Orthodontic Advances

New Technology Streamlines Tooth-Straightening Process

orthodontics completely.” Once the image is approved, Dr. Roberts will reverse engineer the treatment process to create a course of 20-25 custom fitted Invisalign trays. Patients wear each aligner 24/7 for two weeks, removing only to eat, drink or clean. Although Invisalign and brackets work with the same biomechanisms, they hold the teeth differently. Invisalign wraps around the teeth like a glove, he added.

Although for some patients, traditional braces are still recommended, more than 75% of 7to7 Dental’s patients opt for Invisalign, which offers some significant advantages. “It’s much more sophisticated, more accurate, more comfortable, makes teeth easier to clean and can cut treatment time in half,” Dr. Roberts said. Most Invisalign treatment takes only 12-14 months.

By Amy Morgan

Orthodontia – it’s not just the same braces you had as a teen. Today’s cutting-edge orthodontists like Michael Roberts, D.D.S., use sophisticated tools to take teeth straightening into the modern age. Dr. Roberts brings 32 years of experience to 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics. He joined the practice located at the corner of Stone Oak Parkway and Evans Road four years ago after retiring from the U.S. Army. At one point, Colonel Roberts was in charge of all Army dentistry west of the Mississippi.

He’s appreciated the opportunity as a civilian to digitize 7to7 Dental’s orthodontic practice. Records of the teeth are created by computer using a technically advanced iTero 5-D intraoral scanner, which takes a three-dimensional image of the mouth with detail to the 1/1000th of an inch, Dr. Roberts said. Another benefit for the patient, no more goopy trays to make impressions.

Even more amazing, images upload to an onscreen simulation, so a patient can visualize exactly what their mouth structure looks like side by side with the suggested treatment plan. Dr. Roberts can even take a patient’s photo, add it to the simulation, and show a patient how their smile would look with straight teeth.

“It makes quite the impact!” Dr. Roberts said. “The iTero digital scanner is the single greatest advancement in dentistry in my career. It has changed the landscape of dentistry and

“I strongly promote and encourage teens into Invisalign because my biggest headache is teenagers not keeping their braces clean, which leads to cavities, stains, and permanent damage. With Invisalign we don’t have the same struggle because they take them out to brush their teeth. Parents sometimes object that they don’t think their kids will wear them consistently, but I haven’t had that problem,” he added.

7to7 Dental is a Platinum Plus Invisalign Provider. This means you can rest assured you are receiving the very best Invisalign experience possible! Board Certified in Orthodontics, Dr. Roberts has taken extended Invisalign training and will be attending an advanced training Fellowship Course this summer. Additionally, because 7to7 Dental is open 7 a.m. -7 p.m., services are provided when it’s most convenient for the patient. “It makes perfect sense. Mom and dad can get the kids in before or after school and take care of cleaning and orthodontia all at the same time,” he said. 7to7 Dental even offers orthodontic consultation days on designated Saturdays so those who can’t miss work or school can find a time convenient for them and benefit from special pricing incentives.

The professionals at 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics care about your oral health and are available 7 a.m.- 7 p.m., seven days a week, for dentistry for the whole family and emergencies. 7to7 Dental is a local business, grown in 15 years from the practice of one dentist and six staff. Co-Owners Tiffany Winburn, D.M.D, and Justin Coke and many of the 262 staff members live in Stone Oak with their families and are part of the community.

By Amy Morgan