Minneapolis, MN Orthodontics Specialist Uses Invisalign in Case Where Traditional Braces Aren’t an Option
Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2009- ST. PAUL AND MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – In most cases, traditional braces with brackets and wires are the first line of defense in the Minneapolis, MN orthodontics practice of Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth.
But when a patient presented recently with compromised enamel due to a congenital defect in the formation of the teeth, Eisenhuth had to take a different approach to correcting the alignment issues.
For the first time, Eisenhuth used Invisalign Teen. This fairly new Invisalign product was introduced in July by Align Technology, Inc. It was designed to address the specific needs of teenagers seeking orthodontic treatment. For example, the aligners possess features that address the natural eruption of second molars and root control issues common in teenage patients.
Other than that, Invisalign Teen operates in the same fashion as the traditional Invisalign system. It includes a series of clear plastic aligners custom-designed to address the needs of each individual patient. Patients wear each set of aligners for approximately two weeks at a time until the teeth have reached their intended position.
What makes Invisalign Teen slightly different from its parent product is its compliance indicator. The aligners come equipped with a small blue dot that fades with wear. The more patients wear their aligners, the quicker the blue dot disappears.
“The Invisalign trays only work if they are being worn as recommended,” Eisenhuth said. “They don’t work when they sit in their case, so the patient has to be committed to wearing the trays as directed to achieve an optimal result.”
Dental Enamel Hypoplasia
In the case of this patient, traditional braces were not an option. The patient’s family dentist made the referral to Eisenhuth after asking if she could improve alignment without bonding brackets to the enamel. This patient had dental enamel hypoplasia and the enamel was too weak to withstand traditional orthodontic treatment.
Dental enamel hypoplasia is an acquired or hereditary condition that results in a deficiency in tooth enamel formation. It typically is characterized by malformed, thin or defective enamel which can make the teeth appear white, yellow or slightly brownish with a rough surface. It can appear as small dents or pits in the teeth, or it can be so prevalent that entire teeth are misshaped or smaller than they should be, Eisenhuth said.
Increased tooth sensitivity can be one of many side effects from dental enamel hypoplasia, she said. This condition also can make teeth more susceptible to cavities.
Environmental causes of dental enamel hypoplasia include trauma to the teeth and jaws, infections during pregnancy or infancy, intubation of premature infants, deficient pre-natal and post-natal nutrition, exposure to toxic chemicals and hypoxia. It can be difficult to determine the exact cause of this defect.
“Invisalign Teen is a great product for this specific patient,” Eisenhuth said. “It was the perfect answer because nothing will be bonded to the enamel, yet we will improve alignment and occlusion with this product.”
Learn More
If you would like to learn more about the orthodontic practice of Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth or you would like to schedule a consultation with her, please call: (651) 406-8100 or visit her Web site: www.doctorjennifer.com.
About Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth
Dr. Eisenhuth attended the University of Minnesota Dental School and graduated in the top of her class. She earned the Minnesota Association of Orthodontic Achievement Award and several academic achievement awards. She entered her orthodontic residency at the University of Minnesota and earned a certificate in orthodontics and a Master of Science degree.
Dr. Eisenhuth is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.
She takes pride in caring for the orthodontic needs of residents in the Twin Cities- St. Paul and Minneapolis, and their surrounding regions, including Apple Valley and Eagan, Minnesota.
Her office is located at 3340 Sherman Court, Eagan, Minn., 55121.
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