Straight Teeth in Six Months
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All Posts in Category: Straight Teeth

Get Ready for a Big Event Fast with 6 Month Braces

If you have an upcoming event – perhaps a wedding, reunion, or vacation – and you want to look your best, then Six Month Braces may be just what you need. Six Month Braces offer many advantages over traditional braces, including faster results, less discomfort, and more discreet appearance. In this blog post, we will explain why Six Month Braces are such a great option for anyone looking to straighten their teeth quickly and effectively, and show you how you can get ready for your big event in no time.

What are Six Month Braces and how do they work?

Six Month Braces are an adult braces option that focuses on the cosmetic aspects of treatment so you can get your braces off fast. The treatment typically takes six months or less, which is significantly faster than traditional braces. We offer a number of different options including invisible braces which use clear bands and brackets. The discreet look makes them a popular choice for adults and teenagers who want to improve their smiles without drawing attention to their orthodontic treatment.

Who is a good candidate for Six Month Braces?

Six Month Braces can be a great option for anyone who wants to straighten their teeth quickly and effectively. The treatment is suitable for adults and teenagers with mild to moderate orthodontic issues, such as crooked or overlapping teeth, gaps between teeth, and misaligned bites. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Georgaklis so he can get a closer look at your teeth and recommend the best treatment option for your smile.

How can you get ready for your big event with Six Month Braces?

If you have a big event coming up and want to improve your smile quickly, Six Month Braces may be the perfect solution. To get started, schedule a consultation at the Rapid Braces Brookline Office so we can assess your needs and recommend the best treatment options. If Six Month Braces are right for you, the treatment can begin right away, with visible results in just a few months. By the time your big event arrives, you will have a straighter, more beautiful smile that will make you feel confident and happy.

Six Month Braces are a great option for anyone who wants to straighten their teeth quickly and discreetly. Whether you have a wedding, reunion, or vacation coming up, Six Month Braces can help you get ready for your big event in no time. So don’t wait – schedule a consultation today and discover how Six Month Braces can transform your smile and boost your confidence.

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Benefits of a Great Smile

Benefits of a Great Smile

There is no secret that when you smile more, you just simply feel better. Smiling has many documented social benefits. A Genuine smile can make you seem more likable, attractive, intelligent, and even trustworthy. Perhaps the biggest surprise to benefits of smiling, however, is that it can improve your health & even help you live longer. Here are some of the surprising health benefits of smiling.

  • Everyone feels down sometimes and smiling is the most simple, and the best way to improve your mood. So if you are having a bad day try smiling, improve your thoughts, and it may just lead to a genuine smile to lift your spirits.
  • Smiling and general laughter appears to help lower peoples’ blood pressure, and all around heart health. The reason is that laughter causes an initial increase in heart rate, followed by a period of muscle relaxation. The decrease in heart rate and blood pressure helps you reduce your risk of developing heart disease.
  • When you are in a stressful situation, try smiling! Smiling helps your body deal with stressful situations more effectively. Smiling results in a lower heart rate, telling your body that you have full control of the situation. Stress is generally caused by increases in heart rate and blood pressure. Maintaining a smile will provide you with both psychological and physical health benefits.
  • Have you noticed that you are drawn towards people who smile a lot? This is because people who smile are perceived as being more likable than those who don’t. Being likable makes it easier to build and maintain a better relationship with other people. This is important for overall health, well-being, more stable marriages, and better interpersonal skills than people with negative emotions. Keeping a smile on your face truly helps create healthier and stronger social bonding.
  • An incredible discovery is that laughing and smiling helps boost your body’s immune system. Laughter and positive thoughts release chemicals in your brain that fight stress and illness. Laughter therapy has even shown to increase immune responses in women who have just had babies. Positive thoughts really do have a physical presence in the health of the body, so always keep positive.
  • It turns out that the fountain of youth has been within you all along. It has been discovered that smiling and positive emotions are associated with increased lifespans. Now that is a reason to keep smiling.

The lesson here is, the next time you feel down, try wearing a smile even if it is uncomfortable. Your fake smile will turn into a genuine one, all while gaining benefits for your mind, body, and overall well-being. Set up an appointment with us to get your best smile, and wreak the benefits while looking great doing it.

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Adult Invisalign Alternatives

Invisalign Alternatives for Adults

Invisalign is one of the most popular choices to get braces for adults. Patients of all ages have welcomed Invisalign because of its discreet treatment method. The Clear Plastic trays are perfect for adults who would like to keep their braces hidden from co-workers or friends. The Invisalign plastic slowly adjusts your teeth. Every couple of weeks, a new set of Invisalign trays are set to replace the old set. Invisalign is so popular, not only because of its discreet appearance but because of its discrete adjustments to your teeth with no pain.

Adult Invisalign Alternatives

For Adults that never got the Orthodontic attention they needed as a teenager, cosmetic orthodontic treatment with methods like Invisalign are becoming popular. Because so many adults are looking for discreet treatment options, we offer Invisalign alternatives at Rapid Braces that can get you a beautiful smile.

Incognito Braces

Incognito braces are the latest orthodontic trend for alternatives for adult braces. Incognito braces are hidden from your smile as they are affixed to the back of the teeth. This technique allows the braces to be virtually invisible. The Incognito braces also eliminate the concern of braces damaging the front of the teeth. Your white smile cannot be damaged with this orthodontic treatment.

Clear Braces

Getting Clear Braces is another way to avoid unattractive metal braces during 6 Month Cosmetic Orthodontic Treatment. Clear Braces use clear bands so they can’t be seen easily and are more affordable than lingual braces put behind the teeth. Clear Braces are perfect for adults who don’t want the attention that orthodontic treatment can bring. Fixing your smile as an adult is easier than you can imagine. Schedule an appointment at Rapid Braces and we can take a look at your teeth and see which Invisalign Alternatives would be best for you.

clear braces orthodontic treatment

Why Rapid Braces?

Here at Rapid Braces, we understand the importance of giving each patient enough time to make sure all questions are answered. Patients have specific needs and we make sure to develop a personalized plan for everyone we see at Rapid Braces. Rapid Braces provides a relaxed environment so our patients can be as comfortable as possible when visiting for an appointment. Our team loves to welcome in any new patients and help them get straight teeth fast with our 6-month braces treatment.

