MbShea@PWP@English@UMCP

Abstract: Orthodontia is a dental specialty in the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of problems in tooth, jaw, and bite position. According to the American Association of Orthodontics, over 4 million people in the United States are currently undergoing orthodontic treatment. 80% of teenagers in the United States are undergoing orthodontic treatment. 33% of the world population has undergone orthodontic treatment at some point. The number of adults seeking orthodontic treatment increased by 24% from 1982-2008. The two main options patients have are traditional braces and Invisalign. Traditional braces involve inserting metal wires through stainless steel or ceramic brackets that are glued onto teeth. Invisalign, through Align Technology, is a removable clear plastic aligner tray. These apparatuses are used to slowly straighten teeth into proper placement. Both treatments end with the use of a retainer to maintain the teeth in their new, improved positions. The difference in costs of traditional braces and Invisalign are decreasing and becoming closer to $5,000 and can be covered by insurance. Prospective orthodontic patients who are looking into whether traditional braces or Invisalign is the best route of treatment should use this patient guide. This patient guide will go over the basics of both treatments, literature concerning efficiency and the possible adverse effects of Invisalign, information for adult patients, and a Q&A for young adult patients. This patient guide is only supplemental material and the patient must consult a dentist or orthodontist to establish their malocclusion case and see if Invisalign is even an option.
WC: 249

Reader Profile: I imagine a reader that is skeptical about getting orthodontic treatment. I envision a stubborn preteen or teen who is being forced by their parents to straighten their teeth. Specifically, the most skeptical reader will be the one that should get braces instead of Invisalign due to their extreme orthodontic case.

Reader Response: Hmmm… Maybe mom and dad are right. I should straighten my teeth with braces or Invisalign. Even though the process may be painful, having a nice smile and fixing my bite in the long run will be worth the short-term pain. Even though Invisalign is so cool and no one would know I was straightening my teeth, my case is probably too extreme for Invisalign to work effectively. I should go to the dentist or the orthodontist and see what treatment is best for me. I should probably follow all the instructions they give me too.

B -- looks like a good plan. You might address early on the number of really extreme cases for orthodontics. By this, I mean, what of the 80% of US teens in treatment are for more aesthetic reasons? Tease out the health/extreme cases from the more appearance-based ones.

Getting at this granular detail will help you later when you describe the decision criteria for which treatment option.