Align Technology, Inc. has announced that clinical studies of complex malocclusions with the company's Invisalign have broadened the range of dental patients whose malocclusions can be treated using the FDA-cleared system.
Invisalign, the first nearly invisible, removable and comfortable dental appliance that effectively straightens teeth without wires and brackets, is now marketed for treatment of a broader range of malocclusions.
According to a December 2001 clinical study published in the international orthodontic journal Seminars in Orthodontics, titled "Three-Dimensional Diagnosis and Orthodontic Treatment of Complex Malocclusions with the Invisalign Appliance," Dr. Robert L. Boyd, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Orthodontics at the University of the Pacific, School of Dentistry in San Francisco summarizes his experience using Invisalign in orthodontic treatment of patients with more complex orthodontic problems has demonstrated excellent patient compliance with less discomfort, and improved aesthetics and oral hygiene, when compared with fixed orthodontic appliances. "Based on these results, I am now able to treat more than 90 percent of patients seeking dental care over the age of 14 in my private practice, using the Invisalign appliance," said Dr. Boyd.
Dr. Ross Miller, chief clinical officer at Align Technology, and a practicing orthodontist has found that Invisalign used alone or in combination treatment is as effective as traditional braces at treating a high percentage of orthodontic malocclusions. "A year ago we started to see the first finished cases with Invisalign, and many of these were of the mild to moderate category, since these cases finished treatment earlier. Currently, we are starting to see more difficult cases finish and be published in orthodontic journals," said Dr. Ross Miller.
Patients, especially working adults who might not otherwise seek orthodontic treatment, are now seeking the smile they always wanted with Invisalign because of its inherent aesthetically pleasing look and comfortable fit. "Patients to whom appearance and public speaking are a priority are good candidates for Invisalign," commented Dr. Boyd.
In addition, patients with nickel allergies are good candidates for Invisalign, since traditional brackets contain some component of nickel in the stainless steel. Also, due to the ability to remove Invisalign for cleaning teeth, patients with special needs, such as muscular dystrophy, are also especially good candidates for Invisalign.
In the U.S. and Canada, 70 percent of orthodontists and a growing number of general dentists are now certified to treat patients with Invisalign.