To learn more about the alternatives to braces for adults offered by Rapid Braces, visit our office, or reach out to us through our Contact Form.

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Braces for Adults in Boston

Braces for Adults in Boston

Braces aren’t just for kids anymore — now there are options for braces for adults! More and more adults are looking into their options to get straight teeth. Dr. Georgaklis has revolutionized the way adults get straight teeth with his Rapid Braces method. He combines his dentistry expertise with orthodontic practices to give each patient a unique experience and perfect smile.

clear braces orthodontic treatment

People who need braces in the Boston area can benefit from Dr. Georgaklis’ expert treatment and get straight teeth in six months! Adults can choose from clear braces or behind the teeth braces. Both of these options give you straight teeth while “hiding” your braces. Many people might turn to other treatments like Invisalign, but Dr. G’s method can give you straight teeth in half the time!

Clear braces can be considered invisible braces. They mount to the front of your teeth like typical braces, but use clear brackets and wiring for that see-through effect. Learn more about clear braces here!  Lingual braces, or behind the teeth braces, mount to the back of your teeth. These braces are hidden and can only be seen if you tilt your head back! Dr. Georgaklis is able to use a combination of these braces and retainers to give you a perfect smile. Learn more about lingual braces here.

Getting straight teeth as an adult doesn’t need to be a hassle or an embarrassment. It just takes six months to fix your teeth and have you loving your smile! Contact us for a free consultation!

 

 

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Six-Month Adult Aesthetic Orthodontic Treatment

Six-Month Adult Aesthetic Orthodontic Treatment

Straight teeth in just six months.

Posted on Glidewell Laboratories.

While cosmetic dentistry has commanded more attention with recent breakthroughs — such as all-ceramic crowns, veneers, composite materials and intraoral cameras — the demand for adult cosmetic orthodontic treatment has also increased. It has been estimated that in 1970, only 5 percent of adults aged 18 or older sought consultations for comprehensive orthodontic treatment.1 In 1990, four times that number sought consultations for orthodontics.

Currently, adults present with chief complaints about the crowding of their teeth more frequently than anything else.2 Many adult patients want to straighten their teeth, but they are unwilling to wear braces for two or more years. Patients presenting with a physiologic occlusion and a desire for aesthetic improvement can benefit from orthodontic correction that requires only a short treatment time of six months or less. Adults who have their teeth straightened experience a better body self-image and higher self-esteem.3,4 The general public is focused on a noncrowded, aesthetic tooth arrangement more so than orthodontists, who are also concerned with occlusal and skeletal relations.5 A short, six-month treatment can very well enhance periodontal and occlusal aspects of the patient’s dentition. Treatment, therefore, serves as an adjunct to final periodontic and restorative treatment, even though the main focus remains cosmetic.

Simultaneously treatment planning the orthodontics with the cosmetics, crown & bridge, and periodontics in the same office facilitates a well-orchestrated cosmetic result, which can be more difficult to achieve through cross communicating between specialists. In this context, limited cosmetic orthodontic treatment is best done on patients who otherwise may not opt for comprehensive orthodontic treatment.

Method

The first aspect of case selection involves a discussion of the patient’s chief complaint. Patients are given a list of orthodontic and cosmetic problems, and asked to indicate their objective(s) for seeking treatment. In almost 90 percent of adult cases, relieving anterior crowding is the primary concern. This figure is based on 20 to 25 new orthodontic consults per month for six months in my general practice.

When the patient is committed to treatment, a database of information should be obtained: panoramic and full-mouth radiographs, intraoral and extraoral photographs, and models. A problem list is then reviewed with the patient, followed by a comprehensive treatment plan. The orthodontic aspect should be cosmetically oriented, specifically excluding skeletal problems. Because the profile and posterior occlusion are not to be changed significantly, a lateral cephalometric X-ray is not necessary.6

The treatment sequence includes the following:

  • Data collection and records;
  • Prophylaxis, fluoride application, oral hygiene instruction, and endodontic and periodontic disease resolution;
  • Extraction of third molars and a lower incisor when necessary (other teeth may rarely need to be extracted);
  • Cosmetic orthodontics; and
  • Bleaching, crowns and cosmetic bonding when indicated

If the patient prefers not to wear Hawley retainers, teeth can be retained by splinting once settling has occurred.

The Case for Enamel Reproximation

Because the postextraction health of the temporomandibular joint has been questioned, bicuspid extraction is now done with less frequency than in the past. It provides a result that is not always aesthetic or stable, has been slowly decreasing in popularity (almost 8 percent between 1988 and 1993), and remains controversial, varying widely among practitioners.7-10 Almost one and a half years is required to close the extraction spaces, and nonextraction patients have fuller lip support following treatment.11 Expansion is also a questionable method of treatment because long-term stability is doubtful.12

However, enamel reproximation allows for minimal localized tooth movements, fewer extractions, maintenance of lip support and shorter treatment time. Begg theorized that crowding of most dentitions is actually the result of decreased proximal wear, which our evolutionary predecessors once experienced.13 Therefore, enamel reproximation would seem to be the most natural available remedy for relieving crowding.

Enamel reproximation (air-rotor stripping) can be done for up to a 10 mm arch-length discrepancy. Sheridan recommends limiting reproximation to 1 mm per contact or 0.5 mm per proximal surface.14,15 Frequently, more than this can be done without noticeable change in tooth morphology or sensitivity because it’s done throughout six months in conjunction with fluoride treatments. It has also been theorized that the resultant flat interproximal contacts may actually increase post-treatment stability.16 Anterior lower arch crowding greater than 4 mm should be treated with the extraction of a lower incisor, followed by reproximation to minimize the black triangular space at the gumline. In most cases, a space determination is performed by resetting the teeth on the models with wax to measure the space required. This also allows a preview of the aesthetic result for both patient and doctor.

