HOUSTON, TX--(Marketwire - Oct 2, 2012) - According to the American Academy of Orthodontics (AAO), five million Americans are currently undergoing some form of orthodontic treatment, 20 percent of which are over the age of 18. While similar statistics from the Journal of the American Dental Association show that 66 to 75 percent of American adults have some form of malocclusion, or crooked teeth, and could benefit from orthodontics, Dr. Jeffrey Schultz, a dentist in Houston, says selecting the right procedure can be a daunting task. At his practice, he says Invisalign® and Powerprox Six Month Braces are both popular treatments for straightening teeth, and can both provide successful results; however, he says the ultimate decision is based on each patient's goals.
Despite the fact that both treatments are designed to straighten teeth in the most efficient way possible, Dr. Schultz says a majority of patients at his Houston cosmetic dentistry practice end up requesting Invisalign® for its ability to effectively close spaces and gaps in an aesthetically subtle way. He says between 75 and 80 percent of his adult patients prefer Invisalign® because the clear plastic aligners are barely noticeable during treatment and they can be removed for meals and daily hygiene. Since it is the more discreet method for straightening teeth, Dr. Schultz says Invisalign® is more popular amongst his adult and teenage patients, allowing them to enhance the alignment of their smile without drawing unwanted attention to their mouths.
"Most of my adult patients are choosing Invisalign® now, simply because it's the more cosmetic option," says Dr. Schultz. "I have found that people would rather have something that is more cosmetically pleasing but takes longer."
With the Powerprox Six Month Braces system, Dr. Schultz says the benefits include a quicker, more efficient treatment time and an improved ability to rotate teeth. Despite the fact that some patients are wary of the term "braces" because it conjures up images of the bulky, metal appliances worn in junior high school, he says the innovative Powerprox device has a much sleeker design and can be placed to look more discreet than traditional braces. Dr. Schultz says the number of patients who request Powerprox Six Month Braces is smaller; however, patients are often surprised by how quickly and efficiently the treatment works.
Dr. Schultz says both procedures begin with a thorough patient exam and a detailed questionnaire to help determine each person's individual goals. While the end results are often very similar, he says every patient has a unique set of teeth, and determining the proper plan for treating malocclusion depends on a case-by-case basis. Dr. Schultz also adds that both Invisalign® and Powerprox are intended for moderate to subtle movement of teeth, and neither will do any major bite changes. He encourages all patients considering a dental procedure, whether it be cosmetic orthodontics or porcelain veneers, to consult with an experienced and qualified dentist before making any decisions.
"Overall, I think Powerprox can provide very effective results with a little less treatment time, whereas Invisalign® offers patients a more cosmetic solution that is still incredibly successful. The ultimate decision should be made between each individual patient and their experienced, knowledgeable cosmetic dentist."
About Jeffrey L. Schultz DDS, FAGD
A graduate of the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston, Dr. Jeffrey Schultz has dedicated several hundred hours to his continued education through advanced courses and workshops, earning him the Fellowship status with the Academy of General Dentistry. He has also completed training with the Hornbrook Group for aesthetic dentistry and is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the Texas Dental Association. Selected as one of the Top Dentists in H Texas magazine, Dr. Schultz is the official cosmetic dentist of the Page Parkes Modeling Agency.
Located at 6565 West Loop South Suite 860 in Bellaire, TX, the Schultz Center for Cosmetic Dentistry can be reached at (713) 489-1350. Dr. Schultz and his team can also be contacted online via the websites schultzsmiles.com or facebook.com/pages/Schultz-Center-for-Cosmetic-Dentistry/134134999943002.
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