Invisodontics is NOT Invisalign…It is much more!

Invisodontics is NOT Invisalign…It is much more!

Invisalign has become a household word these days.  Align Technology, Inc., the manufacture of Invisalign, has invested millions in marketing and public awareness of their product.  So much so that it is my feeling that the general public identifies their product with the service of getting their teeth actually straightened.  That has been very likely an intentional marketing goal.

Invisodontics is the service of using invisible means to straightening misaligned and malfunctioning teeth and bites.  An Invisodontist will use many types of inconspicuous appliances to properly accomplish that end.  Some may even be fixed in the mouth similarly to fixed visible braces but in a way that is unnoticeable.  As well as the more well know appliance methods which are removable, like Invisalign.  They are all “tools” of the trade.

Invisalign is to an Invisodontist as a hammer is to a carpenter…a primary tool that is indispensable on the job.  Yet, just because one knows how to pound in a nail with a hammer does not imply that person is qualified to build and install fine custom cabinetry.  So goes it with Invisalign.  There are different levels of expertise when it comes to creating results with a particular tool.  An Invisodontist has made it their life’s work through education and dedicated practice experience in the realm of invisible orthodontics to make the most out of a very technologically advanced tool like Invisalign.

Use of Invisalign does not make one an Invisodontist…it is just a product or a tool used in the practice of Invisodontics.

So don't be lead to believe when you see this logo:

That it is any different than seeing:

On a construction site!

Additional invisible orthodontic products links:

Clear Correct:  http://clearcorrect.com/what/Default.aspx

Lingual braces:  3M’s Incognito Fixed Lingual Braces:   http://www.hiddenbraces.com/

2D Lingual Braces:  http://www.forestadentusa.com

Phantom 2.0 Hybrid Lingual Braces:  http://www.gestenco.com

Smart Moves Invisible Aligners:  http://www.greatlakesortho.com

Star Aligners::  http://www.northstarorthodontics.com

Triple Play Clear Aligners:  http://www.orthoorganizers.com

Originator Clear Aligner System:  http://www.tportho.com

Stars Aligner System:   http://www.tru-tain.com

Insignia Clearguide:  http://www.aoalab.com

MTM Clear Aligner:  http://www.essix.com

EZ-Align:  http://www.dynaflex.com

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Why Invisodontics? It's All in a Name.

Why Invisodontics?  It’s All in a Name.

It is my feeling that the general public and in particular the typical dental consumer has a general misconception of invisible orthodontic treatments.  I am in particular referring to the treatments involving removable clear “retainer” aligner appliances.  I believe most people think removable aligner treatment is something altogether different than treatment involving the use of fixed braces.  Furthermore, it is a misconception that since these methods seem easier to do; they require less training to properly accomplish.

It is totally understandable why the general public would view these invisible aligners as easier to do and requiring less training.  Consider what one sees:

·         Many, if not most, family general dentists are now offering invisible aligner treatments.  The general public by nature trusts their dentists; you expect your dentist to only offer a service that they are completely qualified to do so.  Bear in mind, this is different than legally able to provide it.  It goes on to reason, if all these family dentists are providing invisible orthodontic treatment…it must not require much, if any, special training. 

·         Invisible aligners look like and are even referred to as “retainers”.  Retainers are simple holding appliances; even the name implies they do nothing.  Using them to move teeth should be just as easy?

·         Invisible aligners have no moving parts, theoretically need no adjustments.  In short, they are not the complicated “machine” a set of fixed braces certainly appear to be.

·         Even patients undergoing invisible orthodontic care will report and experience how much easier it is on them to have aligner therapy than the traditional fixed braces on their teeth.  Generally, less pain, no monthly tightening, no breakage or poking wires, fewer appointments, the list goes on.

So, where does the orthodontic specialist fit in to all of this?  At this point in time, it seems to me that the general public perceives the orthodontist as primarily the “fixed braces” specialist who does invisible aligner treatments on the side.  Much like the family dentist, who primarily cleans and fixes diseased teeth while also doing invisible aligner treatment on the side. 

Oh, by the way, in my opinion, many orthodontists send a clear message to the public that they do not want to do invisible aligner treatments, even on the side.  By virtue of the significantly higher fees they quote for aligner treatment compared to their fixed braces fee and the family dentist’s aligner fees.

