New Medland Orthodontics Website

We’re pleased to announce the launch of our new website!

We’ve been hard at work recently putting the finishing touches on it and we’d love to hear what you think.

There’s plenty of information about braces and our brand new SureSmile service, which is a revolution in braces, allowing you to get them off up to 8 months faster than normal braces!

Or check out the video gallery that we’ve loaded full of YouTube videos on how to care for your braces and clips of us havingfun.

If you want to know more about our practice we’ve put together a video tour for you, as well as a whole heap of photos.

All this and more can be found at www.orthodontist-goldcoast.com

How Invisible is Invisalign?

Ever wondered just how invisible Invisalign is?

Here’s a couple of photos that highlight just that. These photos were taken on one of our models using an actual Invisalign retainer. It’s completely transparent and looks nothing like the metal braces of old. The retainers fit over your teeth like a glove and are very comfortable to wear.

Once their in your mouth no-one will be able to tell you’re wearing braces unless you point it out to them.

Invisalign really is the clear alternative to braces.

And right now we’re making it even easier for you as we’ve got a few free consultations available. Come along and have a chat to one of our orthodontists and we’ll even scan your teeth for you, so you can see in 3D how perfect your teeth could look with the help of Invisalign.

If you’ve got any questions, or would like to make an appointment then give us a call on 5597 3344.

Invisalign: A Review

posted on June 22, 2012 by Rachel MacDonald

I was asked ever-so-nicely by a few readers on Instagram to recount all the juicy details of my experience with Invisalign, so hold onto your dental floss, we’re about to talk teeth!

Invisalign are essentially clear, plastic mouthguards that move/ straighten/ work wonders on your teeth in the same way that traditional metal braces do.

They’re not for everyone for a number of reasons (cost, the fact some people need metal braces to correct other issues such as severe overbites, for example) so let me start by saying that if you’re interested, it’s best to chat to both your regular dentist and book an appointment with an orthodontist to see if these extraordinary pieces of plastic will do what they need to do for you.

* Just on that, my dentist told me they wouldn’t work for me and I think he’s still full from eating a big ol’ piece of humble pie yesterday when I went for my 6 monthly clean!

WHY I GOT THEM

Shown: wearing my Invisalign, one month after getting them.

I didn’t have braces as a teen as I was lucky to have straight teeth… that is, until my wisdom teeth came down about 5 years ago in my mid-twenties and things started really moving. Overcrowding became a big issue, and I noticed that one of my front teeth was starting to cross over the other, along with some noticeable movement with the teeth on each side and my middle bottom teeth. I’d also started pushing (“thrusting” is apparently the technical term but… wow) my tongue up against my front teeth quite aggressively when I was sleeping. See what I mean? Aggressive thrusting, and… OKAY THEN.

Where were we?

Anyway, when I mentioned my toothy predicament to friends or Ramai, they’d laugh and say “Your teeth are fine” but then I’d show them a photo and they’d say “Oh, yep, I get it now” and with a wedding on the cards – ergo, photos a-plenty – it was decided that off I would trot to get fitted for what became affectionately referred to as my “Vizzy’s.”

THE PROCESS

Shown: wearing Invisalign, 2 months in.

+ Impressions, X-rays and photos are taken of your teeth and are then turned into a 3-D image so you can see the kind of results you’ll get. At this point, you pay a deposit, which for me was around $3000. The Invisalign cost me $8000 in total which I paid in montly installments.

+ At your first fitting, you’ll be shown how to get the trays in and out of your mouth as you take them off to eat and drink hot drinks. If you’re anything like me, you’ll probably think THERE’S NO FREAKING WAY I’M GETTING THESE BAD BOYS ON AND OFF BY MYSELF, but then after playing in the mirror at home, you’ll get the hang of it quick sticks. Promise.

+ You’re then given a batch of trays that need to be changed every fortnight, and for the first day or so, you’ll feel some pain and sensitivity as they start to whip your teeth into line. I had mine on for 12 months all up and I found for the first 6 months I really noticed a dull ache for the first day of a new set (sometimes randomly, mostly after I’d put them back in after having them out to eat), but later on in the process, when my teeth were more mobile, I’d whip them in and out like nobody’s bizness with very little pain at all.

My hot tip here is to put your new ones on at night so the movement begins while you’re sleeping.

