The growing popularity of non-orthodontic tooth alignment systems is cause for concern. It is always best to meet with an accredited orthodontist.

1. Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic
Specialists of Michigan
Drs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker, and Associates
Orthodontic Shortcuts are
Risky Business

2. Growing Popularity of Non-Orthodontic
Tooth Alignment Systems
 For many adolescents and adults battling the issue of
crooked or otherwise imperfect teeth or a bad or
uncomfortable bite, the idea of finding an ultra-fast and easy
solution is quite attractive. This explains the growing
popularity of products like Six Month Smiles and Crystal
Braces, which are non-orthodontic tooth alignment systems.
 While Six Month Smiles requires the care of a dentist
(orthodontists typically do not use this product), Crystal
Braces is an at-home solution, monitored and managed
entirely through the patient (ask yourself, do you feel
qualified to straighten your own teeth?).

3. Orthodontists have an Obligation
 Our board certified orthodontists feel an obligation to inform our
patients and community about these products to be sure
prospective patients are making educated choices about health
care decisions.
 There is a difference between seeing a general dentist and an
orthodontist for orthodontic treatment. Orthodontists attend
university based graduate school programs for an additional 2-3
years of education in tooth movement technique and growth and
development management. According to Dr. AJ Ker of Pediatric
Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan, “The reality of
it is that if you apply pressure, teeth will move. However, the
‘how, why, when, and how much’ of this movement is the hard
part that typically only orthodontists and very highly experienced
general dentists know how to manage.”

4. Cosmetic Orthodontic Options
 It is important to remember that many orthodontists offer more
cosmetic treatment options, if traditional orthodontic treatment is
not for you.
 Invisalign is an effective and invisible dental correction system that
requires the continual care of a dentist. However, only certified
orthodontists have access to the 3D controls that make Invisalign
treatment work optimally. “We are seeing patients that have started
with something like Six Month Smile treatment come into our office
for a mid-treatment second opinion because they are in distress with
the process and are not happy with the outcome. We are happy to
step in to help them but I would say that 10 times out of 10 the
patients chief concerns would be addressed in a more efficient and
more cost effective way if they would have started under the care of
an orthodontist in the first place,” says Dr. Ker.

5. Don’t Take a Shortcut
 Solutions like Six Month Smiles or Crystal Braces may seem like
a great shortcut and cheaper solution to better looking teeth,
but the compromises and lack of appropriate supervision with
these products do not make them suitable replacements for
treatment with an orthodontist.
 Dr. Ker sums it up by saying: “We want our patients to feel
great about their smile when they are finished with treatment.
I fear that if we do not educate the public about the
differences between what they want and what they will get
with these compromised solutions, the only probable outcome
for the patient will be regret. And, that doesn’t make us
smile.”

6. 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

7. 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