Obviously I am going to further expound on many of these topics as this forum develops but the primary points I want to make are these:

·         Regardless of the “machine” (braces, aligners etc.) that is used to move your teeth…there are some very basic principles in dental biology, biomechanics and biophysics which relate very specifically to the movement of teeth.  

·         These principles are not taught in the general dental school curriculum.  They are not taught in the 2 day certification classes given by the manufactures of the invisible aligners.  They are only taught as part of the full ADA certification given to the dental specialty of orthodontics.  

·         These principles are critical to the consistent successful treatment of crooked teeth and bites.

So…Why Invisodontics?

It is strictly a descriptive term I created with the intent to:

1. Raise public awareness that there is more “behind the curtain” in this wonderful new Invisible Orthodontic world than it appears.  As well as the fact that an orthodontist is the best trained person to be “behind that curtain” directing the invisible levers.
2. Raise the awareness within my orthodontic community that we have failed in our responsibilities to the public by not making it clearly known that we are the Invisible Orthodontic Specialists. 

Sometimes…It All in a Name.

Someday it may even “make” Wikipedia…what an honor that would be.

Dr Paul A. Hamersky DDS, MS

Invisodontist…Specialist within a Specialty

Invisodontist… Specialist within a Specialty

or·tho·don·tist  [ôr'-thə-dŏn'-tĭst ]

n.

1.  A dentist specializing in braces and other methods of correcting bite problems as well as problems with the asymmetrically appearing teeth.
2.  A specialist in orthodontics

A further description is provided by About.com which states:  

An orthodontist is a dental specialist that has not only completed college and 4 years of dental school, but has also completed an additional 2 to 3 years residency program accredited by the ADA of advanced education in orthodontics. After receiving the additional years of training and education, an orthodontist has learned the skills that are required to treat the misalignment of teeth and facial development with braces, retainers, headgear and other methods. Only a dentist that has completed the additional years of training and education after dental school is an orthodontist.

Further emphasizing a possible obvious point but one that I intend to develop through this blog:

All Orthodontists are Dentists BUT All Dentists are NOT Orthodontists

According to Differencebetween.com:

The difference between a dentist and orthodontist is very simple. A dentist is called an orthodontist after specializes in a branch of dentistry called orthodontics by taking a 2-3 year residency program taking advanced orthodontic courses. Orthodontists are exposed to specialized skills relating to tooth movement and special methods of correcting facial irregularities.

• Dentists and orthodontists are both doctors of teeth and oral care but orthodontists are those dentists who have done an additional 2 years residency program on orthodontics
• Less than 10% of dentists are qualified orthodontists.

So, let us use this line of thinking to create a descriptive definition for the term:

in·viso·don·tist  [in-vizə-dŏn'-tĭst ]

An invisodontist is an orthodontic specialist (orthodontist) who in most cases has completed additional training and learned the additional skills that are required to treat the misalignment of teeth and facial development primarily using invisible or inconspicuous methods.

Therefore:

All Invisodontist are Orthodontists BUT Not All Orthodontists choose to be Invisodontists

Invisodontics...A New "Take" on Orthodontics

Invisodontics…A New “Take” on Orthodontics

in·vis·i·ble  [ĭn-vĭz'ə-bəl]

adj.

1. Impossible to see; not visible.

2. Not accessible to view; hidden.

3. Not easily noticed or detected; inconspicuous.

or·tho·don·tics  [ôr'thə-dŏn'tĭks]

n.(used with a sing. verb) 

1. A specialty branch of dentistry dealing with irregularities of the teeth and their correction (as by means of braces).

2. The treatment provided by an orthodontist.

The term “Invisodontics” is not officially recognized or used in dentistry today.  Not by the American Dental Association (ADA), the American Association ofOrthodontist (AAO) or any Local State Board of DentalExaminers.   The reason is, as far as I can tell, I created the word. 

It is a descriptive combination of the words Invisible Orthodontics to create “Invisodontics”

The word came to me while planning the development of a relatively new concept in the practice of orthodontics.  A specialty orthodontic only practice which utilizes strictly invisible types of treatment to correct crooked teeth.  

Welcome to my blog where we will explore “the Good, the Bad and the Ugly” of invisible orthodontics….Invisodontics.

Dr. Paul Hamersky, DDS, MS

Certified Orthodontic Specialist