Review: Wasserstein A. Israel
Volume 1, Number 1 - November 2002
I would like to recommend to our readers the "Special Issue" of ORTHODONTICS volume 15 - September 2001. This issue is dedicated to the clinical use of the Invisalign appliance.
Brachwitz opens this issue with an article called "On the Importance of Aesthetics for Adult Orthodontics" in which he surveys studies concerning the importance of an attractive smile in private and professional life. The same author contributed the final paper of this issue called "History of the Development of Align Technology". Did you know it was an experienced orthodontic patient, not an orthodontist and not a dentist, who raised the idea of invisalign treatment?
The periodontal matter concerning treatment is covered by John H.-D, who recommends orthodontic therapy with removable appliances, to overcome the adverse effect of fixed appliances on the microbial flora of the mouth.
Vlaskalic V. et al describes the basic steps in treatment, and the limitations of the method. He concludes that the greatest limitation seems to be the lack of possibility for variations during treatment.
The role of attachments and tooth colored composite structures for enhancement of certain tooth movements (i.e. rotations, root movements, extrusions etc.) in the Invisalign method is presented by Dr's. Kuo and Hordt.
The rest of the journal includes case report articles that are worthwhile reading. However, it is a pity that some of are descriptions of progress rather than finished cases. I hope that future issues will give us a view of the final results whatever they may be.
Summary
The Invisalign technique is a unique and relatively new method of orthodontic tooth movement. We should have the maximum information available so that we will be able to offer the most suitable treatment for the individual patient. |
