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Article
A New Product to Straighten Teeth For Teenagers
By Ron Greenspan
Comprehensive orthodontic correction utilizing Invisalign technology in young adult and teenagers has always been fraught with problems, making them a poor alternative to traditional orthodontic appliances or "braces" for teeth.
Treatment with the Invisalign appliance takes the control away from the orthodontist and places the treatment outcome in the hands of the patient. If a patient doesn't wear the aligners consistently, as instructed, the teeth do not move. Because young adults and teenagers, as a general rule, are less compliant than adults, this orthodontist has been disinclined to recommend Invisalign as an alternative for teenagers.
Invisalign's latest product, "Invisalign Teen" takes a significant step towards eliminating the compliance issue by incorporating built-in indicators, in every aligner, to help "Invisalign Teen" patients and their orthodontist measure the wear time of the aligner. They allow the patient to determine if they are "getting the job done" and promote compliance.
Permanent teeth in teenagers and young adults are often not fully erupted. Aligners placed over these teeth prevent them from reaching their full height, another problem with using Invisalign aligners with teens. A new feature has been incorporated in "Invisalign Teen" allowing the orthodontist to prescribe the room necessary to for the permanent teeth to erupt, thereby eliminating this contraindication of treatment with Invisalign in teens.
Lastly, "Power Ridges", a novel attachment to the "Invisalign Teen" aligner, enhances difficult tooth movements, allowing the orthodontist to achieve outstanding results for teenage and young adult patients with "Invisalign Teen" that could not be realized with Invisalign previously.
Dr. Ron Greenspan has published articles in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics and the Journal of Dental Research and has been a member of the American Association of Orthodontists for over 25 years. Dr. Ron Greenspan also serves on the Board of Fellows at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Ron Greenspan truly understands the importance of being an ongoing student of his profession. Dr. Ron Greenspan believes in creating a beautiful and natural smile. Dr. Ron Greenspan believes that a striking smile is created by balance and proportion. By moving the teeth into positions that are balanced and proportionate with other facial structures Dr. Ron Greenspan will create a comfortable, functional and beautiful smile. Both children and adults can benefit from the confidence boost that a remarkable smile can bring.
