This article looks into the new technique of moving teeth without braces. The pros and cons of this treatment will be discussed.
According to the FDA, traditional orthodontics involves bonding brackets on teeth, placing a wire through the provided openings in the brackets and securing them via rubber bands. The metal wire exerts subtle pressure on the teeth to make them move. The problem has always been that braces are uncomfortable and unsightly. A new method of orthodontic treatment was introduced and trademarked by Align technology in June 1999. It is called Invisalign and involves tooth movement, via appliances known as aligners.
The pros
According to Align Technology and the American Orthodontic Society, Invisalign does have many advantages. Its main advantage is cosmetic. Many adults have refused orthodontic treatment due to the uncomplimentary look of traditional braces. Invisalign aligners are difficult to spot and as a result aren’t readily seen by anybody. Another advantage is that the aligners can be removed during eating. Unlike the traditional, fixed style of orthodontics, patients can eat all the foods that they enjoy, without fear of breakage. As a result, homecare is also easier to perform, making this another advantage. The patient due to the lack of braces, which creates food impaction around the brackets, making home care a chore, can easily clean food debris. This makes orthodontic treatment by Invisalign, preferable for those suffering from periodontal or gum disease. Other advantages include fewer visits to the orthodontist, maintenance of an active lifestyle, and more confidence in social gathering or business meetings.
The cons
Just as there are pros, there are some cons. Invisalign cannot treat all types of orthodontic problems. It is most effective for uncomplicated, minor orthodontic procedures and not very good for severe bite problems. Due to limitations in this form of treatment, orthodontists may find difficulty in fine-tuning the final outcome. Treatment with Invisalign will generally take longer than traditional orthodontics and will cost more.
Another disadvantage is that treatment outcome will depend on patient compliance. If the patient does what they’re told to do, treatment will be more successful. For the non-compliant patient, traditional orthodontic treatment is preferred. If the patient grinds or clenches their teeth, they could destroy the appliance, rendering it useless, and necessitating the fabrication of a new one, adding to the cost. Speech impediments, such as lisping, can also occur when the appliance is worn. The patient usually will learn to compensate for this, eliminating the speech-associated problems.
Finally, lack of scientific data on this form of treatment, may be a problem, as well. In the Journal of the American Dental Association (2005, Vol 136, no12), Dr’s Manuel Lagravere and Carlos Flores-Mir, were unable to draw any conclusive evidence on the effectiveness of Invisalign treatment. More studies were proposed, in order to evaluate the appliance’s overall effectiveness.
In general, Invisalign is a nice way to treat minor, uncomplicated orthodontic problems cosmetically. According to Align Technologies, seventy percent of all American orthodontists are now incorporating Invisalign into their practices. Invisalign, in the very least gives, the informed dental patient, another choice for orthodontic treatment.
References
American Association of Orthodontists