Appliances

Brackets should be bonded to the first molars using a straight-wire technique and NiTi wires. Posterior brackets with a larger (0.022) bracket slot placed in an ideal, aligned position minimize posterior occlusal changes. Successive reproximation using double-sided fine diamond discs (Brasseler) is followed by the use of fluted carbide burs for finishing and rounding enamel edges. Interproximal over-reduction can rarely cause transient tooth sensitivity.

All teeth should be gradually aligned with local reproximation, progressively heavier wires and chain elastics. The principal tooth movements include rotations, tipping and vertical movements as opposed to translation and root torquing. By minimizing root movement and bone remodeling, treatment time is decreased. Profile change, relapse and root blunting are also minimized, which is significant because root blunting can occur when moving roots greater distances throughout a longer period.

Retainer wear is recommended for six months (full time), six months (at night) and three nights per week until stability is achieved. Post-treatment fiberotomies should be performed for all rotations. Following two months of retainer wear to allow for occlusal settling, cosmetic alterations may be performed, such as cosmetic bonding, bleaching, all-ceramic crowns, enamelplasty and gingivectomies. Teeth deficient in a mesial-distal dimension (peg laterals, enamel erosions or broken teeth) should be built up before treatment to allow for proper final tooth positioning.

Case I

The patient presented with typical Class I crowding with aesthetics as the chief complaint. Rather than expand the arches into an unstable position prone to relapse in the adult patient, or reproximate lower incisors so much that they impinge on the gingival embrasures, it was decided to remove a lower incisor. The uppers were reproximated using a Brassler diamond disc and edges recontoured. The treatment was seven months and the patient was splinted afterward. Some molar supra-eruption occurred because of an anterior composite bite plane that relieved the deep bite and decreased the likelihood of further attrition in the anteriors.

 

 

Case II

The patient was referred by a local dentist who had done simple orthodontics, but who was not willing to treat occlusal problems. The patient had crowding with a bilateral crossbite that was causing both anterior and posterior attrition at a young age, requiring orthodontics.

The crossbite was corrected through the use of cross-arch elastics from the lingual of the upper molars and bicuspids to the buccal of the lowers. Enamel reproximation made space to treat the anterior crowding. Upper and lower bonded Ribbond splints served to reinforce the bonded incisal areas caused by attrition. It also provided resistance to fracture, as the splints produce a greater bonded surface area and composite thickness. An upper posterior Hawley retainer prevented relapse of the posterior crossbite.

 

 

Case III

This patient presented with the chief complaint of a large diastema. She had advice from numerous orthodontists who expressed different opinions regarding how to correct this (because of her deep bite and lack of lower spacing), as well as reservations regarding the possibility of successful retention. At our consultation, it was explained to the patient that our plan would include:

  • Upper and lower anterior retraction and possibly lower enamel reproximation because of extra space on the uppers;
  • A fixed composite bite plane on #8 and #9 lingual to relieve the deep bite by causing posterior supra-eruption;
  • Possibly redistributing excess space to the distal of the upper canines to limit the retraction required; and
  • An upper splint, which would be required. Removable retention is unacceptable in these cases. Therefore slight overjet in the final result is planned to make space for the splint.

 

 

Per usual protocol, a prophy, bitewings, panoramic X-rays and restorative work were completed first. The patient’s treatment lasted five and a half months, with splinting and bleaching occurring on the final visit. At recall, the patient’s Ribbond splints were intact as she was not a bruxer. It is unlikely that this case would have succeeded without fixed retention.

It has been estimated that in 1970, only 5 percent of adults aged 18 or older sought consultations for comprehensive orthodontic treatment. In 1990, four times that number sought consultations for orthodontics.

Conclusion

Six-month adult cosmetic orthodontic treatment has a 60 percent acceptance rate among new patient consults in my practice, and post-treatment satisfaction is high. Many adults who undergo treatment have previously declined comprehensive treatment in other offices. Enamel reproximation, extraction of a lower incisor for space and limited occlusal change are among the modalities making this treatment unique and well accepted by patients. Offering clear or lingual appliances increases the patient’s cosmetic options. Treatment planning the orthodontic and restorative phases together facilitates patient understanding and communication, and delivers an outstanding cosmetic service. Patients with TMD, skeletal chief complaints, severe over/underjet, occlusal problems or very deviated midlines may opt for comprehensive treatment by an orthodontist. However, for the majority of adult patients with simply unaesthetic, crowded, spaced, functionally efficient and non-TMD dentitions, dentists should focus on the aesthetic chief complaint by performing conservative attenuated treatment in the general practice.

References

  1. Gottlieb EL. 1990 JCO study of orthodontic diagnosis and treatment procedures: results and trends. J Clin Orthod. 1991;24:145-56.
  2. Nattrass C, Sandy JR. Adult orthodontics—a review. Br J Orthod. 1995 Nov;22(4):331-7.
  3. Varela M, García-Camba JE. Impact of orthodontics on the psychologic profile of adult patients: a prospective study. Am J Orthod Denofacial Orthop. 1995 Aug;108(2):142-8.
  4. Lew KK. Attitudes and perceptions of adults towards orthodontic treatment in an Asian community. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. 1993 Feb;21(1):31-5.
  5. Cochrane SM, Cunningham SJ, Hunt NP. Perceptions of facial appearance by orthodontists and the general public. J Clin Orthod. 1997 Mar;31(3):164-8.
  6. Proffit WR. Contemporary orthodontics. 2nd ed. St Louis: Mosby; 1993. p. 155.
  7. Little RM, Riedel RA, Engst ED. Serial extraction of first premolars—postretention evaluation of stability and relapse. Angle Orthod. 1990 Winter;60(4):255-62.
  8. McReynolds DC, Little RM. Mandibular second premolar extraction—postretention evaluation of stability and relapse. Angle Orthod. 1991 Summer;61(2):133-44.
  9. Weintraub JA, Vig PS, Brown C, Kowalski CJ. The prevalence of orthodontic extractions. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 1989 Dec;96(6):462-6.
  10. O’Connor BM. Contemporary trends in orthodontic practice: a national survey. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 1993 Feb;103(2):163-70.
  11. Paquette DE, Beattie JR, Johnston LE Jr. A long-term comparison of nonextraction and premolar extraction edgewise therapy in “borderline” Class II patients. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 1992 Jul;102(1):1-14.
  12. Glenn G, Sinclair PM, Alexander RG. Nonextraction orthodontic therapy: posttreatment dental and skeletal stability. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 1987 Oct;92(4):321-8.
  13. Begg PR. Stone Age man’s dentition. Am J Orthod. 1954;40:298-312.
  14. Sheridan JJ, Ledoux PM. Air-rotor stripping and proximal sealants. An SEM evaluation. J Clin Orthod. 1989 Dec;23(12):790-4.
  15. Sheridan JJ. The physiologic rationale for air-rotor stripping. J Clin Orthod. 1997;31:609-12.
  16. Peck H, Peck S. An index for assessing tooth shape deviations as applied to the mandibular incisors. Am J Orthod. 1972 Apr;61(4):384-401.
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Alternative Orthodontic Treatment for Adult Crossbites and Overbites

