Reducing Aligner Challenges and Increasing Patient Compliance

By Dr. Payam Ataii

A Case Study Using the Propel System® with Invisalign®

In the following case study (Figs. 1a and 1b) I used the Propel System® (Propel Orthodontics) in conjunction with Invisalign® clear aligner therapy (Align Technology) (Fig. 2). Through a scientifically proven, patented process called micro-osteoperforation, the Propel System® stimulates the alveolar bone to induce an inflammatory response, accelerating tooth movement in the treated areas — 50-60 percent faster movement when compared to traditional orthodontics alone1 (Fig. 3). As a result, I was able to intercept an Invisalign® case that was not tracking properly by using Propel in order to get the case back on track. Using Propel helped ensure that all challenging orthodontic movements were achieved as planned avoiding additional treatment time, patient inconvenience and cost (Fig. 4). The patient could resume treatment with her current aligners once the case went through a refinement process (Fig. 5).

During my presentation at the Florida Dental Convention (FDC) this June, I will review clinical factors such as clinician experience, patient compliance, attachment engagement and interproximal reduction accuracy using cutting-edge technology such as the Propel System®. In my opinion, the Propel system is a powerful tool to help recover the aligner protocol and finish with beautiful results on challenging cases.

Dr. Ataii will be speaking at FDC2016 on June 18. His course, “Using Micro-osteoperforations to Increase and Accelerate Aligner Cases for General Practice,” will be at 2 p.m. For questions or support in Florida, contact Jim Sieg at jsieg@propelortho.com.

(To view the photos below, click to enlarge each image.)

Figure 1A
Fig. 1a

Figure 1B
Fig. 1b

Figure 2
Fig. 2

Figure 3
Fig. 3

Figure 4
Fig. 4

Figure 5
Fig. 5       

 

1 Alikhani M, Raptis M, Zoldan B, Sangsuwon C, Lee YB, Alyami B, Corpodian C, Barrera LM, Alansari S, Khoo E, Teixeira C. Effect of micro-osteoperforations on the rate of tooth movement. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2013; 144 (5):639-648.



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Join Us at FDC2016!

By Brooke Martin, FDC Meeting Coordinator

The Florida Dental Association (FDA) will hold its annual meeting, the Florida Dental Convention (FDC), on June 16-18 at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Orlando. As a member benefit, FDA members receive FREE pre-registration as well as a variety of FREE continuing education (CE) courses. Click here to view the list of free courses available.

This year’s scientific program is “The Art of Modern Dentistry” and features a broad spectrum of topics — ranging from “New Paradigms in Oral Cancer” to “The Secret Sauce” — to have a successful life and practice. With more than 125 lectures, 25 workshops and three mini-residencies, there is bound to be a course for you and everyone on your dental team.

Join us each morning as our keynote speakers prepare you for a day of learning and CE earning. On Thursday, The Madow Brothers will set the tone with their high-energy, humorous opening keynote session, “ROCK Your Practice to the Top!” where they will show you how to perform at your highest level while laughing and having fun. On Friday, listen to one of the country’s most sought-after speakers, Dr. Mark Hyman, and learn the formula to create a highly successful dental practice, team and life at “The Secret Sauce!” Saturday, Mr. Lucas Boyce will be our final keynote speaker presenting, “Living Proof.” Mr. Boyce has a unique motivational style that enables him to connect with his audience in a personal and inspirational way by explaining how personal history or external conditions do not have to determine the future.

The 2016 scientific program will feature nationally renowned speakers including: Drs. Gary Glassman, Raymond Yukna, Darin Dichter and Rodrigo Nieva; Ms. Lisa Mallonne and Ms. Mary Costello. Clinical courses and hands-on workshops will equip you and your team with the necessary tools to incorporate new and emerging technology and techniques to optimize clinical skills and practice- and team-building strategies. Hot topics include: CAD/CAM, salivary diagnostics, sleep dentistry, head and neck dissection, aesthetic dentistry for teens and tots, dental stem cells and forensic dentistry. Join us for these valuable CE sessions or take advantage of the many FREE CE courses available to you as an FDA member.

This year, FDC offers a day-and-a-half, business-centric “New Dentist Program” to all recently graduated dentists (10 years or less). This program will help you jump-start your dental career by learning everything you need to know to hit the ground running as a new dentist. Click here to view more information on the New Dentist Program, “Success is Your Future: The New Dentist Practical Guide for Success.”

