Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan Orthodontist Dr. AJ Ker understands that managing life with traditional braces can sometimes be frustrating or impossible for many of his patients. Whether they caused pain, awkward social interactions, or even physical insecurity, braces are not particularly known for their confidence-boosting capabilities. For this reason (and others), many teens and adults have begun to look outside of the confines of traditional braces for orthodontic solutions. At Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan, Invisalign has become a popular alternative for many of our patients.

1. Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic
Specialists of Michigan
Drs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker, and Associates
Invisalign as an Alternative to
Traditional Orthodontic Care

2. Traditional Braces
 Managing life with traditional braces can sometimes be
frustrating or impossible for patients. Whether they caused
pain, awkward social interactions, or even physical
insecurity, braces are not particularly known for their
confidence-boosting capabilities.
 Many teens and adults have begun to look outside of the
confines of traditional braces for orthodontic solutions. At
Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan,
Invisalign has become a popular alternative for many of our
patients.

3. What is Invisalign?
 Our office is equipped with the incredible technology
required to provide Invisalign to our patients.
 The system takes advantage of 3-D technology to craft
precise molds of your teeth made into a series of aligners
that gradually move your teeth towards a desired position.
 As the Invisalign aligners are changed throughout the
treatment, they steadily make small shifts to one or more
teeth at a time, creating steady progress towards a more
ideal smile.

4. Is Invisalign Right For You?
 If you are a teen or adult looking to improve orthodontic flaws such as overly crowded teeth,
overly spaced teeth, or minor bite complications, you may qualify as a quality candidate for this
product.
 Invisalign also provides a solution for those who have metal allergies or a large amount of
porcelain dental work that may be prone to damage from braces or difficulty in getting braces to
adhere to.
 There are, however, a number of people who would not properly benefit from treatment using
Invisalign. For instance, children with many baby teeth should not be recommended to receive
Invisalign treatment. Additionally, those with aggressive overbites, underbites, or crossbite will
likely be better served with classic metal braces.
 It is also important to consider the level to which you feel that you will be able to maintain the
willpower involved in keeping up with your Invisalign program. Because it is easy to take the
aligners out, it may become easy for some people to forget, or simply avoid spending the
recommended 22 hours per day using their aligners. For younger children (or forgetful adults!), it
may also become relatively easy to lose track of your aligners, especially after taking them out to
enjoy a meal. If you feel as though dumping your aligners in the trash after a meal is a definite
possibility or if you feel adhering to a strict aligner wear schedule would be difficult for you, it is
possible that Invisalign may not be an ideal solution for you.

5. Did You Know?
 Dr. AJ is currently undergoing Invisalign treatment (he also
had braces before also) to see exactly what it is like
 Ask him about his experience to help you decide if Invisalign
is right for you!

6. Schedule a Consultation
 In order to determine the best option for your teeth, we
invite you to call the office to schedule an evaluation with
Dr. Ari G. Thanasas or Dr. Alan J Ker.
586-286-0700
 It is extremely important to make sure that all client “wants,
concerns, and specific needs” are covered and satisfied
before making any treatment option.
 We look forward to seeing you in our office for an evaluation
soon!

7. Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan, the offices
of Drs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker and
associates has specialized in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics since
1968. Our family-friendly office gives patients and families a more
comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very
beginning. The pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18
years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and
adults, including being an Invisalign preferred provider. The ability to
treat all special needs patients reaches beyond our facility, which has
treatment rooms available for children who require additional
privacy. Valued hospital affiliations allow dental services to be
performed at DMC Children’s Hospital and St. John’s Hospital
Macomb when needed. Our specialists are also on staff at Henry
Ford and Beaumont hospitals.
About Us

8. Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic
Specialists of Michigan
Drs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker, and Associates
39400 Garfield Rd., Suite 200
Clinton Township, MI 48038
586-286-0700
www.mychildsteeth.com