Alternative Orthodontic Treatment for Adult Crossbites and Overbites

Contact Rapid Braces

Orthodontic treatment for deep bite cases in adults has traditionally involved either a removable anterior bite plane to supraerupt posterior teeth, or active intrusion of anterior teeth using reverse curve archwires. Headgear and the Nance appliance are also used, but are more appropriate for growing patients. Resolving deep bites may become a necessity in order to bracket lower anterior teeth. As many patients with deep bites exhibit decreased vertical dimension caused by insufficient eruption of posterior teeth appropriate treatment allows their supra-eruption to a normal vertical dimension.  Although bite plane therapy causes some intrusion of anterior teeth, the greater part of deep bite correction results from posterior extrusion and occurs within 6 months, effectively. Increasing vertical dimension has been accomplished to restore lost ver­tical dimension due to enamel ero­sion, and in certain cases it may aid in temporomandibular disorder treat­ment. Removable anterior bite planes can accomplish this, but require con­tinuous patient compliance and are difficult to use while eating, a time when posterior re-intrusion may occur.

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Anterior Retention With a Reinforced Composite Resin Splint After Cosmetic Orthodontic Treatment

Anterior Retention With a Reinforced Composite Resin Splint After Cosmetic Orthodontic Treatment

Originally posted on Dentistry Today.

It has become increasingly clear that making space in the crowded adult dentition by orthodontic expansion of the dental arch is prone to relapse.1,2 Moreover, the intercanine distance has actually been shown to decrease as early as mid-adulthood.1,3 Even cases treated to stability during late adolescence are prone to “late incisor crowding” by 34 years of age,4and the presence of third molars does not significantly contribute to this.5 Even though other skeletal factors and even facial bone dimensions may not significantly decrease until a later age, the influence of naturally decreasing intercanine distance on anterior dental aesthetics has been grossly underestimated. This basic misunderstanding of the early maturation of adult jaw dimensions has enormous repercussions for orthodontic treatment philosophy, as well as implications for the necessity of long-term retention.

Therefore, in cases where one must choose between slight contraction of the intercanine dimension through lower incisor extraction or expansion, the former may prove more stable. Anticipating “intercanine shrinkage” may help prevent future crowding years later when the doctor and patient have presumed stability, and retention has been discontinued. A cosmetic splint anchoring each anterior tooth individually serves to prevent this common and unaesthetic phenomenon of anterior orthodontic relapse.

Traditionally, orthodontists in the 1950s used a prefabricated metal bar fixed to only the canines for lower retention, with the rationale being the effects of arch expansion would be maintained until it was removed. Any incisor relapse would be inconsequential because it would just be an “aesthetic” consideration (Figure 1). Now that dentistry has accepted that the major reason adult patients seek treatment is aesthetics, we can properly address this essential aspect of retention. Some began affixing a customized bar with incisor pads or braided wire bonded to each incisor,6,7 which represented an improvement but still required placing metal in an aesthetic area. It was rationalized that the elastic property of a thin wire allowed physiologic mobility helpful in the periodontic patient.7 This is to be differentiated from the orthodontic patient with healthy periodontium, where the aim is to provide a window for bone and PDL fibers to reorganize with rigid reinforcement.

Also presented for periodontal patients have been reinforced composite splints using TMS pins8 and bondable reinforcement ribbon.9 With the boom in cosmetic dentistry and cosmetic orthodontics, the ribbon is proving useful for the stabilization of adult patients. Unlike the lingual bar this splint can be later removed incrementally as the patient desires.10 As 50% of relapse has been shown to occur in the first 2 years after orthodontic treatment,11 the splint should remain intact for longer than 2 years.

The main purpose of the splint is rigid fixation of the teeth. This immobilization, however, also accelerates the growth of supporting tissues, as the alveolus and PDL fibers can reorganize around the teeth in their new positions without interference from tooth mobility inherent in orthodontic treatment. In addition, this technique enables cosmetic augmentation of the final orthodontic result, as black triangular spaces, incisal discrepancies, or the lengthening of teeth can be achieved with more strength than free-standing incisal composites, which lack the thickness or support of a reinforcement material on the lingual aspect (Figures 2 and 3). Except for those few cases where the patient has a perfect orthodontic result and well-proportioned white teeth without any incisal defects, anterior bonding attached to and reinforced by the splint can greatly enhance the final aesthetic result.

If a maxillary splint is planned and the patient presents with overjet, the overjet should be preserved to allow space for the maxillary splint (Figure 4). This is in contrast to traditional orthodontic philosophy of complete elimination of overjet, even if the overjet represents the natural skeletal position. Skeletal changes cannot be permanently retained without surgery. Adult overjet, such as in a class 2, division 2 case (Figure 5), will be more stable if the overjet is maintained.

Figure 1. Lingual metal bar fixed only to the canines allows incisor relapse, which is not acceptable in cosmetic orthodontic patients. Figure 2. Class 2, division 2 before incisors are tipped forward giving overjet. Note attrition from deep bite on palatally tipped incisors.
Figure 3. After a 6-month treatment time with lingual braces, patient is splinted. Irregular incisors may be lengthened with more durability than with incisal composites not supported by a splint. Figure 4. Slight overjet in final result helps allow the necessary thickness for a durable maxillary splint.
Figure 5. Once completed, an adult class 2, division 2 case will result in overjet without surgery. Figure 6. Etching can include incisals should there be discrepancies that need correction.
Figure 7. Initial layer of composite should be a strong material and kept away from papillae. Figure 8. Splint-It! reinforcement material is placed into composite and cured.
Figure 9. Placement of addtional composite to cover reinforcement fibers. Figure 10. Occlusion is checked before final recontouring and polish.

