on periodontal tissues. J.Dental Research. 2003; 82(Special Issue A): 1483 Boyd R. Improving periodontal health through Invisalign treatment (Part II). Access 2005: 19:24-28 Norris RA, Brandt DJ, Crawford CH, Fallah M. Restorative and Invisalign: a new approach. J Esthet Restor Dent 2002; 14:217-24. Baumrind S, Korn EL, Boyd RL. Apical resorption in orthodontically treated adults. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 1996 Apr; 109(4):393402
The Provisional Restorations That Fit, Function & Last Dr. Karen McAndrew Dr. Debra Haselton
Provisional crowns are often considered a ‘disposable’ entity and placed with little planning or consideration. However, provisional restorations are a strategic component to successful restoration from the single tooth to full mouth reconstruction. They are the foundation for the definitive prosthesis and are an integral adjunct to treatment planning and