A. Dr. Amanda’s guidance on decision-making in late-stage Invisalign treatment
B. Three main options: refinement, Virtual Power Chain (VPC), or transitioning to retainers
II. Assessing Alignment
A. Dr. Amanda advises patients to assess tooth alignment
B. Suggests taking a panoramic X-ray for root alignment confirmation
C. Encourages subjective evaluation by patients
D. Advocates involving friends and family for input
III. Alignment Satisfaction
A. If both patient and dentist are content with alignment, no further adjustments are needed
IV. Checking the Bite
A. Emphasizing the importance of even posterior occlusion
B. Stressing the avoidance of anterior occlusion between specific teeth
C. The necessity of addressing bite issues if they persist
V. Refinement
A. Explains the need for refinement to balance occlusion
B. Mention potential additional tooth adjustments or IPR (interproximal reduction)
C. Stress on checking for open contacts after refinement
D. Importance of documenting open contact locations
VI. Open Contacts Resolution
A. Discuss common occurrences of open contacts
B. Suggest measuring and documenting open contact locations accurately
C. Options for addressing open contacts: VPC, ghost IPR, or additional refinement
VII. Transition to Retainers
A. Occurs when there are no open contacts left
B. Signifies achievement of desired results
VIII. Summary
A. Dr. Amanda’s comprehensive guidance on Invisalign progress assessment
B. Prioritizing patient input and collaboration for optimal outcomes in each case
Dr. Amanda advises Invisalign patients on key decisions as treatment nears completion. Patients should assess teeth alignment and bite, involving others for input. Refinement or Virtual Power Chain (VPC) may be needed if issues persist. Addressing open contacts is crucial, with VPC or refinement as options. If none, the successful treatment concludes with retainers. Dr. Amanda’s patient-centric approach prioritizes collaboration for optimal outcomes.

Choosing the ideal type of brackets isn’t necessarily a two-minute task. One decision you’ll need to make here is whether to use self-ligating braces (sometimes known as Damon braces) or a traditional brace design. Luckily, we’ve summarized some of the main things you need to know when developing your treatment plan to help.

How Self-Ligating Braces and Traditional Mini Twin Braces Differ

Self-ligating brackets can be an excellent option to cut down on the number of times you need to see a patient during their braces treatment plan. Critically, if you’re in the initial stage and undoing crowding, self-ligating brackets can potentially mean patients only need to come into the clinic every two or three months; this is substantially less often than traditional rubber tie or o-ring cases, which may need changing every four to six weeks.

However, it’s worth noting that self-ligating braces are significantly more expensive to purchase in many cases.

When To Use Each Type

Traditional mini twin and self-ligating braces can lend themselves to different scenarios. If you have a case that shows crowding, self-ligating brackets may be quicker or may not need as many visits to the orthodontics clinic.

However, if the patient needs spacing, self-ligating braces usually won’t offer a benefit in terms of clinic visits. After all, the patient will still need to come in regularly to get their virtual power chain changed anyway.

Metal vs Plastic vs Ceramic Brackets

Have you ever wondered about whether metal or ceramic brackets might be better suited to your orthodontics needs? It’s not always easy to work out whether metal or ceramic brackets could be best for your cases, but there are pros and cons for both materials – and we’ve outlined the main things you’ll need to know to inform your orthodontics braces cases as follows.

Metal vs Plastic vs Ceramic Braces

When planning your orthodontics braces cases, choosing the right material is crucial. Of course, this will often come down to the brand in question; poorly made brackets should always be avoided, no matter the material.

• Plastic brackets are generally cheap to purchase, but they can give less effective results sometimes. Plastic brackets may be more prone to staining and sliding. They also don’t quite achieve the same torque.
• Ceramic brackets are a slightly better option for quality than plastic brackets, and they’re often superior for optical translucency and blend in a lot better. They are also more resistant to staining than plastics. However, they are higher profile.
• Metal brackets, on the whole, are generally a great all-round solution. They’re usually more affordable than ceramic brackets and provide excellent durability, but they can be more noticeable for the patient.

