StraightSmile Solutions®

I know some people think I am contradicting myself, but I am indeed a fan of Invisalign. For a young, healthy, class 1 patient, there are many alternative aligner options for treatment that are just as good as Invisalign and can save you or the patient a lot of money. That being said, orthodontics isn’t […]

First of all, I want to preface this blog that I’ve avoided writing this blog because I am emphatically against premolar extractions for a zillion reasons. Most of the time it’s overkill and not necessary, especially with early intervention. That being said, I want to give my “rules” for extractions:1. Always, always get a ceph […]

Oral habits like thumb-sucking and using a pacifier use can be normal, soothing reflexes from birth to one year of age. The majority of children naturally outgrow their habit easily on their own. However, habits that persist after the age of three or four risk oral complications: Crooked teeth Narrow arches Proclined teeth (AKA buck […]

“please fabricate u/l schwartz with no occlusal acrylic, lab please pick best clasps” This is pretty standard for fixed if you want to archive the script for future patients. Only variation would be one of the following: 1. Please add anterior bite plate 2. Please add sagittal to distalize tooth _____ 3. Please add sagittal […]

Ultimately this is pretty easy. Not too many variations.“please fabricate u/l fixed expander with buccal tubes”or “please fabricate u/l fixed expander”This is pretty standard for fixed if you want to archive the script for future patients.Only variation would be one of the following:1. Please solder anterior bite plate2. Please solder facemask hooks 3. Please solder tongue/thumb […]

1. Educate YourselfFrom my 20 years in the orthodontic industry, I’ve compiled my top tips for selling that ortho case. For more detailed clinical tips and tricks, I recommend my book: https://www.straightsmilesolutions.com/store/ebook/2. Non-Surgical and Non-ExtractionAdvertise yourself as a 99% non-extraction and non-surgical orthodontist in kids under age 10. This can be a very lucrative statement. […]

Ultimately, you’ll need to consult your dental practice act in your state or country for the answer on this question.For me, I only take cephs if there’s a benefit from the cephs. I take cephs on growing kids who need AP or vertical changes and on adults where we are contemplating making drastic AP or […]

Allergies are real in orthodontics. The first step is a comprehensive medical and dental history. The most common allergies are:1. Latex (Gloves, Braces Elastomerics)2. Nickel (Metal braces and Wires)I find most real allergies are usually only in adults. Whenever a patient declares that they have a latex allergy, the first question I ask is, “tell […]

Discomfort is real in orthodontics. I’ve had both braces and aligners as a patient several times and I’ve also treated tens of thousands of orthodontic patients. I can tell you that the pain IS real and management of discomfort is critical to patient trust and compliance.I always address the elephant in the room at the […]

VIRTUAL CONSULTSYou should offer both virtual consults and in-person consults in your practice. Block a variety of times in your schedule every week for virtual consults on an admin day. Be sure you are still sending out all your medical and dental Hx and office paperwork in advance through DocuSign as well as a “Smile […]