Orthotown August 2015 - (Page 56)

clinical orthodontics // feature placing the bracket in a less-than-ideal spot on the tooth (or not placing it at all), the provider who has a soft-tissue laser and the ability to use it can remove the redundant tissue, place the bracket where it belongs and more effectively move the tooth to its correct position. While patients occasionally show some hesitation at the mention of a laser in their treatment plan, patients treated with selectable-pulse-mode lasers regularly report that they experience no discomfort with soft-tissue laser procedures. The dental laser delivers pulses of energy too short to trigger a neural response. An orthodontist will find little to no evidence of thermal damage when performing soft-tissue procedures with this technology. Most soft-tissue laser procedures can be performed with only topical anesthesia. When a topical anesthetic is inadequate, a local anesthetic may be needed, but this is rarely necessary. The laser stops any bleeding and seals lymphatic and nerve endings, thereby avoiding tissue inflammation and the usual discomfort that is associated with inflammation. With good patient communication regarding the use of lasers in orthodontic treatment, the patient truly benefits from improved gingival aesthetics and potentially faster treatment times resulting from well-placed brackets. In the words of Albert Einstein, "Excellence is doing a common thing in an uncommon way." With dental laser technology's advances, orthodontists can provide their patients with the best possible outcomes. ■ How often do you use lasers? Comment on this article at Orthotown.com/magazine.aspx. Author Bio Dr. Daniel M. Eves is a board-certified orthodontist and the owner of Tollgate Orthodontics, with locations in Warwick and Jamestown, Rhode Island. He received his doctorate of dental medicine from the University of Florida and his specialty training in orthodontics along with a master of science degree in oral biology from the University of Louisville. Prior to private practice, he served as head of orthodontic departments at acclaimed hospitals, including the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland and the United States Naval Air Station in southern Italy. Voted a top dentist by his peers in the field for many years running, his staff claims he's also an all-around nice guy. Eves uses diode lasers routinely in his practice. Ad Index Our advertisers make it possible for us to bring Orthotown to you free of charge. Almost all of the advertisers provide telephone numbers in their advertisements for your convenience and fast response. Our advertisers want to hear from you. 56 PG # ADVERTISER PG # ADVERTISER 041 3M Unitek 051 OrthodonticMarketing.net IFC American Orthodontics 021 OrthoSelect, Inc. 053 Boyd Industries, Inc. 023 OrthoSynetics 011 Burleson Seminars BC Planmecca, Inc. 009 Carestream Dental 008 Precision Plier Service 015 Dolphin Imaging and Management Solutions 005 Shock Doctor 017 G&H Orthodontics 047 Specialty Appliances, Inc. 013 Henry Schein Orthodontics 007 The Scheduling Institute 025 Imaging Sciences International, Inc. IBC tops Software 003 Opal Orthodontics JULY / AUGUST 2015 // orthotown.com http://www.Orthotown.com/magazine.aspx http://www.orthotown.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Orthotown August 2015

Orthotown.com Highlights
Embrace Progress: AAO Reflections
Poll
Managing Missing Upper Canines
Adult Class II Patient Possibility for Pre-Prosthetic Treatment
The Truth About Phase I Orthodontics
Ten Steps to Hire Slow— And Achieve Success Fast
Townie Choice Awards
A Review of “Uncomplicate Business”
Separating Your Practice from the Rest
10 Best Practices for Patient- Referral and Retention Programs
The Mini-Screw for Skeletal Anchorage in Pre-Prosthetic Orthodontics
The Use of Laser Technology in the Modern Orthodontic Practice
Ad Index

Orthotown August 2015