Reduce referrals for simple orthodontics

The area of cosmetic orthodontics is currently experiencing much growth and development. As our technology advances and our knowledge broadens, a broad range of appliances are available to enable the provision of fast-working, effective and minimally invasive orthodontic treatment.

Already known around the world for their development and training of the Inman Aligner, the team behind IAS (Intelligent Alignment Systems) recently brought their latest innovation to London. Holding a training course for Powerprox 6 Month Braces, the team explored both the concept and practical implementation of the device, taking delegates through each and every step of the process.

Renowned instructor in cosmetic orthodontics, Dr Rick DePaul, led the two-day course. Recognised for his work in the development of Powerprox 6 Month Braces and for being the world’s most experienced instructor for the appliance, Rick was keen to share his extensive knowledge with delegates and his passion for effective and minimally invasive dentistry quickly became apparent.

A mixture of professionals was in attendance, each with various different levels of past experience both in general dentistry and in orthodontics. The comprehensive training delivered ensured that all delegates could follow both the reasoning behind each step of treatment and the practical indications of them.

Rick opened the first day by determining the benefits available to practitioners once they were able to provide the new appliance to their patients. He highlighted that 6 Month Braces is not only a relatively low-stress treatment option, the patient demand is generally high due to its speed and effectiveness and it is a highly profitable solution for practices to provide.

Delegates were then taken through the four main steps that form the ‘pieces of the puzzle’, providing an efficient treatment strategy to be followed for optimum treatment outcomes every time. These steps included making sure that the patient’s primary complaint is dealt with every time, ‘beginning with the end in mind’, making space and removing any traps for the free movement of the teeth.

From here Rick went on to look at diagnostic criteria and case selection, recommending the types of cases delegates should attempt when first using the appliance in practise. He offered a wealth of practical tips and advice in each instance, keen to help delegates avoid making the same mistakes he had in the past when developing the technique. Rick also highlighted the benefits of using detailed X-ray images to predict the complexity of each case, and looked at patient communication, management of patient expectations and ways in which to reduce relapse with effective retention.

Day 2 of the training then focused on practical exercises, giving delegates the opportunity to apply what they had learnt in theory, practise their techniques and really get hands-on with the appliance. Led by Rick and Andrew Wallace, time was spent looking at bracket bonding for replacements and adjustments, as well as simple ligation. The use of powerchains featured prominently too, and delegates practised using them to rotate teeth to close space, sling-shots to treat anterior cross-bites and attaching them to buttons.

Other aspects of the hands-on day included how to approach spacing cases, open-bite cases, class II anterior cross-bites and combination cases, where a mixture of different techniques were required for the best results.

Tools designed specially by the IAS team were introduced to delegates throughout, including the innovative digital treatment plan aid, ‘Spacewize’. Particularly useful when calculating the amount of Interproximal Reduction (IPR) needed and where it is needed for individual cases, the feature also provides quick and effective case support as well as marketing resources for all certified dentists.

By the end of the course, delegates were impressed both with the delivery and content of training. Principal Dentist of Hillton Dentistry in Kent, Mahesh Patel commented:

“The course was fantastic. The content was broken down into sizeable chunks so that GDPs without extensive orthodontic experience could easily follow. Rick really took the myth out of orthodontics and I was so confident with the new skills I had learnt, that I have already begun discussing the treatment option with two of my patients, one week later.”

Richard Field, an active member of the BACD and dentist at Advanced Dental Clinic in Chelmsford added:

“6 Month Braces seemed like an excellent next step to expand my knowledge and to allow me to provide another treatment option to my patients. Rick is a great teacher, his enthusiasm is infectious and I would definitely recommend this course to my friends and colleagues.”

If you have ever considered expanding your treatment range with easy-to-use and highly profitable solutions in order to reduce the number of referrals you make, IAS has the answer. Whether you are interested in gaining certification for 6 Month Braces, Inman Aligner or ClearSmile, contact IAS today.

For more information on Intelligent Alignment Systems and upcoming training courses, visit www.inmanalignertraining.com, www.6mbrace.com, and www.clearsmilealigner.com

or phone 0845 366 5477