Braces on the inside training course

June 18-19, 2010 I attended my second course on Incognito, which is a braces system so the braces can be on the inside of the teeth. Check out this link to see the website.

www.hiddenbraces.com



Dr. Cliff Alexander, part of the Alexander Family of orthodontists from Texas is giving the course. He is an expert in lingual (inside) braces and has used a number of different systems in the past. He has been using this system for a number of years now, worked on perfecting the technique and now is teaching others how to do it correctly.

Lingual braces are a completely different way to wear braces. Incognito Orthodontic Braces are placed behind your teeth so no one will ever know you are wearing braces, unless you want them to know.

The braces are individually customized by utilizing state-of-the-art technology. The wires are robotically bent to exactly the dimension I have prescribed. Each person's mouth and teeth are unique so this method can take that into consideration to ensure the outcome is exactly what you want.

Just about anyone can wear Incognito braces. The odds are if you can be treated with conventional braces, you are a good candidate for Incognito Orthodontic Braces.

The course is a combined lecture and hands on course. My partner in the picture is my good friend Jon Suzuki who practices in Vancouver.



The hands on exercise is very useful. We get our own set of moulds with the braces glued on them. One set of teeth that are already straight to get a feel for the system and one set of teeth that are crooked. Tying in the wires, getting a feel for the way to make sure there are no poking wires, all kinds of tips and tricks from Cliff that will save the course participants significant time and problems during the learning phase.

The course today wound up with a review of the training website for continuing education for the doctor and staff members of the team. It was a big day of intense learning. Time to get some shut eye because tomorrow is expected to be just as intense.

Day 2 - Advanced mechanics

The second day started with a conversation about the complexities of moving the teeth with the pressure being applied on the inside of the teeth. The physics and mechanics are slightly different. It has to do with the rotation point of the tooth. Great stuff by Cliff on how to think through the mechanics and pre plan the solution before it becomes a problem.

After the break we completed more practical exercises in treating cases who had teeth extracted to fix the bite. This happens about 20% of the time. The hands on component of this course is what is really making it a worthwhile trip to Calgary. From a treatment planning perspective there are really no changes to the planing process. If you need extractions, you need extractions. If you need surgery you need surgery. That is what makes this so appealing. You don't have to throw the baby out with the bath water when it comes to treatment planning. Now that we are going through the mechanics there really isn't a huge difference in that either. It seems as if this will be easy to integrate in our practice to offer the service to those who are interested.

One of the best parts of the course was the last bit in the afternoon. Cliff went over a "David Letterman" type of top 20 list. It was a list of the most common mistakes that people make with Incognito. It is typically the best way to learn; review how mistakes happen and how to recognize them early so you can get back on track.

One of the key things it to remember is that "Everything is difficult until it becomes easy". There will be a learning curve to this process but the commitment is there to excel in this new treatment option. I look forward to adding this to our practice and providing great smiles for our patients if they want braces on the outside or the inside.

I would appreciate your comments and feedback. Please fill out the form below and I will get right back to you!!!

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