What Are Major Improvements in Orthodontics?
By Richard Lyons | Published on October 14, 2010 | 0 Comments
When you have the kind of experience in dentistry and orthodontics that Richard M. Lyons has, you can be sure that you will see a lot of changes and improvements made in the industry that not only affect the profession, but also the lives of patients. As an orthodontist in Tribeca, New York, Dr. Lyons says that this has certainly been the case for him. With each passing year, new technology and treatment plans continue to reshape the art of creating straighter teeth and healthier smiles.
One of the most recent improvements in technology that some dentists have begun to embrace is the switch from regular files to the computerized documentation of patients’ records. Though it may seem like a simple switch, Dr. Lyons says that it has improved the treatments that patients receive because the dental staff is able to determine what type of anomalies and malocclusions they may have before their appointments begin.
In the dental chair, however, Dr. Lyons sings the praises of the new types of brackets that have been made available to orthodontists, because recent advancements have made it easier to move teeth into favorable positions. In addition to these new brackets, he says that orthodontists are also able to place pins in patients’ mouths so that they can move teeth simultaneously. The theory that every action has an equal and opposite reaction is true even in dentistry, Dr. Lyons says. Therefore, if you move only a few teeth at a time, you might end up creating unwanted spaces in other areas of the mouth. The use of new pins and brackets also means that orthodontists can move teeth appropriately without the use of too many metal wires, which is certainly an aesthetic plus for many patients.
Above all else though, says Dr. Lyons, the widespread use of Invisalign to treat crooked smiles has been one of the biggest improvements in orthodontics. This has given millions of people who were once apprehensive about getting braces because of the metal brackets the opportunity to straighten their teeth with the clear tray alternatives.
Sometimes, however, choosing Invisalign over braces has a lot do to with a patient’s age. Dr. Lyons says that while Invisalign is an amazing way to move teeth and although it allows the dentist to have a lot of control over tooth placement, hygiene definitely has to be considered. For older, more mature patients, Invisalign is ideal because there is less concern about cleanliness, bone loss, and gum disease. The reason is that it’s expected that the patient is now responsible enough to wear the trays when necessary and to properly clean his teeth as instructed.
With teens and younger children, Dr. Lyons adds, braces are often preferred because it gives the dentist more control over the treatment plan than the child. When you are using removable appliances, you have to rely on the child, and it is sometimes difficult to predict how he will maintain oral health care at home. He suspects that a lot of other dentists and orthodontists agree with his opinion. He points to Madonna’s teen daughter as the perfect example. Clearly, the issue of braces over Invisalign is not a money issue, he says, but rather it is about ensuring the success of the treatment plan. Madonna has millions of dollars, yet her daughter still has metal braces. For that age group, it is often times just the better option.
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