Dr. Mark Hodge runs Berkshire Dental Group in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Specializing in Invisalign Teen, Dr. Hodge treats more Invisalign patients than any other dentist in Oklahoma. In fact, he is the state’s only “Elite Invisalign Provider,” the company’s highest recognition award. Elite Providers represent the top 3% of Invisalign providers worldwide. Here, Dr. Hodge tells the story behind Invisalign.
Invisalign was founded in 1997 by Zia Chishti, a Stanford MBA graduate and former financial analyst for Morgan Stanley. Chishti wore a clear plastic retainer as an adult to stabilize his teeth after his braces were removed. He noticed that when he neglected to wear his retainer for days at a time, his teeth would shift back to their former state. Upon reinsertion, the retainer would move his teeth back to their final position, indicating that a single clear plastic retainer could move teeth. This simple leap of logic led to his conclusion that a series of such devices worn in sequence would be able to achieve complete orthodontic treatment.
Chishti was from Pakistan, and the original Invisalign manufacturing plant was in his home country. Since the 9/11 attacks, it has been moved to Mexico. Aided by his background in computer science, Chishti realized the benefit of applying 3-D computer imaging graphics to the field of orthodontics. Before Invisalign, clear appliances for moving teeth existed, but none of them had Invisalign’s sophisticated computer technology. Here is how it works: When you come in for your first Invisalign consultation, the doctor maps out a treatment plan with your goals in mind. Then, he takes impressions and pictures of your teeth for digitization purposes.
Invisalign then scans the impressions of your teeth with an optical scanner in order to get a computerized, interactive 3-D image of your entire mouth. That model is then hosted on a website that only the doctor can access. Using the 3-D model, your doctor and an Invisalign technician plan your teeth’s movements for your entire treatment timeline. You will be able to see a virtual representation of your teeth before, during, and after the Invisalign treatment.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
