Ask Dr. Norris: What can Invisalign® do for my oral health?

When considering treatment options, patients often ask us how Invisalign treatment is so different than traditional braces. Well, there are more reasons to smile about Invisalign with Stone Oak Orthodontics than you may know. Invisalign is a series of removable aligners that are nearly invisible, and besides straightening your teeth, can improve your oral health. Here’s how:

Healthy gums: Straight teeth allow a close fit for gums. This lessens the gum stress that is caused by crowded or widely spaced teeth, thus also reducing red and swollen gums.

Easy cleaning: Invisalign is removable, therefore brushing and flossing is easier and you are able to maintain a healthy mouth. These habits are vital to avoiding tooth decay, plaque and even gum disease.

Improved speech and chewing: Properly-aligned teeth don’t have the discomfort or compound speech impediments that can be caused by crowded teeth or a deteriorating jawbone.

If you have any questions about Invisalign, just ask Dr. Norris the next time you’re in for an appointment. Or, you may post your question on our Facebook page! You can also read this article for more information on Invisalign and your oral health.

SureSmile® makes an appearance on ABC’s “The Doctors”

Last fall, on an episode of ABC's "The Doctors," Dr. Thomas Lee of Oxnard, California, was interviewed in front of a live audience and demonstrated SureSmile technology and discussed treatment benefits for orthodontists and their patients. Dr. Lee's 14-year-old patient, Nina, who had just completed SureSmile treatment, was part of the segment as well, and spoke positively about her SureSmile treatment experience.

SureSmile is a software program that facilitates the precise positioning of a patient’s teeth placement for orthodontic braces. This treatment decreases treatment time and the number of necessary office visits for patients by nearly half! Did you know Dr. Norris is a certified SureSmile provider? Give us a call and ask for more information!

SureSmile in the news again! From Stone Oak Orthodontics

Does the thought of having braces for two whole years bring you down? Our team at Stone Oak Orthodontics understands that one of the biggest concerns for orthodontic patients with braces is the length of their treatment. But you’re in luck, because Dr. Norris specializes in SureSmile, robotic braces that have revolutionized the industry. SureSmile, which combines digital 3-D imaging, has computer-aided treatment planning and customized archwires to straighten teeth about 40 percent faster than traditional braces.

That means less time in braces, fewer office visits, less discomfort and ultimately greater results for you, the patient - all thanks to SureSmile's stunning technology.

This week, CNN's very own Dr. Sanjay Gupta filed a short report on SureSmile, which is becoming quite popular with our patients. We encourage you to check out the video and let us know what you think! Give us a call to learn more about SureSmile or to find out if you might be a candidate.

SureSmile works its magic on the Science Channel! From Dr. Norris

Our staff recently found a really interesting clip of SureSmile technology on Brink: Science Channel. In addition to shortening treatment times, the greater efficiency of the SureSmile system also helps reduce the number of wire changes and adjustments you'll need, and that means fewer trips to Stone Oak Orthodontics. The SureSmile system's 3-D software lets Dr. Norris analyze how to effectively and efficiently align your teeth. Through this software, personalized archwires are designed to move your teeth into proper alignment smoothly and directly.

We'd love to know what you thought about the video! At Stone Oak Orthodontics, we love working with SureSmile technology. To learn more about SureSmile, please give us a call today.

The SureSmile® advantage at Stone Oak Orthodontics

Does the thought of having braces for two entire years bring you down? Dr. Robert Norris and our dedicated team at Stone Oak Orthodontics understand that one of the biggest concerns for orthodontic patients with braces is the length of their treatment. But you’re in luck, because Dr. Norris specializes in SureSmile, high-tech braces that are revolutionizing the orthodontic industry. Through the use of SureSmile's sophisticated 3-D imaging, treatment planning, and customized precision archwires, Dr. Norris can reduce treatment time compared to that of conventional braces. There are three steps. First, Dr. Norris identifies the initial tooth position with the patented OraScanner, a wand with a tiny camera attached. The OraScanner creates a precise 3-D digital model of your mouth, which is then uploaded into software that lets Dr. Norris view your mouth and teeth from any angle. Next, the SureSmile system allows us to create your entire treatment plan prior to treatment, using special computer software to analyze the 3-D model of your mouth and develop a custom archwire treatment. Finally, SureSmile’s robotic technology bends Shape Memory Alloy archwires, which can “remember” your prescription.

Fewer Office Visits

In addition to shortening treatment times, the greater efficiency of the SureSmile system also helps reduce the number of wire changes and adjustments you'll need, and that means fewer trips to the orthodontist. The SureSmile system's 3-D software lets your orthodontist analyze how to effectively and efficiently align your teeth. Through this software, personalized archwires are designed to move your teeth into proper alignment smoothly and directly, reducing the number of maintenance visits.

Less Overall Discomfort

Anyone who has worn braces will probably tell you that wire adjustments and changes were the least favorite part of the process because they usually caused discomfort. Fortunately, the SureSmile system is engineered to maximize therapeutic efficiency of each wire, significantly reducing the number of adjustments needed. This means fewer episodes of discomfort over the course of your treatment here at Stone Oak Orthodontics.

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, or would like to learn more about SureSmile technology, please give us a call.