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