Insignia is not only a car!

Insignia - the car

                              

Insignia - the orthodontic appliance system

                                 

Eventually, all orthodontic appliances will be computer-designed and custom-made, just like those pioneered by Invisalign, now the world’s largest manufacturer of CAD CAM custom-made appliances. They recently lost a legal battle over software patents and as they were unable to pay the settlement, the Danahar Corporation was given 10 per cent of Invisalign.  The patents they infringed were owned by Danahar subsidiary Ormco, whose Insignia system I use.

Insignia’s impressive software allows us to modify the prescription for each patient’s fixed appliance with the brackets and wires being individually manufactured to achieve that prescription. The orthodontist can adjust each tooth in three planes and analyse the resultant occlusion, arch (smile) width and other important details. This improves the outcome and efficiency, achieving great results quicker. Such direct control has never been available before, as the other custom-made systems (Invisalign and Incognito) both involve a technician interpreting the instructions of the orthodontist.

Complex problems such as those with asymmetries, particularly of the underlying jawbones, can be managed to a much higher standard and with shorter treatment times. So if you are seeking the best treatment, as speedily as possible, then Insignia may be the option for you!

                              

Incognito Mentoring

3M, who make Incognito lingual (invisible) braces, recently appointed me one of their three UK mentors to give individual tuition, advice and support to orthodontists beginning to use these amazing braces.

Four experienced orthodontists joined me for a day’s tuition at my Solihull practice. It is clear is that even experienced orthodontists can find it challenging to get started with Incognito. This is partly due to basics such as bonding technique and ligation, which are fundamentally different, and also to the practicalities that have to be done differently, such as appointment scheduling, nursing procedures and chairside equipment.

Orthodontic specialists are used to taking fixed appliance bracket systems and improvising with them but Incognito requires a much more disciplined approach. However, once familiar with it, amazing results can be achieved for complex problems using these astonishing custom-made braces. “Secret” braces really are a reality, with compromises in the quality of outcome now a thing of the past.