Orthodontics for the General Dentist: How to Treat and When to Refer

Course overview

This course provides dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants with a simple and straightforward methodology to incorporate orthodontic aligner therapy into the practice. Aligner therapy is rapidly growing in popularity with patients, and many cases can easily be treated by the general practitioner. This course will provide a clear framework and criteria on how to start providing orthodontic aligners to your existing patients. The dental office is a key venue for understanding orthodontic advancements and managing related complications, such as myofascial pain often encountered during aligner therapy. This course will discuss how select appropriate cases, implement effective treatment protocols, and address myofascial pain and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) that may arise. Participants will learn the historical context of aligners, practical steps for patient enrollment and management, techniques like interproximal reduction (IPR), retention strategies, and evidence-based approaches to diagnosing and treating myofascial pain. By integrating these elements into practice, dental teams can enhance treatment outcomes, reduce complications like posterior open bites, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration for comprehensive patient care.