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Straighter teeth is something many people desire. A nice smile is one of the most attractive things about a person. However, wearing a mouth full of braces for two, three, or more years can be a major pain, both literally and figuratively.

Luckily, there is another option. Invisalign is an alternative to traditional braces. Learn more about the benefits Invisalign offers and why you should consider this exciting method of straightening teeth.

• When you have straight teeth, your mouth is healthier in general and there is less chance of tooth decay and gum disease. Invisalign makes it possible for more people to straighten their teeth.
• Invisalign is essentially invisible. You can straighten your teeth without unsightly metal in your mouth.
• The average cost is similar to that of traditional braces, which makes it affordable for many families.
• With Invisalign, the aligner trays are smooth and comfortable to wear. Traditional metal braces can be uncomfortable and cause irritation to the mouth.
• Invisalign is removable, so you do not have to wear the system during special occasions, or when you’re eating. With normal metal braces, you are stuck with them for the entire straightening process.
• Brushing and flossing are simple. Since the system is removable, you can brush and floss just like normal.

As you can see, Invisalign is an exciting option we provide at our office for those who want straighter teeth. If this is something that sounds interesting to you, talk to Dr. Daniel Ma and find out if it would work for your particular situation. Get started today, and before you know it you will be enjoying your straighter teeth.

For more information about Invisalign, or to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Daniel Ma, please give us a call at our convenient Vancouver, BC office today!

Dr. Daniel Ma recently attended the 2014 AAO Winter Conference, which took place at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada. This year’s theme was Adult Treatment:  A Clinical Conference for Orthodontists and Restorative Dentists. The conference emphasized the importance of good communication between orthodontic specialists and restorative dentists in order to achieve maximum results.

One of the most exciting products found by Dr. Ma at the AAO this year was AcceleDent®, a device that accelerates tooth movement for patients undergoing orthodontics. He also spent time learning from the world-renowned clinicians Dr. Vincent Kokich Jr., Dr. Greggory Kinzer, and Dr. James Janakievski on the topic of managing treatment for patients with multiple missing teeth.

While Dr. Ma took this conference very seriously, he also made time for a little fun; it was in Las Vegas after all! Taking a break from the Vancouver winter weather meant spending time at the heated pool with his wife and children. They also saw “Jersey Boys” and enjoyed the many hit songs by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

Waiting in the plane for take off

Waiting in the departure lounge

Vegas strip at night

Pools at Caesars palace

Lecture hall at AAO Conference

Central lobby of Caesar's Palace

Las Vegas airport for return flight

Orthodontists and dentists both help patients improve their oral health, but in different ways. Dentistry is a broad medical specialty that deals with the teeth, gum, nerves, and jaw, while orthodontics is a specialty within dentistry that focuses on correcting bites, occlusion, and the straightness of teeth. One important difference is that all orthodontists like Dr. Daniel Ma are dentists, but not all dentists are licensed orthodontists.

How are they similar?

The main similarity between a dentist and orthodontist is that they both focus on oral care. An orthodontist can work in a dental office and provide the same care as a dentist. So in this respect, they are quite similar. They are both considered doctors, and deal with the teeth and gums.

How are they different?

There are more differences than similarities. An orthodontist requires additional schooling as a dental specialty; the situation is similar to a doctor who obtains additional schooling to become a surgeon. Another difference is that orthodontists specialize in helping patients with the alignment of their teeth, improving their bite, or fitting them for corrective braces and devices. If a patient has an overbite, a dentist will refer him or her to an orthodontist.

Dentists typically encourage good oral hygiene and provide services related to:

• Tooth decay
• Root canals
• Gum disease
• Crowns
• Bridges
• Veneers
• Teeth whitening

Orthodontists are dentists that specialize in the alignment of teeth, and provide services related to:

• Misaligned teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Overbite
• Underbite

What an orthodontist can help with

Orthodontists help with crooked teeth, but they assist patients with other issues as well. These include overbites and underbites, crossbites, spaces between teeth, overcrowding of teeth, and the treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Additional problems with the jaw also need to be treated by an orthodontist.

While a dentist may be trained to provide orthodontic care in addition to extractions, TMJ treatments, and fillings, trusting your smile to an orthodontist can better balance the different procedures you require.

To learn more about the difference between dentists and orthodontists, or to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Daniel Ma, please give our team at our office a call at our convenient Vancouver, BC office.

We hear this question a lot at our office, and we don’t mind when patients who are eager to complete their orthodontic treatment ask us. After all, we know there is no better feeling than getting your braces off!

During your initial consultation with Dr. Daniel Ma, we will map out a specific treatment for you and will try our hardest to give you a timeline of when we expect you to wrap up treatment.

Having said that, we know every patient is different. People have different biological responses to orthodontic treatment and some people’s teeth may move faster than others.

Luckily, there are things you can do to ensure your treatment wraps up in a timely manner. By following these suggestions, you can avoid any setbacks during your treatment.

• Make sure to keep your adjustment appointments. Postponing or cancelling will delay treatment!
• Be sure to show up on time to your appointments. This will give Dr. Daniel Ma and our team time to do everything we planned during your adjustment visit.
• When prescribed, make sure you are diligent about wearing rubber bands or other appliances.
• Avoid damage to your braces and teeth by wearing a mouth guard during sports activities.
• Make sure to brush and floss regularly! Gum disease or other dental work can delay orthodontic treatment.

If you remember to follow these guidelines, you’ll be on your way to having the dazzling, healthy smile you’ve always wanted. As for us, our team at our office will do our part to move your orthodontic treatment along efficiently. If you have any questions about your treatment time, please give us a call at our Vancouver, BC office or ask us during your next visit!