THE RULES + OTHER STUFF

+ You need to wear your Invisalign for 20 – 22 hours a day, which means popping them out to eat, rinsing your mouth out and then getting them straight back in. Because I’m a nerd and did just that, if I had a party or a work dinner where I couldn’t pull them in and out repeatedly without looking disgusting (Oh, don’t mind me just fishing around in my mouth at the table, guys!) I’d just keep them out for a block of a few hours. Which is OK sometimes, but should not be “the norm” if you want them to actually do what you hope.

+ To clean: you’re given a special coarse brush and told to clean the aligners every morning and night with mouthwash, but I found that towards the end of the 2 weeks before I was about to pop in the new set, they would get rather UGH, so I soaked them in Steradent denture tablets which worked an absolute treat.

+ Attachments: or as we called them, “shark fins.” These are small and tooth-coloured and applied to any teeth that need extra assistance to move (they create more friction/ tightness between the aligner and your teeth). They do make it harder to get the trays in and out of your mouth at first, but you get used to them. They also make your Invisalign slightly less “invisible” but remember, no one notices them as much as you – in fact, lots of people never even knew I had them on.

+ Elastics: like the sharkeys, I wasn’t the hugest fan of the elastics and thankfully they were only on for a short period of time. These are to encourage faster movement, and honestly, once you’re into the process, you just want to do everything you can to help achieve an amazing result.

How these work: small buttons are attached to your back teeth (bottom ones) and slits are made in the top aligners towards the back. The tiny elastics then slide into the slits and are wrapped around the buttons to create more tension.

A.I (AFTER INVISALIGN)

Taken straight after my last orthodontist appointment!

I finished my 12 month treatment 2 weeks ago and part of ensuring my teeth stay as straight as they now are means I have a bar stuck behind my upper and lower teeth, and I have to wear a plastic mouthguard (retainer) to bed every night for the first 6 months, and eventually once a week (forever). Of course, that’s up to me, but after doling out the cash and being super vigilant for the past year, you can bet I’ll doing everything I can to keep them in line, so to speak.

WHY I LOVED THEM

Don’t laugh, but I actually grew quite fond of my Vizzy’s. I think it was the psychological aspect of knowing that when they were on they were working their magic, but I think most importantly, I loved that I could see them moving and straightening as I went along.

I love food and was stoked that I didn’t have to cut anything out of my diet like you do with regular braces (well except chewing gum, but it’s no good for you anyway). I also have to admit that the fact I could pretend I wasn’t in the middle of a teeth straightening adventure if I needed to (like at my birthday soiree, for instance) was a pretty big win, and something that you can’t say about our friend Mr Metal.

So that’s it, a totally unsponsored, completely honest account of my experience with Invisalign. I hope that answers a few questions!

Originally posted on http://inspacesbetween.com/beauty/invisalign-a-review/

Dental Ed Lecture Series - October

We recently had the pleasure of hosting local Gold Coast dentists for the October edition of our Dental Ed lecture series. This month's lecture was titled, "Taking the Mystery Out of Selecting Products, Materials, and Equipment — What You Need to Know BEFORE Using Them on Patients."

Dr Michael B Miller from the USA presented a great talk on exciting new products that will revolutionise dental treatment.

On the menu was a delicious Spring buffet complemented by a selection of wines by our sommelier Tyson Stelzer, and let's not forget to add it was Halloween themed!

We'd just like to thank everyone that came and made the evening such a success. There's a few photos from the night below.

Halloween at Medlands

At Medland Orthodontics we don't just like Halloween .... we LOVE Halloween! A big thanks to Dr Patty Medland for her fantastic collection of Halloween decorations which we put to good use yesterday - take a look see ...

Amanda going zombie-fied after that small accident with a nail in her head.

Renee feeling a little bit spooked by that creeping hand.

Bella channelling her inner witch - a good one of course!

Dr Bill Medland with Cass, Meilee, Bella and Talia.

Amanda looking kinda creepy to be honest! 

Josie LOVES Halloween - great wig too by the way!

St Hilda's School Fete

A big thanks to St Hilda's for letting us join in the fun of their annual fete. We brought along our photo booth and captured plenty of smiles.

There was plenty of fun had, lots of fairy floss eaten and quite a few visits to the cent auction made!

Dental Ed Lecture Series - September 11

September's edition of our Dental Ed Lecture Series saw us hosting lectures by Dr Adam Rosenberg from South Africa, and Prof Geoffrey Heithersay from South Australia. They both spoke about dental implants, providing some great insight for our visiting dentists.

The warm spring air allowed us to move outside, with a warm roast dinner served up, along with a selection of wines by Tyson Stelzer.

