Saturday, June 6, 2009 — SPRINGFIELD, MO — At the Barnett-Davis Dental Group, an Ozark, MO dental practice, Ivisalign has become the prevalent method for correcting misaligned teeth in adults.

In the past, if a person wasn’t “born” with perfectly straight teeth, the only way to achieve the alignment was with bulky metal hardware said Ozark, MO cosmetic dentist, Dr. Tracy Davis. This orthodontic equipment is usually tolerated well by adolescents, but for many adults, this type of metal braces can be even more awkward than their original crooked smile. Invisalign sidesteps the bulky hardware for a more streamlined orthodontic-correction method.

Most everyone agrees that a crooked smile can be embarrassing. In contrast, straight teeth can enhance a person’s smile and give them the extra sparkle and confidence they need to meet new people and feel self-assured about their appearance. Invisalign treatment takes the straightening benefits of traditional braces but doesn’t involve all the wire, rubber, and metal. The orthodontic tooth movement is instead achieved by using a set of clear, almost invisible, plastic aligners that gradually straighten a patient’s smile.

At the Barnett-Davis Dental Group, getting started with Invisalign orthodontics is really simple. After an initial consultation with one of the dentists, patients learn if he or she is a qualified candidate. If qualified, impressions are taken. These are followed by computerized, digital radiographs and photographs. These records are then compiled and a 3-D image of the mouth is created on the computer.

In a subsequent computerized consultation, patients are able to view their current tooth position; learn how Invisalign treatment will correct their misalignment over time; and ultimately “see” what their orthodontic results will be when treatment is complete. From here, patients can discuss and set a treatment plan and time-frame with their dentist.

At Barnett-Davis Dental Group in Ozark dentistry experts Dr. Marc Barnett, Dr. Kelly Barnett, and Dr. Tracy Davis offer the initial Invisalign consultation at no charge. “We believe it is so important for patients to explore all their treatment options and we feel that this consultation is the best avenue to discuss the optimal treatment for oral alignment correction and the possibility of using Invisalign orthodontics,” said Dr. Marc Barnett.

Patients receive new trays for the upper and lower row of teeth every other week from their dentist, and each new set gradually moves their crooked teeth to a beautiful, straight smile. According to www.invisalign.com, whether suffering from crowded or spaced teeth, a crossbite, overbite, underbite, or virtually any other orthodontic disorder, Invisalign can correct the malady and put patients on the road to a happier, healthier smile

“Our office has been treating patients with misaligned teeth since 2004,” said Ozark  dentist Dr. Tracy Davis. “Invisalign is one of my favorite procedures because the treatment is easy for the patient, it doesn’t involve bulky metal hardware. Plus, they love the outcome.”.

In addition to the benefit of using clear, almost invisible, trays for straightening, patients really appreciate the ability to take the trays out of their mouth for eating and cleaning their teeth. And, most cases can go from “crooked to straight” in less than a year!

“I like to send ‘before and after’ pictures of patients’ smiles. It’s just amazing the difference a smile can make,” said Dr. Davis “It’s not only the teeth that change. Many times patients’ eyes sparkle a little more and they are smiling a little bigger. They are proud of their smiles. It’s awesome to experience how a patient’s straight teeth can have such a positive influence to their self-esteem.”

Besides boosting patients’ self-esteem, Invisalign is gentler on the mouth than other orthodontic methods. Invisalign uses a hardened plastic that molds to the teeth, whereas braces require metal brackets to be cemented to the teeth. The harsh metals often cause irritation and cuts on the soft tissue of the gums and inner mouth. Of course some discomfort is regular when moving teeth, but, with Invisalign, cuts and irritations of the mouth are minimal.

Invisalign was introduced to the cosmetic dentistry market in 1999. Since then it has helped over a million patients worldwide with oral correction. Invisalign is available in the United States, Canada, Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, Singapore, and Thailand.

Learn More
If you would like more information on Invisalign, or you would like more information on the Ozark, MO dental practice Barnett-Davis Dental Group, please visit their Web site: www.barnettdavisdental.com, or call for a free consultation: (417) 581-3600.

About Barnett-Davis Dental Group
Drs. Marc and Kelly Barnett have practiced dentistry in Ozark since 1984. Kelly graduated Phi Beta Kappa from The University of Kansas and Marc graduated Magna Cum Laude from William Jewell College. They both graduated “with distinction” (in the top 10 percent) from the University of Missouri Dental School in Kansas City.

After graduating, Kelly taught as a professor of clinical dentistry in Kansas City and Marc took extra training in a General Practice Residency at the V.A. Hospital in Kansas City.

Kelly served as the first female president of the Greater Springfield Dental Society and has been a delegate to the Missouri Dental Association. She is vice president of the Board of the OTC hygiene and dental assisting school.  Marc serves on the Children’s Smile Center board in Ozark to treat under-privileged children.

Family ties and small town values brought Marc and Kelly to the Ozarks in 1984. Marc practiced dentistry in Nixa and Kelly maintained a solo practice in Ozark for 17 years. In the fall of 2001, they combined their efforts and expertise into one modern, high-tech dental office in Ozark.

Marc and Kelly live in Ozark with their children, Tish and Burke.

Originally from Conway, Missouri, Dr. Tracy Davis moved to the Springfield area in 2004 to be closer to family. She graduated “with distinction” from the University of Missouri School of Dentistry in Kansas City. Tracy has received national recognition as a dental researcher.

Tracy and her husband, Matthew, have been married since 1997. They live in Ozark with their four children: Ethan; twins Elijah and Isabella; and Owen.

Tracy loves working with children and knows how to make them feel comfortable at the Ozark dental office.

© 2009 Sinai Dental Marketing and Dr. Tracy Davis. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this article is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

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