What are the advantages over traditional braces?

The most obvious advantage of Invisalign is cosmetic: the aligners are completely transparent, therefore far more difficult to detect that traditional wire and bracket braces. This makes it far more popular among adults who want to straighten their teeth without the look of traditional metal braces, which are commonly worn by children and adolescents. In addition, the aligners are more comfortable than braces and due to the removable nature of the aligners; food can be consumed without the encumbrance of metallic braces. Also, there is no risk of nickel toxicity as the aligners are metal free.

Below are several common dental issues that Invisalign treatment can be used to correct:

Crowded teeth: This occurs when there is a lack of room within your jaws for all of your teeth to fit normally. Crowded teeth can lead to dental decay, gum disease, and temporomandibular joint pain.

Widely spaced teeth: This occurs with excessive growth of the jaw bones and also when teeth are missing. This can cause other teeth to shift into the extra space, creating gaps.

Crossbite: This occurs when the upper and lower jaws are misaligned, which causes upper teeth to bite on the inside of the lower teeth. This can happen on both the front and/or sides of the mouth.

Overbite: Known to dentists as an "Overjet", this occurs when the upper teeth bite too far over the lower teeth. Its causes are either genetics, bad oral habits, or over development of the bone that supports teeth.

Underbite: This occurs when lower teeth protrude past the front teeth. It is usually caused by undergrowth of the upper jaw, overgrowth of the lower jaw, or both.

Any of the above conditions can cause a number of problems which include:

• Dental decay

• Periodontal disease and bone loss

• Tooth wear

• Painful jaw and joint problems (Known to dentists as Temporomandibular joint disorders)

As well as treating your specific dental issues, treatment with Invisalign can also positively impact on your overall health as well. Some more health benefits are outlined below:

• Healthy smile: It's easier to see that a straight, well-aligned smile looks great. But that kind of smile often means it's also a health smile. So put yourself in a healthy state of mind with a great looking smile.

• Healthier gums: Signs of periodontal disease, such as swollen gums and redness, can occur due to teeth that are crowded or too widely spaced. When teeth are properly aligned you can brush and floss normally and more easily prevent periodontal disease. This can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, decrease the risk of having low birth-weight babies, and improve overall energy.

• Improved speech: When you leave incorrectly positioned teeth and jaws untreated, it can lead to speech difficulties and uncomfortable chewing issues.

• Temporomandibular Disorders: Incorrectly positioned teeth and jaws can lead directly to painful temporomandibular joint disorders. When malpositioned teeth come together, they can displace they temporomandibular (jaw) joint. This can lead to excessive strain on the chewing muscles and more importantly, irreversible degeneration of structures within the jaw joint. The overall effect can be pain when chewing, chronic headaches, and/or jaw lock. If left untreated this can progress to degenerative changes within the spine. Properly aligned teeth prevent jaw displacement so treatment with Invisalign can both prevent and help treat temporomandibular joint disorders.

How is the treatment carried out?

We begin by taking dental impressions, x-rays and photographs of your teeth and sending them to Align Technology in the USA. The impressions are put through a CT scan from which a computer creates a three dimensional model. Technicians then individualise the teeth in the computer model and move them to their final position. Custom software then simulates the movement of the teeth in stages. We review the simulation online using Align Technology's ClinCheck via a web browser and approve or modify the treatment. Once approved, an aligner is manufactured for each stage of the computer simulation and shipped here to Australia so treatment can begin.

Dr Ray Smallman has recently completed a hands-on, technical training course on the Invisalign system. Dr Aushi Patel has enrolled to do the course in early 2011. Please feel free to have a chat with either Ray or Aushi about how Invisalign could benefit you.

The field of dental product technology is always changing. New and better materials are constantly being developed, taking into account potential toxicity, workability, durability and cost effectiveness. At BCD we are perennially on the lookout for products and materials that are low-reactive and in line with our minimal-toxicity philosophy, whilst maintaining optimal patient satisfaction and functionality.

We have incorporated several new products into practice over the last 12 months that may be used in your next treatment. Andrew, our in-house naturopath, can perform a Biocompatibility test using the ORION electrodermal screening system to ensure that the materials used in your treatments are well tolerated by your unique organism. If you have not had a Biocompatibility test update done in the last 6-12 months we highly recommend that you avail yourself of this valuable service. Andrew is providing special, short consultations at a cost of $50 that may be booked to coincide with your next dental appointment. Just ask for a "Bio Test" when booking.