“Leave it to the professionals.”
As a dental professional, you’re aware how that statement can save your patients time, money, discomfort, and heartache.
With emerging orthodontic technologies now being placed in the hands of consumers “Leave it to the Professionals” has become a hot topic for a number of reasons.
Why DIY ortho is all the rage
Speed and cost drive many decisions for today’s consumer. Dentistry is no exception.
The promise of straighter teeth in less time, at lower cost, minus in-office appointments, sounds like a win-win-win to patients.
That said, as dentists we are knowledgeable about the not so promising potential trade-offs, some of which could have costly, long term negative impact on patients’ oral and general health.
Let’s stop for a moment and focus on some of the potential advantages of orthodontic technology provided and monitored by licensed dentists… like you!
Orthodontics with a “warning label”
A survey among AAO (American Association of Orthodontists) members revealed that close to 13% of its members have seen patients who have tried DIY methods, with some such attempts apparently related to challenging orthodontic complications.
The ADA (American Dental Association) also clearly defines its position regarding do-it-yourself orthodontics.
”The ADA “strongly discourages” the practice of do-it-yourself orthodontics because of the potential for harm to patients, according to a new policy passed by the 2017 ADA House of Delegates.”
Legal action to address concerns has also been necessary , according to the ADA.
”Kevin Dillard, AAO general counsel, told the ADA News that the AAO has filed complaints with dental boards and attorneys general in 36 states regarding companies providing aligners through an online service.”
Clearly, it is a vital time to take professional responsibility for your patients and their understanding about orthodontic procedures.
Inform them about the risks that you feel may exist in relation to DIY orthodontic treatment.
Invest in the latest technology and techniques that deliver the highest quality professional results.
Stress the long term health and cost benefits of dentist provided orthodontic treatment.
How orthodontics is evolving and providing a professional advantage with your patients
Improved diagnosis and treatment planning
One example is the use of cone beam CT scanning uses 3D imaging to provide greater detail about your patient’s orthodontic needs.
Smile customization
Insignia™ introduces the ability to customize a smile design system. The process uses 3D treatment planning software with brackets and wires that are specifically customized for each of your patients.
A standard set of impressions can be converted into a 3D virtual model of your patient’s teeth using Insignia’s software. As an orthodontist you can modify the model to design the smile your patient desires.
Before and after model comparisons can reveal what your patient’s actual smile results will look like. The desired smile design is then achieved by crafting brackets, placing them with precision guides to achieve accurate indirect bonding, and incorporating arch wires to maximize tooth movement.
The Insignia ™ system is more comfortable than traditional braces treatment. The ability to customize your patient’s smile using their unique features gives it an advantage.
Discreet and streamlined tooth movement
Clear aligners such as Invisalign® give your patients an option to avoid the noticeable metal of traditional braces. As you know it’s also common for some to desire a faster treatment period with comparable discreetness.
The Damon Clear system provides virtual invisibility like other popular aligners. The brackets used are self-ligating and clear.
The treatment provides precision tooth movement, is comfortable, and discreet. It’s a win-win for patients desiring speedy results without compromising professional quality.As a dental professional, you have a front-row-seat to keep in touch with the evolution of technology – including orthodontic technology, applications, and techniques. Orthodontic innovations that are time efficient, comfortable, safe, and effective, provide your patients with the results they seek, with oversight that only formally educated professionals in the area of the oral cavity – dentists – can provide.
