Traditional Orthodontics versus Invisalign versus Epigenetic Orthodontics:

I have been providing orthodontic care for my patients, young and old alike for more than 35 years. I was fortunate to have been introduced to the European removable appliances in the 1970s. These wonderful appliances provide the development of the bony structures of the face so that I have seldom extracted teeth in order to correct crowding and jaw misalignment. I can state emphatically that children and adults are able to experience bone growth and the repositioning of teeth without extraction in the vast majority of cases. I have always believed that Orthodontics should be the foundation of every general dentistry practice. If the general dentist is uninterested in learning how to reposition the teeth to their proper anatomical position then he should refer the patient to an orthodontist that can provide that service. I have always offered my patients the service of positioning the teeth properly in lieu of cutting unnecessary tooth structure away in order to create a more pleasing smile. Even if the misaligned teeth need restorations, they should still first be repositioned through orthodontics before the restorations are placed. This way much less tooth structure is sacrificed. Tooth enamel is the hardest most durable substance in our bodies, and it should be respected and preserved. Over the last two years, the scientists at Align Technology have improved the clinical effectiveness of the Invisalign trays to the point that today I can treat most of my orthodontic patients without the more cumbersome European appliances and braces I have been using for the past 35 plus years. There will come a time when the majority of orthodontic treatments will be provided by these clear comfortable Invisalign type appliances. The steady light pressure of these trays allows gentle repositioning of the teeth; and even expansion of the arches in order to avoid extractions. I still provide conventional braces, and even some epigenetic and European orthopedic appliances, but more and more, my patients prefer Invisalign over braces. I am able to provide very good results with Invisalign alone. Today, the cost of Invisalign in my office is no more than conventional braces, and the results are obtained in equal time..sometimes faster. In the right hands with an experienced dentist, the results are great!