Waterloo Orthodontist on Invisalign G4

Invisalign is proud to introduce Invisalign G4, the next generation of SmartForce clinical innovations engineered to deliver even better clinical results. Nothing is more important to Dr. Luis than delivering great results for his patients. That is why this weekend Dr. Luis attended the 1st Annual Canadian Invisalign Summit held in Toronto.  

 

Present at the Summit was John Morton, Align Technology’s Director of Research and Technology, who provided an inside look at the new features of Invisalign G4. This presentation covered how the principles of biomechanics have been applied to deliver the clinical innovations in Invisalign G4.  These new features include applying two force systems to one tooth or creation of moments. This is accomplished by attachments and/or pressure points, where one feature will counteract the negative forces caused by the first. They are supposed to allow for simultaneous movements such as extrusion and rotation, as well as translations.

This next-generation SmartForce clinical innovation, Invisalign G4 is expected to provide the much-needed solution to some significant treatment challenges faced by the doctors.  Invisalign G4 will help enhance open bite treatments, more predictable movement of upper laterals and improved root control for canines and central incisors.

In recent times, Align has undertaken several strategies to improve adoption of Invisalign. These include acceleration of product and technology development and extension of clinical effectiveness. Several orthodontists are now able to treat almost any orthodontic problem with clear aligners. This is becoming a great alternative for moving teeth, not just for patients not willing to wear braces, but for all orthodontic patients.

Which Toothpaste is Best for You?

Thanks to better care and technological advances, more people than ever before are keeping their teeth throughout their lives. The most important thing you can do to make sure you're one of those who keep their natural teeth is to brush and floss regularly, especially if you have braces!

Most dental decay is caused by plaque, a sticky, colorless bacteria that is constantly forming on your teeth. Saliva, food (especially sugar) and fluids combine to produce plaque, which collects on teeth and where teeth and gums meet. Plaque that is not removed by regular brushing and flossing can harden into tartar, a crusty deposit that can only be removed by a dentist. Plaque also leads to gum disease, a potentially serious infection that can erode bone and destroy the tissues surrounding teeth. Flossing removes plaque between teeth, and brushing removes plaque from the large surfaces of the teeth and, if done correctly, from just under the gums.

With brushing being such an important factor in your oral health, you can see why your choice of a toothpaste is important, but with so many brands and types - plaque control, tartar control, whitening, gum care, sensitive teeth, polish, smoker's - from which to choose, picking the right toothpaste can be a daunting task. Your dental professional can help narrow the field by discussing what your special brushing needs are.

If you tend to build up plaque or tartar quickly, you'll want a plaque or tartar-control toothpaste. Anti-plaque/tartar toothpastes will have ingredients such as fluoride and/or antibacterial agents to limit plaque and tartar formation. Ask Dr. Luis or your dentist before choosing fluoride toothpaste for your young children. Excessive fluoride ingestion by pre-school age children can lead to discoloration of the permanent teeth. If your child uses fluoride toothpaste, make sure she/he does not swallow toothpaste while brushing.

If you smoke or drink tea or coffee, a whitening toothpaste may help with stains. However, whitening toothpastes only remove adherent stain. The ingredients necessary to actually bleach your teeth are not chemically stable enough to be included in toothpaste. Use caution with those toothpastes made to remove heavy stains, frequently referred to as "smoker's toothpaste" or "tooth polish". These toothpastes may be excessively abrasive and may cause progressive wearing away of the tooth and supporting tissues. (Also, if you smoke, be sure to see your dentist regularly, as smokers are at increased risk of gum disease, early tooth loss and also soft tissue conditions including oral cancer.)

Temperature sensitive teeth will benefit from a toothpaste made to desensitize your teeth. Your needs may change as you age, so don't be surprised if your dental professional recommends a type of toothpaste you haven't used before.

Once you've determined which type of toothpaste is best, choose the one that tastes and feels best and doesn't cause irritation or sensitivity problems. If you like the flavor and texture of your toothpaste, you'll brush more and longer. And brushing well and regularly means you'll be smiling with your natural teeth well into your mature years.