Have a look at a few quick snapshots from the evening.

St Kevin's Catholic School Carnival

We popped into St Kevin's Catholic School Carnival and brought along our photo booth and plenty of props! Thanks to St Kevin's for having us!

Katy Perry Bracelet

Check out Katy Perry modelling the bracelet in her latest video clip 'Wide Awake'.

Dental Ed Invitation - Tuesday September 11

Emmanuel College Fete

We were proud to support Emmanuel College at their recent fete. We had a stall set-up along with a photo booth, which proved incredibly popular!

iTero Digital Impression System

This breakthrough technology eliminates the need to take plaster impressions.

Accurate impressions of a patient’s teeth and jaw are essential for any orthodontic work, and we can now achieve a much clearer image of a patient’s teeth with the aid of the iTero scanner.

The scanner eliminates the need for using putty and trays; instead the intra-oral laser scanner creates a 3D image of the teeth and gums. By using laser and optical scanning it captures a perfect 360-degree image of the teeth and allows us to view them from all angles. The images are processed immediately which allows the patient to view their teeth on the computer screen straight after scanning.

The image is incredibly detailed, capturing the contours and surfaces of the teeth and gums perfectly. This accuracy allows for a much more perfect fit for orthodontic appliances. The 3D image is sent directly to the laboratory where the patient’s orthodontic appliances are created.

We’re proud to be one of the few orthodontic practices to offer this new service. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to get in touch. Call 5597 3344, or email info@medlandorthodontics.com.au

Dental Ed Lecture Series - August 2, 2012

We recently hosted the next edition of our Dental Ed Lecture Series. This month saw lectures from Professor Laurence Walsh and Professor David Manton.

Under a full moon we warmed the cool Winter air a little by serving up a flaming Asian feast, and by flaming we mean literally as you'll see below. It was a fantastic night with over 100 dentists and dental health professionals attending.

Invisalign Assist System

Announcing Invisalign Assist Service for Invisalign-Accredited Gold Coast Dentists

Cosmetic Dental Design in association with Medland Orthodontics have launched a new service to help Gold Coast dentists treat orthodontic cases more easily using the Invisalign system.

Many Gold Coast dentists are Invisalign-accredited but would like some further assistance to start effectively using Invisalign.  Alternatively, you may already be using the Invisalign system but find interpretation and changes to the treatment plan using the ClinCheck software is challenging. 

Benefits Of The Service:

·         How would you like your Invisalign cases scanned and sent off for no extra fee?  It’s less work for you and the scan fee is built in (provided your patient proceeds with treatment).

·         No more full arch PVC impressions.

·         Faster submission of Invisalign cases. 

·         Valuable assistance of an expert practitioner at the ClinCheck stage.

·         Assistance with treatment progression and monitoring via Medland Orthodontics.

How It Works: 

1.       If advice is needed on whether the case is suitable, either study models or good clinical photographs can be emailed to invisalignassist@medlandorthodontics.com.au

2.       Once you’ve assessed that the patient is suitable for Invisalign an appointment is made for an iTero scan with Cosmetic Dental Design – the scan fee is $225 (this fee is then included as part of the total Invisalign fee – see point 4 below).  There is no further submission fee to develop the Invisalign treatment plan.  For a small extra fee of $125, Cosmetic Dental Design can also take the required photographs (the patient will also require an OPG and lateral headfilm).  This results in faster submission to Invisalign as the scan is submitted electronically avoiding full arch PVS impressions.   

3.       The ClinCheck is assessed by Medland Orthodontics, modified as necessary and before approval, a copy of the ClinCheck is sent to you for discussion of the overall treatment plan with Medland Orthodontics.  During the treatment, any questions that arise or aligner progress monitoring, Medland Orthodontics is behind you.

4.       The standard Invisalign lab fee plus the photography fee (if applicable) is billed to you through Medland Orthodontics’ Invisalign account.  Once the patient proceeds with Invisalign treatment the scan fee of $225 is included in the standard lab fee of $3025 (Full), $3245 (Teen), $1760 (Lite) including GST. 

5.       During the treatment, for any problems that arise, you can call upon the expertise of Medland Orthodontics  
 phone 5597 3344 or email invisalignassist@medlandorthodontics.com.au

We look forward to lending you a helping hand in climbing the Invisalign learning curve.   

USEFUL LINKS:

For information on Invisalign accreditation courses run by Southern Cross Dental Lab click here.