For further support, don’t hesitate to contact our experts here at Straight Smile Solutions for further support! And don’t forget, clear aligners can often be used as an alternative to traditional brackets and aligners, too.

Align Technology is launching their own brand of palatal expanders that clip/ attach to their clear aligners!! Read more below.
It is being launched in Canada now, and will be available in the US in 2024 but only with Invisalign First®.


We’ll post more information, when we know it!!

https://investor.aligntech.com/news-releases/news-release-details/align-technology-introduces-invisalignr-palatal-expander-system

A lot of you are asking about 3D Printed Fixed Expanders. I haven’t done one yet, but I see the benefit, no spacers and great retention! It’s also potentially healthier for gums although it may increase the rate of caries.

Here’s more information from recent journal articles.

https://www.jco-online.com/archive/2021/09/571-the-cutting-edge-cementation-and-removal-of-3d-printed-expanders/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1073874621000487

Here are some of the advantages of 3D printed expanders:
Direct mental printing saves time for both doctors and patients. There’s no need for two separate appointments. 3D printed expanders eliminate the need for uncomfortable separator visits prior to expander insertion! Since this appliance does not go in between the teeth, we no longer have to place uncomfortable separators between teeth to make space prior to the expander insertion. They are also directly adapted to the shape and curvature of your tooth anatomy, so they are less likely to collect bacteria and are smoother on your tongue. Since the entire process is digital from scan to manufacturing, there are less chances for fit errors.

Benefits of Self-Ligating Brackets for Orthodontics Treatment Plans

Have you ever wondered about the benefits that self-ligating brackets could offer as part of your orthodontics treatment plans? It’s not always easy to find the ideal solutions for your patients, but self-ligating brackets can potentially be a valuable option in some scenarios.
The Benefits of Self-Ligating Brackets for Orthodontics Treatment Plans
Self-ligating brackets were an incredibly popular option before the rise of effective clear aligners, mainly because they negate the need to use rubber ties. Moreover, self-ligating brackets generally required fewer visits to the clinic as well. This made them popular for rapid solutions without as much force, especially in non-growing adults.
Are Self-Ligating Brackets Worth It?
While self-ligating brackets were excellent orthodontics solutions back in the day, most general dentists providing orthodontic services these days will just use clear aligners, such as Invisalign. It’s especially limited in cases where Power Chain is already being provided since you’ll invariably still need to see the patient regularly regardless. Why bother?
If you need help getting started with a clear aligner treatment plan, our experts here at Straight Smile Solutions can help. So, don’t delay; contact us for further ideas and support on your cases today! We’re here to help make sure you’ve got the orthodontics backup you need to really hone your skills once and for all.

Can you View your Invisalign ClinCheck BEFORE you Pay for Treatment?
● Dr. Amanda from Straight Smile Solutions discussed viewing your Invisalign ClinCheck before committing to treatment.
● Invisalign ClinCheck is a digital animation that shows how your teeth will shift during treatment.
● The ability to view ClinCheck animations depends on your orthodontist rather than Invisalign or Align Technology.
● The orthodontist bears the cost of obtaining a ClinCheck simulation based on the complexity of the treatment.
● There’s no upfront fee for ClinCheck; sharing with the patient depends on the orthodontist’s discretion.
● Dr. Amanda strongly recommended that patients insist on seeing their ClinCheck before starting Invisalign treatment.
● Paying for something without knowing what to expect, especially a medical procedure, is unwise.
● Viewing the ClinCheck ensures the patient and the doctor have the same expectations for the treatment outcome.
● Most orthodontists are willing to share the ClinCheck if asked.
● The process involves email communication and a password to ensure HIPAA compliance.
● Dr. Amanda advised patients to choose an orthodontist with an intraoral scanner.
● Using traditional rubbery impressions might indicate a need for more experience.
● Dr. Amanda encouraged patients to assert their right to see the simulation before making financial commitments.
● Dr. Amanda’s message focused on empowering patients to make informed decisions about their orthodontic treatment.
Summary
Dr. Amanda’s recent discussion shed light on a critical aspect of Invisalign treatment: the ability for patients to review their ClinCheck animations before embarking on their journey to straighter teeth. She underscored that this crucial step isn’t determined by Invisalign but rather by the orthodontist or dentist managing the case. Dr. Amanda stressed the importance of patients advocating for themselves and insisting on seeing ClinCheck align expectations with their healthcare provider. Her insightful guidance on approaching orthodontists and choosing practitioners with modern scanning technology aims to empower patients to make well-informed decisions about their orthodontic treatment, ensuring a smoother and more satisfying experience.

