Invisible Orthodontics

What’s all this talk about the new invisible braces?

Invisible treatment, has been around for many years.  What is new is the manufacturing technique and the marketing technique.

Beginning in 2000, a company, based in the bay area with manufacturing facilities overseas, came up with a new way of making invisible appliances.  Rather than making them by hand, they started using machines, guided by computers.  This, they say, improves accuracy and cuts down on the cost of manufacturing.

Unfortunately, the patient pays more for their orthodontic treatment done by this invisible method, because the company making the invisible appliance charges the orthodontist many times the cost of a regular set of braces for their product.

Also new is the way the appliance technique is being marketed directly to the consumer, rather than to the doctors who must decide if the technique is appropriate for the patient.  As a result, many patients are coming in requesting a technique which will not work for them.

For example, children have come into the office requesting invisible treatment.  Unfortunately for them, this technique works only for adults.  Since most adults have problems which cannot be treated by the invisible technique, the promise of available invisible treatment becomes a marketing device for the orthodontist rather than a treatment option for the patient.
 
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Invisible FAQ's

Q.  I am a teenager.  Why can’t I get invisible treatment?
A.  Invisible treatment does not work until all jaw growth is complete and all adult teeth are in.

Q.  What if I am an adult?  Can Dr. Lang do invisible treatment on me?
A.  Tell Dr. Lang you are interested in options more esthetic than conventional braces.  If he thinks you are a candidate for invisible treatment, he will tell you what your options are.

Q.  Are there different ways to straighten my teeth without braces?
A.  Many different techniques have been used over the years to straighten teeth without visible hardware.  These include clear plastic or glass braces, lingual (tongue side) braces and removable appliances (which you can take out when you don’t want anything to show).  Dr. Lang has used them all.  The invisible aligner technique is simply a removable appliance that is made from clear plastic so it does not show as much when it is worn.

Q.  How do you decide what appliance to use and why doesn’t every adult get invisible treatment?
A.  Simply put, we need to match the tool to the job.  The invisible aligner is a simple tool.  It only only works for simple jobs.  Also, many adults who are eligible for invisible treatment cannot afford the cost, which is often double that of conventional treatment.

Q.  How do I know if my dental problem is simple or complex?
A.  You don’t, but your orthodontist does.  Come in for an appointment.  Dr. Lang will first determine what your needs are, then offer you a treatment which best suits your needs.

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