Advances in Clear Aligners
The Roundtable video series is a forum for discussion and debate on key topics, trends, and techniques in dentistry. For each edition, Inside Dentistry's editor-in-chief, Robert C. Margeas, DDS, and a panel of experts examine a subject to help expand your knowledge and improve your practice. This month, our panel explores some of the latest advances in clear aligner therapy.
The conversation begins with Sabiha Bunek, DDS, explaining how clear aligners have changed the way that she practices during the last 3 years. She notes that if she is going to do anything restoratively, she makes things easier for herself and her patients by moving the teeth, when indicated, so she doesn't have to prepare right into the pulp. Payam Ataii, DMD, MBA, then expands on the overall impact of clear aligners. "The profession is moving toward putting teeth into occlusion first and treating cavities and decay, but avoiding that veneer setup," he says. "I think that is an ideal scenario to be in." Loray Spencer, DDS, explains that she introduced clear aligner therapy at her practice because she had patients with mild to moderate malocclusions who were requesting orthodontic treatment to help fix them. She wanted to be able to offer her patients a convenient and economic solution that would help to increase compliance.
The discussion then turns to what clinicians' expectations are when it comes to clear aligner systems. "Simply put, we want something that is going to work and give our patients the best smiles," says Spencer. "We want a system that is easy for the patient to use, economical, and credible regarding treatment outcomes." Bunek agrees and adds that the systems that she uses need to have excellent software so she can ensure that she is getting the best results for her patients.
After discussing some of the different types of clear aligner cases that they have seen in practice and how they decide which cases to treat and which cases to refer, the panel members conclude by sharing their thoughts on the future of orthodontics.
Watch the full video on AEGIS TV at aegistv.com.
What You'll Learn
The evolution of orthodontics within the general practice
Types of cases that are treatable with aligner therapy
Models of communication and referral for delivering orthodontic care
Meet the Panel
Payam Ataii, DMD, MBA, maintains a private practice in Laguna Hills, California.
Sabiha Bunek, DDS, is the chief executive officer and editor-in-chief of Dental Advisor and maintains a private practice in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Loray Spencer, DDS, maintains a private practice in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