SPLINTING STEPS

Step one. Complete enamel etching with recontouring on buccal and incisal for aesthetics, and on lingual if necessary to allow splint thickness with occlusion (Figure 6).

Step two. Bonding layer with composite is kept away from gingiva (Figure 7).

Step three. Two strips of Splint It! (Jereric/Pentron) or Ribbond (Ribbond Inc) reinforcement material are pressed into composite. Excess material is placed over reinforcement and cured (Figure 8).

Step four. Addition of final layer of composite (Figure 9).

Step five. Occlusion is checked preceeding recontouring embrasures with a Brasseler No. 8392-31 016F interproximal diamond and polishing bur (Figure 10).

SUMMARY

Even in the most stable types of orthodontic treatment, any relapse at all may be unacceptable cosmetically. Through the placement of a reinforced composite splint, the teeth can be held in position and more significantly recontoured, thus augmenting the final result. Subsquent splint removal can be done incrementally 3 to 5 years after placement as the patient desires.

Author’s Note: I was saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. John Witzig on December 3, 2001. Dr. Witzig was a true innovator who was not afraid to fight the tide of consensus in orthodontics. He brought many  people together in the field (I met my wife at his course). We all owe him a debt of gratitude, and he will be greatly missed. Thank you, John.


References

1. Bishara SE, Jakobsen JR, Treder J, et al. Arch width changes from 6 weeks to 45 years of age. Am J Orthod. 1997;111:401-409.

2. Rossouw PE, Preston CB, Lombar CJ, et al. A longitudinal evaluation of the anterior border of the dentition. Am J Orthod Dentofaciai Orthop. 1993;104:146-152.

3. Sinclair PM, Little RM. Maturation of untreated normal occlusions. Am J Orthod. 1983;83:114-123.

4. Bondevik O. Changes in occlusion between 23 and 34 years. Angle Orthod. 1998;68:75-80.

5. Harradine NW, Pearson MH, Toth B. The effect of extraction of third molars on late lower incisor crowding: a randomized controlled trial. Br J Orthod. 1998;25:117-122.

6. Becker A, Goultschin J. The multistrand retainer and splint. Am J Orthod. 1984;85:470-474.

7. Oikarinen K. Comparison of the flexibility of various splinting methods for tooth fixation. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 1988;17:125-127.

8. Rosenberg ES, Garber DA. A temporary-permanent splint. Refuat Hapeh Vehashinayim. 1979;28:27-30,33-37.

9. Ferreira ZA, de Carvalho EK, Mitsudo RS, et al. Bondable reinforcement ribbon: clinical applications. Quintessence Int. 2000;31:547-552.

10. Sheridan JJ. Incremental removal of bonded lingual retainers. J Clin Orthod. 1988;22:116-117.

11.Kuijpers-Jatman AM, Al Yami EA, van’t Hof MA. Long-term stability of orthodontic treatment. Ned Tijdschr Tandheelkd. [in Dutch] 2000;107:178-181.

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Occlusal Change Through Orthodontics in TMD Patients

Occlusal Change Through Orthodontics in TMD Patients

Originally posted on Dentistry Today.

Although some claim that occlusion has little effect on a healthy TMJ and is not generally a causal factor in TMD,1,2 many have made emphatic claims to the contrary.3 Many orthodontic practices are positioned in the marketplace as providing proven treatment for TMD, yet some patients seem to experience TMD as a consequence of orthodontic treatment.
While existing literature reports that orthodontics can both helpand worsen TMD, this paper describes 2 cases where TMD relief was successfully achieved through orthodontic therapy. More specifically, these cases lend credence to the theory that increasing the vertical dimension5 and removing retrusive forces on the mandible may help recapture the disc that can be displaced by over-closure of the mandible.

CASE 1

Figure 1. Photos of patient when she presented for fixed orthodontic treatment. She had been wearing a removable splint and was asymptomatic but splint dependent.

Case 1 describes treatment that utilized a hard acrylic, flat-planed splint to alleviate TMD symptoms of pain, popping, and clicking by advancing the mandible and increasing vertical dimension. The patient was “splint dependent” but symptom-free at the stage she was transferred for orthodontic treatment (Figure 1). The pain returned whenever she was not wearing her splint for consecutive days because she returned to an “over-closed” position. Once orthodontic treatment commenced, the splint was reduced incrementally, allowing teeth to supra-erupt. This was done sequentially until the natural occlusion mimicked the patientís occlusion with the splint. It was reduced from the posterior forward, allowing the second molars to supra-erupt in a controlled fashion. It was also sequentially reduced in thickness. Mobility from the orthodontics facilitated this occlusal setting. Three distinct aspects of the patientís occlusion were changed, which helped provide TMD relief:

(1) The maxillary incisors were flared labially with treatment. Lingually inclined  lower incisors translate occlusal force into a retrusive direction as the patient closes, especially during protrusion. This was eliminated as labially inclined upper and lower incisors deliver chewing force in a more vertical direction into the alveolar bone, decreasing the tendency of the mandible to be pushed backward and minimizing disc trauma.

(2) Similarly, the incisors had greater vertical overlap initially. This compounded the problem caused by the retroclined position, as the entire facial surface of the lower incisors was acting as a receiving surface for ìpoundingî by the maxillary incisors. The posterior dentition better tolerates this vertical chewing force.

Figure 2. Cross-arch vertical elastics used to bring posterior extrusion without tipping. The splint was reduced incrementally.

(3) The molar extrusion and improved interdigitation, in conjunction with occlusal adjustment, provided a more stable posterior occlusion. This offers better protection against retrusive slides in centric and during mastication, which can further exacerbate TMD. Molar extrusion achieved using cross-arch elastics (Figure 2) from the buccal of the upper teeth to the lingual of the lowers as well as lingual of the upper teeth to the buccal of the lowers served to extrude the posteriors with greater control and no buccal-lingual tipping.