Invisalign Australia will also be holding accreditation courses in Sydney in October/November – dates to be advised.  For more information about Invisalign click here.  

Impacted Canines - Treatment Planning

Maxillary Canines – Recipe for a Problem:

      - Develop high in maxilla

   - Complete their development late 

   - Long path of eruption

   - Erupt after adjacent teeth

The problem arises when canines become impacted within the alveolus of soft tissue and don’t erupt into the mouth without intervention.

The maxillary canine follows the longest (22mm) and most tortuous path of eruption of any tooth. At age 3 its high in the maxilla (right under the eye). From age 4-8 it travels mesially and palatally and you can’t usually palpate them. Between ages 8-11 the canine starts to move upright and move buccally and by age 10 you can usually feel a “buccal  bulge” above the primary canine if they are doing the right thing.

By age 9 or 10, you should be able to palpate the maxillary canine as it starts to move buccally and distally.

Bucally Impacted Maxillary Canines:
Labial impaction of the maxillary canine over the maxillary lateral incisor occurs occasionally. This type of impaction is due to one of two caues. Either the canine moves ectopically over the labial surface of maxillary lateral incisor root and fails to erupt, or the maxillary dental midline may shift toward the canine, causing it to be impacted labially.

96% of canines will erupt if cusp tip is distal to the lateral incisor (Sector 1).

 

Signs of Potentially Impacted Canines:

   - Over-retained primary canine.

   - Absence of labial canine bulge age 10.

   - Distal tipping and flaring of lateral incisor.

   - Abnormal eruption sequence.

   - OPG shows canine tip overlaps completely formed lateral incisor root.

   - Family history.

   - Small or missing lateral incisors.

Summary of Diagnosis and Recommendations for Maxillary Canines:

   - Before age 10, screen for impacted canines by palpation.

   - At age 10, Take OPG especially if :          

                a) Canine is not palpable (or if both canines aren’t symmetrically palpable on the labial).

        b) Lateral incisor is proclined or crown has distal tip.                                                         

        c) If lateral incisor is small or missing or primary lateral is still present.

Treatment:

Extraction of the deciduous canine is the treatment of choice to attempt correction of palatally displaced canines in individuals aged 10-13, provided that there is not excessive crowding. If improvement is going to occur, it will do so within the first 12 months. Removal of deciduous canines allows palatally displaced canines to assume a more normal erupive pathway in a majority of cases. This procedure is less successful if there is significant crowding. If the angulation of the impacted canine to the mid-sagittal plane exceeds 30 degrees, the likelihood of improvement is reduced. The more the canine is overlapped, the less likely it will self-correct after primary canine removal. If there is not significant improvement in impacted canine position 12 months after removal of the primary canine, then further improvement without orthodontic/surgical intervention is unlikely.

Once you have extracted the primary canine, however, you must see the treatment through. If the permanent canine still fails to erupt, the patient will have a gap requiring treatment.  Permanent palatal canine position should improve within 6-12 months after removal of primary canine.  If not, further intervention may be necessary.

Steps to bring in Impacted Canine

   - Locate.

   - Need space available and adjacent tooth roots out of  the way  (this often requires braces).

   - Surgical exposure and bond bracket to canine.

   - Orthodontic traction (good anchorage —TPA) to bring canine through attached tissue.

Dental Ed Lecture Series - August 2 2012 Invitation

Dental Ed Lecture Series - July 3 2012

Dental Ed Lecture Series

July 3 2012

 

We recently hosted a special 'Double Feature' presentation for local dentists and hygienists, with lectures from Dr David M Roessler and Dr Bill Robbins.

 

To fight the Winter cold we served up a delicious hot buffet.

 

Internet Marketing That Makes A Difference

Internet Marketing That Makes A Difference

 

There's no resting on our laurels here! We're constantly striving to improve the services we offer our patients, so hot on the heels of our trip to Hawaii we sent a few staff members to a course with renowned marketing expert Jeff Behan.

He gave our staff a few tips on how to better communicate with patients both in and out of the practice, and how to better improve our web presence.

2012 AAO Annual Session

2012 AAO Annual Session

 

Drs Bill and Patty Medland and a lucky few of the crew at Medland Orthodontics earlier this month attended the 2012 AAO Annual Conference in Hawaii. The American Association of Orthodontists is the world's largest and most respected orthodontic association and is at the forefront of treatment research and development. We learned some great new techniques and ideas to bring back to our practice and share with you - oh, and we squeezed in just a little sightseeing too!