Invisalign has made a
splash in the field of dentistry and orthodontics. We sat down with one of Ontario’s top orthodontists and
Invisalign providers, Dr. John Kalbfleisch, to discuss Invisalign and how it’s reshaping smiles around the
world.
Kalbfleisch studied at the University of Western Ontario as well as the University of Toronto, where he
received orthodontic training and a Masters of Science degree. He has also received fellowship status with
the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and was elected to the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario.
Q: I’ve heard that you are in the top 1% of orthodontists in North America for Invisalign
treatment. To what do you attribute your success?
JK: I’m lucky that we have a successful practice. When patients are satisfied, they return
and tell all their friends about their experience. The number of clients just extrapolates itself from there.
The experience I have is the key factor, because my ranking is based on how many cases I’ve handled.
Q: Briefly describe the capabilities of Invisalign versus traditional braces.
JK: With some limitations, Invisaligns can generally tackle most of the things traditional
braces do. Actually, I think that [Invisaligns and braces] are pretty equal. More complicated cases,
unfortunately, sometimes can’t be treated with Invisalign. However, a lot of that is determined by a
dentist’s technique, as about 90% of cases can be tackled with Invisalign.
Q: How exactly does Invisalign work?
JK: First, a patient and I would have to sit down for a consultation. Like I said before,
although almost all cases can be corrected using Invisaligns, not all can. Once we’ve determined a course of
action, we can make a three-dimensional, computerized model of the patient’s teeth. These models have such
fine accuracy, and they’re great for showing a patient what the end result will look like. A patient’s teeth
are moved approximately two millimetres per aligner.
Q: It’s obvious you are passionate about this technology. What makes you regard Invisalign
so highly?
JK: That’s because Invisaligns are so based on technology first. I think that when there’s
something that can be enhanced by technology, particularly when precession is involved, the end result should
always be better. Allowing us to use computerization to be more exact in our treatment is a great
technological advancement.
Q: Will Invisalign render braces obsolete?
JK: No way. There will always be some limitations and complications that only traditional
braces can address. Although Invisalign has a product for younger people, that generation is still going to
have to face braces. Traditional braces just have greater control and force teeth into compliance. Patient
co-operation and growth can sometimes compromise the Invisaligns and how effective they are.
Q: What patients are Invisalign best suited for?
JK: I know that the Invisalign Teen, aimed for younger patients, is out on the market now.
However, I think that Invisaligns are best suited for the 30- to 40-year-old age group. A lot of the success
of Invisaligns depends on how well the patient adheres to the treatment plan. It’s a lot more difficult to
make sure younger children will keep Invisaligns on for as long as they need to.
Q: Do Invisalign trays stay perfectly transparent throughout treatment?
JK: Yes, definitely. Because the aligners are changed so frequently, you can continue to
drink wine and coffee, and not worry about discolouring the Invisaligns. To be quite honest, I have never
seen a stained one yet.
Q: What are the benefits of Invisalign versus other treatment?
JK: Cleaning is less of a problem with Invisaligns. Because patients are able to remove them
when they’re eating, I’d say that there are no limitations to maintaining good oral health. Also, the ability
to visualize what the final treatment should be is a plus for patients, because it gives them a clear view of
what to expect.
Q: How does Invisalign compare with other “invisible” orthodontics like lingual braces?
JK: I think that other treatments are still certainly good, viable options. Actually, the
Incognito brand of lingual braces is pretty good. I think that ultimately, it’s about a patient’s overall
comfort. However, when given a choice, I’d choose Invisaligns for sure.
Q: Which dental treatment would take the longest to completely adjust minor teeth
misalignments: Invisalign, traditional braces or lingual braces?
JK: Both [“traditional,” lingual/regular braces and Invisaligns] methods take approximately
the same. The progression of the alignment with both types of braces is slow enough that there isn’t a clear
winner.
Q: After a patient completes Invisalign treatment, can he or she use the old trays as
retainers?
JK: Yeah, they can do that — but only if they really want to. I would prefer to make new
ones for them, in order to accommodate the changes in their teeth alignment. In some cases, we may still
consult with the patient to look at the option of incorporating lingual retainers, or the Invisaligns as
nighttime retainers.
Q: Are there any risks or side effects that come with Invisalign?
JK: As with most things, there are minor risks, but there are not as many as regular braces.
You have to note that any procedure that involves the movement of teeth, as well as any sort of minor root
changes or changes in gums, will have some sort of risk. I always like to tell my patients that using
Invisaligns offers less of a risk than walking to your car. •