Figure 3. Occlusion after removal of braces.

Although the causal factors of TMD are often a mystery, this case demonstrates that eliminating obvious and severe occlusal abnormalities through splint therapy and gradually through or-thodontics may provide TMD relief and minimize occlusal wear as the traumatic occlusion is eliminated (Figure 3). Two years after treatment, the patient was orthodontically stable and symptom-free.

CASE 2

Figure 4. Patient’s occlusion before treatment. Figure 5. Progress at 5 months.
Figure 6. “After” photo with upper and lower teeth splinted and incisals restored. Figure 7. Eleven-month recall.

The second case shows a patient who had bilateral TMJ clicking and tinnitus. He had second molar occlusion only, a constricted maxillary arch, occlusal trauma, and wear (Figure 4).
The patient wore posterior cross-arch elastics from the lingual of the maxillary posteriors to the buccal of the mandibular posteriors to achieve proper intercuspation and bilateral, evenly distributed tooth contacts, as a posterior cross-bite has been associated with TMD.6 The upper posteriors were stabilized with a Hawley retainer. The upper and lower anteriors were stabilized with lingual Ribbond splints (Ribbond) canine to canine.
This effectively stabilized rotated teeth (in conjunction with a fiberotomy) and provided proper resistance form to the restored incisal composites, necessary because of the previous occlusal trauma (Figures 5 and 6). The incisal edges became much more durable once connected to the splint because of increased thickness. The TMJ, occlusion, and restored incisal surfaces were all stable at recall (Figure 7).

CONCLUSION

While TMD is often a mystery and is even seen in many normal occlusions, frequently other factors7 exist, such as a history of trauma, bruxism, or degenerative joint disease of a systemic nature. However, these 2 cases show at least one obvious and proximate cause for their TMD, which is an unstable occlusion.
Acute inflammation can be mitigated through ice, NSAIDS, and splint therapy until subsequent inevitable exacerbations occur. Definitive treatment through permanent occlusal change sometimes is the only hope for these patients, and is still not a panacea if disc damage has occurred or if occlusal abnormalities are not corrected.
While all aspects of orthodontic TMD treatment have not been substantiated in the literature, providing the patient with a stable, evenly distributed occlusion with correct buccal-lingual molar and nonretrusive incisor relationship, as well as providing an increased vertical dimension, may be a good place to focus in treating this elusive problem.

References

  1. Gesch D, Bernhardt O, Kirbschus A. Association of malocclusion and functional occlusion with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in adults: a systematic review of population-based studies. Quintessence Int. 2004;35:211-221.
  2. Gesch D, Bernhardt O, Mack F, et al. Association of malocclusion and functional occlusion with subjective symptoms of TMD in adults: results of the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP). Angle Orthod. 2005;75:183-190.
  3. Reinhardt R, Tremel T, Wehrbein H, et al. The unilateral chewing phenomenon, occlusion, and TMD. Cranio. 2006;24:166-170.
  4. Henrikson T, Nilner M, Kurol J. Signs of temporomandibular disorders in girls receiving orthodontic treatment. A prospective and longitudinal comparison with untreated Class II malocclusions and normal occlusion subjects. Eur J Orthod. 2000;22:271-281.
  5. Hisano M, Ohtsubo K, Chung CJ, et al. Vertical control by combining a monoblock appliance in adult class III overclosure treatment. Angle Orthod. 2006;76:226-235.
  6. Thilander B, Rubio G, Pena L, et al. Prevalence of temporomandibular dysfunction and its association with malocclusion in children and adolescents: an epidemiologic study related to specified stages of dental development. Angle Orthod. 2002;72:146-154.
  7. Clark GT. Etiologic theory and the prevention of temporomandibular disorders. Adv Dent Res. 1991;5:60-66.
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6 Month Braces: How Is It Possible?

6 Month Braces: How Is It Possible?

Get straight teeth in just six months with Dr. Georgaklis’ Rapid Braces treatment. He specializes in clear braces or invisible braces for adults and promises to give you your best smile.

rapid braces Boston

Adults who need braces shouldn’t have to suffer for a long time period with metal brackets on their teeth — let Rapid Braces be the solution for you! This Brookline dental office is the only office to complete 90% of cases in six months or less. Adults can wear clear braces or invisible braces and see results faster! These also are a better alternative to Invisalign, as they control your teeth with more force and take less the time.

How does Dr. Georgaklis do it?

First, he makes sure that every patient at his Boston area dental office gets personalized treatment the moment they walk through the door. He schedules each patient for longer visits, allowing him to get more done during one appointment. Most orthodontists see their patients for five to fifteen minutes, while Dr. G sees his patients for an hour.

Dr. Georgaklis uses his professional experience to mix cosmetic dental practices with orthodontic techniques to give his patients straight teeth fast.

In order to treat patients within six months, this Boston area dentist uses special techniques like:

  • using special wires that don’t fatigue
  • sanding in between the teeth
  • not removing any teeth
  • reshaping gums and teeth
  • not changing the bite or profile unless needed (although this can often times be done in six months)
  • straightening front teethadult braces

These procedures give you a perfect smile with proportionate and straight teeth! After six month braces, Dr. Georgaklis fits his patients with a fixed retainer behind the teeth. This lingual retainer prevents movement, giving you straight teeth for life!

To learn more about the Six Month Braces treatment, click here. You can book your free consultation today!

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Difficult Case Types, Part 1: A Discussion of Adult Short-Term Orthodontics

Difficult Case Types, Part 1: A Discussion of Adult Short-Term Orthodontics

Six Month Braces for adults.

Originally posted on Dentistry Today.