Understanding Round-Tripping in Orthodontics Cases

Have you ever heard or used the term “round-tripping” for your orthodontics cases? Whether you’re a patient or an orthodontist, understanding this term can help you ensure you’re creating the most effective treatment plan based on your patient’s needs – and giving better results, accordingly.
What is Round-Tripping?
First, we need to define what round-tripping is. For crooked teeth on the lower arch (in braces or aligners cases), round-trip cases aim to resolve crowding by straightening out crooked teeth first and then adding IPR before retracting the teeth.
For those who want to do IPR early or late in treatment, this is something that should be notified when creating the initial Invisalign or clear aligner treatment plan.
Is Round-Tripping Always Right?
In some cases, round-tripping may be possible. For example, when you take a CEPH, you can look at the labial bone to see if it’s possible to round-trip safely. However, in other cases, this could compromise the results of the treatment plan and cause irreversible damage to the teeth (e.g. sensitivity issues, perio issues, or permanently mobile teeth).
In addition to taking a CEPH, there are many physical features you can look for that can influence whether or not you should round-trip. For example, look for blanching or root scalloping to help inform your decision.
If you’re not sure about whether to do round-tripping as part of your patient’s treatment plan, make sure you’ve considered the aforementioned points. And, if you still need support in finding the perfect treatment plan, our Straight Smile Solutions orthodontics experts can help!

Bonding Buttons to Crowns in Invisalign: Should You Do It?

When doing Invisalign cases, knowing about the different quirks you might encounter while creating a treatment plan (and how to approach them). One such example is crowns – knowing whether you should bond a button to a crown can help you create better treatment plans.
Should You Bond Buttons to Crowns in Invisalign?
If your Invisalign patient has crowns, we generally recommend not bonding to crowns unless there is no other option. If you do bond to crowns, you’ll likely need to replace the crown after the treatment plan – and naturally, this may not be feasible for patients who have gold crowns and the like that come with a high price tag.
Slots or Buttons: Which is Right For Crown Treatment Plans?
If your Invisalign treatment plan has crowns involved, there are a few options you could consider.
The exact approach you’ll likely want to use will often depend on the level of movement and your preferences. Here at Straight Smile Solutions, we generally prefer to avoid slots, as the approach can potentially pull the trays out of the mouth (especially in cases with lots of movement). Due to this, doing the movement first may help.
A more valuable option may be to move the precision cut for the button to another tooth. Usually, the one behind or in front of the crown may be popular, and while this may need different elastics, it can still work well with the right treatment plan.
If you’re still unsure, contact our friendly experts at Straight Smile Solutions for support with your specific case.

Do I Need a CEPH with Invisalign CBCT?

Have you ever wondered whether a CEPH is still needed when using Invisalign’s CBCT upload feature? In many cases, this isn’t always clear, but there’s a lot you’ll need to keep in mind – and so, our Straight Smile Solutions orthodontics experts have summarized some of the main things you need to know.
Do I Need a CEPH with Invisalign CBCT?
Even when you’re using Invisalign CBCT for your orthodontics cases, getting a CEPH first is still hugely important. There are numerous reasons for this, but it’s worth noting that traditional full face lateral CEPH and CEPH numbers are often essential to Standard of Care.
Remember, without a CEPH, you’ll be missing a lot of information that’s not contained within the upper and lower jaw, such as soft tissue, the lips, the border of the mandible, and the cranial base. As such, getting a CEPH first, especially for cases that are more complex than just Class I, getting a CEPH before starting on orthodontics work can be an important aspect of delivering quality results for your patients.
What About Other Clear Aligner Companies?
If you’re working with other clear aligner companies that use a CBCT feature, you’ll still want to get a CEPH before getting started in many cases.