Dr. Amanda from Straight Smiles Solutions is dedicated to helping patients achieve beautiful, aligned teeth. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the directions in which teeth can move and the limitations associated with orthodontic treatment.

In her previous coaching sessions, Dr. Amanda focuses on the initial step of getting oriented and discussing the various ways to move teeth. She highlights techniques such as Proclination (leaning incisors forward) and Arch expansion, which can help create space and alleviate crowding. However, she emphasizes that evaluating each case individually is crucial, not solely relying on clear aligner setups or treatment plans from aligner companies.

Dr. Amanda emphasizes the need for comprehensive diagnostics before making any treatment decisions. This includes assessing the health of teeth, roots, and gums through various tools such as Panoramic x-rays. She also mentions using Cephalometric x-rays to analyze the angulation of incisors and determine their stability. However, the decision to obtain cephalometric x-rays depends on the individual dental practice and the regulations in the respective state or country.
Expansion of arches and proclination are effective methods, but Dr. Amanda cautions against moving teeth forward without considering the root scalloping and potential negative effects on tooth vitality. She stresses that the clincheck or treatment setup provided by aligner companies should not be blindly followed, and dentists must use their professional judgment to ensure the safety and health of their patients.

Dr. Amanda introduces another technique called Sequential distalization, which is easily achievable with Invisalign for cases without impacted third molars. This method involves progressively moving teeth distally to create space. She mentions that this technique requires more aligners and time but can yield excellent results.

In terms of interproximal reduction (IPR), Dr. Amanda recommends attending her webinar sponsored by Garrison Dental, where she will discuss the topic in detail. She mentions that IPR should be performed cautiously, considering the patient’s age, tooth health, and the maximum amount of enamel that can be safely removed. Dr. Amanda believes in using IPR as a last resort and strives for a zero percent extraction rate, particularly in growing patients.

Dr. Amanda’s goal is to provide alternative treatment options that minimize or eliminate the need for premolar extractions. She believes that extractions should be rare and performed only when necessary due to severe perio issues or extensive tooth decay. She emphasizes the importance of considering the patient’s oral health, age, and growth potential when determining the most suitable treatment plan.
Conclusion
Dr. Amanda invites dental practitioners to visit her Straight Smile Solutions website for more information and assistance with their cases. She expresses her enthusiasm for helping fellow professionals. Dr. Amanda emphasizes the significance of gaining experience and knowledge to understand the various techniques and treatment possibilities available for moving teeth effectively and safely.