INTRODUCTION
Short-term orthodontics (STO) has exploded in popularity during the past 10 years. Adults are discovering that they are able to straighten their anterior teeth cosmetically without undergoing 2 years of bite-changing orthodontics, and are enthusiastically seeking out this treatment.
Since I first wrote about “Adult 6-Month Orthodontics” in 1999 for Dentistry Today,1 Ryan Swain (Six Month Smiles) and other general dentists and some orthodontists, have been teaching STO in the United States, Europe, and Australia to enthusiastic audiences. There is good reason for this—orthodontists have not supported a strong case for routinely prescribing 2-year orthodontics with a Class I molar occlusion as its focus. Moreover, the evidence in the literature for the benefits of moving molars already in functional occlusion (except, for example, correction of a posterior edge-edge bite causing attrition) is underwhelming.
Adults do not generally seek orthodontic treatment and wear braces mainly for their molars, and 2-year treatment for profile change is not generally possible nonsurgically in the adult patient. When it is done, profile changes are difficult to retain. Although visits must be longer for STO and retention protocol more stringent, it is a great new service that is bringing many back to dentistry. As Dr. Gordon Christensen stated, “I feel certain that may more people would have orthodontic therapy if it could be simplified and made more acceptable to them as adults….I congratulate you for your innovative and thoughtful approach to the subject” (Dr. Gordon Christensen, personal correspondence in writing, January 4, 2000 and January 29, 2004). A general practice performing this treatment will experience a boon to its periodontic, endodontic, and restorative services, in addition to its bleaching and veneer offerings, as a healthy mouth precedes the healthy smile in treatment planning. This is truly a valuable service to the public.

Orthodontist Jack Sheridan2 pioneered interproximal reduction in the 1970s and promoted chief complaint orthodontics for years. His criteria was: (a) the occlusion is functional and the patient eats comfortably; (b) the patient’s chief complaint is crowded anterior teeth; (c) the crowding can be resolved without expansion and usually air-rotor stripping; (d) treatment time should be minimal, preferably about 6 months; (e) patients understand nighttime retainer wear may be permanent; and (f) patients understand that treatment is aesthetic only in nature (Dr. Jack Sheridan, personal correspondence in writing, June 5, 1997).

The cosmetic dentistry revolution has brought STO to the forefront, and it has become a field all its own. A wide array of problems can be dealt with in a different way when the focus is cosmetic. “Camouflage treatment” can be performed on Class III skeletal patients who decline orthognathic surgery by tipping mandibular incisors into a Class I incisor relation. Slight tipping of maxillary molars can be done in lieu of palatal surgery for the posterior edge to edge bite. Anterior crossbites can be corrected through lower incisor extractions if the patient’s profile is acceptable. As with many difficult cases, there often exist various solutions. With any new treatment approach, though, there also exist certain caveats, areas to watch out for, and pitfalls to avoid.

This article will be a review some of the most difficult cases I have seen during the past 20 years of performing STO on a wide variety of case types. Although there are traditional orthodontists and general dentists who would see this as an opportunity to categorically criticize STO, it is my hope instead that they seek to better understand the treatment, and to realize that it has a place in an array of cosmetic treatment options. Someday, they too may want to consider offering accelerated orthodontic treatment in adult cases that are strictly cosmetic, as it can be a superior and less invasive service than crowning or veneering crowded teeth. It should also be noted that many of the difficulties in the cases presented might have occurred with a longer treatment period.

 

CASE TYPE I: BRUXERS
Severe bruxers who do not wear their nightguard often experience relapse after orthodontics. The patient in Figure 1 underwent STO for anterior space closure and achieved a nice aesthetic and occlusal result. However, retention for bruxers hinges on strict adherence to retainer wear as well as diligent nightguard use. As new abfractions are evident in the recall photo, he did not comply.

Throughout a period of 14 years post-treatment, the patient’s vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) decreased. Two crowns were done to cover fluorosis. Although the protrusion and diastema did not significantly relapse, the deep bite returned (Figure 2). Though this may also occur in 2-year orthodontic cases, I more thoroughly emphasize strict adherence to nightguard use indefinitely in these cases. I inform bruxers that orthodontics is of minimal or no benefit if they are not prepared for a lifelong commitment to retention. Despite some relapse, he is still a satisfied patient in our practice 14 years later and fully understands the responsibility of retention lies with him through wearing his nightguard-Hawley combination at night.

Figure 1. Preoperative: Before with diastema and deep bite from bruxing. Figure 2. Postoperative: The 14-year recall after 6-month short-term orthodontics (STO). The patient did not wear his nightguard.
Figure 3. Preoperative: Clencher before STO. Figure 4. Postoperative: Clencher, splinted.

Similar to case 1, this patient was splinted and still experienced some relapse of her VDO at recall because of bruxism and limited nightguard wear. However, her alignment was maintained (Figures 3 and 4).

Figure 5 shows another patient who is a severe bruxer with flat plane occlusion. He experienced buccal migration of his upper first bicuspids post completion due to no nightguard wear. This occurred before postorthodontic settling took place, and articulating paper showed these bicuspids more heavily in occlusion than his molars. When he bruxed laterally, the buccal bone (which had not yet solidified) did not resist buccal tipping from the lateral forces on these teeth during parafunction.
Rarely is every tooth in complete occlusion postorthodontics, even with comprehensive treatment. Bruxers and clenchers usually experience more rapid post-treatment settling with more complete interdigitation than nonbruxers. But when the patient is a severe bruxer, selective migration may occur, especially if this is a flat plane occlusion with no cusps. This patient was rebracketed for 2 months before having a complete occlusion equilibration at the day of debracketing. Nightguard wear was strictly emphasized and the final result was stable.

 

CASE TYPE II: OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER TYPE COSMETIC PATIENTS
Another case type to watch for is the cosmetic patient who wants to dictate the treatment plan. While it is tempting to want to “please” a cosmetic patient, as it is an elective procedure after all, forging into a new area or performing a procedure with which you have less experience means less predictability in the final result. Doing this on patients who have exacting personalities and have a specific end result in mind further increases the risks involved. As with the bruxer category, patients like this can be red flags in cosmetic dentistry. These patients often start out with enthusiasm and seem to grasp the nuances of cosmetic dentistry, understanding the details of smile design. We may feel on the same page as these individuals who share our love for cosmetic excellence, and this makes dentistry fun. But when enthusiasm morphs into unrealistic expectations of perfection, and the patient cannot fully understand that there are limitations, difficulties may arise. Do we always know exactly what end result can and cannot be achieved? Are computer simulations really honest predictors of the end result, and should we depend on them to be accurate in every case? In a perfect world, we could predict all contingencies as well as the final result. But unless one has done every possible case type on every possible personality type with the various biologic limitations, there is no way anyone can predict the myriad of possibilities which may arise in every cosmetic case.