Come for the CE, stay for the FUN! Our nightly parties are fun filled and family friendly. Back by popular demand is the “Live Karaoke” party featuring you and your team as the stars. On Friday evening, wear your favorite superhero or villain attire, bring your family and come experience our fun-filled event, “Heroes & Villains.” If you are looking for some nightlife, join the New Dentists Friday night for “The After Party” in Wrecker’s from 10 p.m.-1 a.m. As a finale this year, we are featuring “Stay for the Magic,” where you can purchase tickets to any Disney theme park for a discounted rate. This surely will be a treat for you, your family and your team.

Come and join your colleagues June 16-18 for a memorable and invaluable experience at FDC2016! Click here to register now! For more information, visit www.floridadentalconvention.com or call 800.877.9922.

Are You Renewal Ready?

By Brooke Martin, FDC Meeting Coordinator

As an FDA member, you have access to exclusive benefits to help you through the license renewal process for the upcoming 2014-2016 biennium. Membership has its perks, and we want to make your renewal process as seamless as possible! Below are some of the benefits the Florida Dental Association (FDA) offers to assist you in the renewal process.

CE Broker
The Florida Department of Health (DOH) now automatically reviews your continuing education (CE) records in the DOH’s electronic tracking system — powered by CE Broker — at the time of license renewal. It is mandatory for all Florida-licensed dentists to renew their license through CE Broker for the 2014-2016 biennium by midnight on Feb. 28, 2016. The FDA provides an exclusive members-only discount for CE Broker accounts.

  • Basic Account: FREE
  • Professional Account: $24 (non-members $29)
  • Concierge Account: $90 (non-members $99)

Click here to learn more about your account options. Contact Brooke Martin at bmartin@floridadental.org or 850.350.7103 for the discount code. Did you know you can update your CE credits on the go? Click here to download the FREE iPhone CE Broker app today.

Renewal by Mail
Your license should be renewed online through CE Broker. However, certain situations require you to renew by mail:

  • You need to change the status of your license.
  • You do NOT have a credit card or debit card to complete the transaction online and need to pay using a cashier’s check or money order.
  • Your license is in an Active Military status.
  • Your license is in a Volunteer status.
  • You need to request a name change.

To renew by mail, you must properly log into www.FLHealthsource.gov and print your renewal notice by selecting the Renew License link, then click on the Renew by Mail option.

Online CE
The FDA offers a variety of FREE 1-, 2- and 3-hour online CE courses to help you get the CE hours you need to renew your license. Course topics include: aesthetics, communication, treatment planning, sleep apnea, restorative dentistry, practice management and much more. Along with these courses, the FDA offers two legal CE guides and bimonthly “Diagnostic Discussion” articles in Today’s FDA.

Click here to learn more about the FREE FDA online CE courses.

FDA CE Courses
All CE-eligible courses taken at the 2014 or 2015 Florida Dental Conventions have been automatically reported to CE Broker on your behalf. FDA online CE credits are reported to CE broker the first Friday of each month. Courses taken by a national CE provider must be self-reported to CE Broker.

CE@RENEWAL
The Florida DOH is a great source for renewal information! Click here to access a helpful 30-minute webinar to learn more about how to report your CE credits through CE Broker as well as other useful information. Don’t have time to join the webinar? Click here to learn more about the renewal process, how to report CE credits, the benefits CE Broker has to offer and much more!

Questions?
For the FDA CE Broker discount code, information on the biennium, the renewal process, CE Broker or your FDA-earned CE credits, contact Brooke Martin at bmartin@floridadental.org or 850.350.7103.

An Extra Mile Goes a Long Way — From Maryland to Florida!

By  Dr. Sharon Colvin-Johnson

On June 12-13, I attended the Florida Dental Convention (FDC) for the first time. During the convention, I had the privilege to serve as a speaker host. My experience during the entire process — registering for FDC; inquiring about volunteering as a speaker host; acquiring the continuing education credit that I needed; and attending the most fun and exciting convention party on Friday — would not have run so smoothly if it wasn’t for the FDA’s Director of Member Relations, Ms. Kerry Gomez-Rios, and her navigational assistance.

Currently, I’m a member of the Maryland State Dental Association (MSDA), but I will be relocating to the Sarasota-Lakewood Ranch, Fla. area in July/August. The MSDA’s membership coordinator, Ms. Kim Dresser, put me in contact with Ms. Gomez-Rios — and I’ve had the best experience with a state dental association that I’ve ever had in my 31 years in organized dentistry! Ms. Gomez-Rios then directed me to those who will be instrumental in my transition to Florida. During FDC, she suggested meetings and events that would put me in contact with the key players in organized dentistry.

I’m so happy that I had the opportunity to connect with the FDA at this year’s convention. I’m especially thankful for Ms. Gomez-Rios and her “extra mile” efforts to help me to feel “at home” with the FDA.