Clear Progress

For its practical and aesthetic advantages, almost every one of orthodontist DR CATHERINE LEE’S adult patients opts for Invisalign clear aligners. Then came the innovative Invisalign Teen – and now, ground-breaking new Invisalign with mandibular advanceme

Remind us – how does the Invisalign system work?

Instead of wires and brackets, Invisalign straightens the teeth with a series of perfectly clear, virtually invisible, custom-made and removable appliances called aligners.

Tell us about the brand new Invisalign with mandibular advancement.

It’s a breakthrough for Class II correction of a slow-growing lower jaw, a problem that many children have – especially AngloSaxon ones. In traditional orthodontic correction, we would have to use bulky and uncomfortable devices, for example an arch expander and headgear.

This new technology is based on the way the conventional Twin Block device works to expand the arches so as to help correct a bad bite. Each new Invisalign aligner, top and bottom, has two interlocking “precision wings”. When the child bites down, the wings will engage in order to hold the lower jaw in a forward position, gently correcting the bite over time.

Any other advantages over the Twin Block?

They’re virtually invisible, much thinner and a lot easier to wear. Also, they allow the child to talk clearly and normally, which Twin Block tends not to do.

Best of all, we can now straighten the teeth at the same time, instead of having to wait until after we’ve fixed the growth issue. This can shorten the treatment period by around six months, saving time and reducing costs.

Who does it here?

It’s still very new. In Singapore, it’s only available from a few orthodontists, who had to have first been familiar with dental-facial orthopaedics. As the Invisalign Clinical and Key Opinion Leader in Singapore, I was involved in the global pilot study, so I was fortunate enough to have a head start!

Dr Catherine Lee Orthodontics Level 36 (Penthouse), Income @ Raffles (Office Tower) 16 Collyer Quay 6835 9571 | drcatherineleeorthodontics.com