 

Case 1
This first case involves a simple level and alignment type orthodontic case with a slight open bite (Figure 6). Toward the end of treatment, though, the patient decided she also wanted anterior bonding to change her basic tooth shape from round to square. She brought in close-up photos of a famous American supermodel, and wanted her teeth to resemble this model’s smile. These teeth are square, slightly flared forward, and appear wider at the incisal than at the height of contour, usually the widest part of the tooth. When the patient presented for treatment, there was no indication her preferences were so specific. At this point in treatment, we are “married” to our patient, and separation is unfulfilling for both patient and dentist. After treatment, retention and incisal bonding were combined with a composite-Ribbond splint (Figure 7).3

Figure 5. Preoperative: Bruxer with flat plane
occlusion.
Figure 6. Preoperative: STO with open bite.
Figure 7. Postoperative (after STO): Patient requested long square teeth like a famous supermodel she admired. Figure 8. Preoperative (before STO): Patient recently completed Invisalign treatment in another office.
Figure 9. Postoperative to short-term lingual orthodontics with custom requests. Patient wanted his centrals to be longer and a bit more protrusive and brought in a photograph of a famous actor’s teeth to copy. Figure 10. Preoperative: before STO.

The splint helps to support more durable lengthening of the incisal edges, often done with porcelain veneers. While the orthodontics went smoothly, the final step of aesthetic bonding and recontouring was tedious and difficult.

Case 2
This patient had not long before completed Invisalign treatment elsewhere with acceptable results, but had very specific requests and a particular mental picture of how he wanted his teeth aligned and shaped. I was hesitant to take the case, as his alignment was already fairly good (Figure 8). A chief complaint list was made at the initial consult and twice reviewed with the patient. He chose lingual braces, the most difficult to control. He was advised that we may need to do some finishing with labial brackets in the final weeks. During treatment, his requests grew even more specific and he brought numerous hand-drawn sketches and a picture of a famous American actor’s smile to copy. More frequent visits were required, but the teeth were aligned in 4 months to his specifications, like this actor’s smile, with the upper centrals slightly protruding and longer (Figure 9). The patient completed treatment very happy with the result, but it is still risky to accept this case type knowing the patient has such a specific result in mind.

Case 3
This patient had become addicted to cosmetic surgery at a young age. At the consult, he expressed his dissatisfaction with his plastic surgeon despite what seemed were good results. Because his occlusion, crowding, and tooth morphology were so unaesthetic, it seemed that significant aesthetic improvement would not be difficult (Figure 10). However, the patient had numerous specific demands, including exact measurements for the lateral incisor veneers done after Figure 11. The final results were excellent but, again, the process difficult due to specific requests.

Figure 11. After STO, but before porcelain veneers on teeth Nos. 7 and 10. Figure 12. The patient had central incisors extracted at a young age, before conventional 2-year orthodontics.
Figure 13. After distalizing lateral incisors. Figure 14. After retreatment with laterals brought back to mesial and 4 splinted crowns.

 

CASE TYPE III: PATIENT ALTERS TREATMENT PLAN
To what extent do we try to please the patient? Figure 12 shows a patient who had orthodontics at age 13 years. Due to protrusive maxillary central incisors, the orthodontist decided to extract them and move laterals into the centrals’ position. With relapse, the spacing and recession is highly conspicuous. A simple treatment plan was given to consolidate the space through space closure and to provide 4 splinted crowns. When treatment began, however, the patient decided he wanted to re-establish the space for the missing central incisors to have a natural complement of teeth. As this was a patient in his 40s, the bone was not malleable. When space was established and a temporary bridge placed (Figure 13), there was slight overjet. Although I have before left overjet to provide space for a maxillary lingual splint without patient objection, this particular patient was not comfortable with his new incisor position forward. He felt that his maxillary incisal edges were noticeable, at times touching on his lower lip, although there was no deep bite. I referred him to a board-certified prosthodontist who felt there was nothing wrong with the bridge and that he could not improve significantly on the result. After a hiatus, the decision was made to retreat the case (at no change) and follow the original plan; consolidate the incisor space, and place splinted crowns. The end result satisfied the patient, and was more aesthetic, but the circuitous route there was difficult and spanned 4.5 years (Figure 14).

Bruxers, patients with obsessive compulsive disorder, and patients who alter their treatment plan represent challenging cases even when one is prepared for them and has treated similar cases previously. This is because no 2 orthodontic cases are ever identical when one considers the complete aesthetic, biologic, and interpersonal picture. We can only diligently try to consider all contingencies.

 

CLOSING COMMENTS
Treating such a variety of cases makes aesthetic orthodontics fascinating. Specialty orthodontic training often has a different focus which does not always encompass the adjunctive cosmetic dimension and adult psychological aspect central to success in some of these adult cosmetic cases. Furthermore, patients do not always afford us the 2 years of treatment time often needed to cross-refer across specialties and follow the traditional channels from decades past. As we listen more to our patients, the future of adult orthodontics is finally evolving, becoming a distinct area and more integrated with cosmetic dentistry.

In part 2 of this article, I will discuss transfer cases, improper use of enamel reproximation, cases with special retention needs, temporomandibular disorder sequelae, large tongues, problem profiles, and multidisciplinary cases that have unique challenges which fall out of the norm of traditional orthodontic cases.


References

  1. Georgaklis CC. Six-month adult aesthetic orthodontic treatment. Dent Today. 1999;18:110-113.
  2. Sheridan JJ, Ledoux PM. Air-rotor stripping and proximal sealants. An SEM evaluation. J Clin Orthod. 1989;23:790-794.
  3. Georgaklis CC. Anterior retention with a reinforced composite resin splint after cosmetic orthodontic treatment.
  4. ‘;. 2002;21:54-57.
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