Monday, November 17, 2014

Top Toronto Invisalign Doctor and Team Recognized at the Invisalign Summit

Every two years, Align Technology, the parent company of Invisalign, hosts a meeting to provide continuing education and a meeting of some of the top doctors.  Dr. Tam, your Toronto Invisalign specialist, was invited to speak at this conference, but was unable to make it work with his schedule.

Dr. Jason Tam with Dr. Sam Daher, good friends and top Invisalign doctors in Canada.

Dr. Tam with one of Japan's top Invisalign doctors
Dr. Hiroshi Samoto, after an excellent
presentation on advanced Invisalign movements
Toronto Invisalign Doctor by his name
2014 Invisalign Case Gallery
However, he attended the meeting and the team at  MCO Orthodontics recognized once again as having produced one of the top Invisalign treatments in North America over the past couple of years.  Congratulations to TeamMCO!

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Richmond Hill Invisalign Before and After - Class 3 Invisalign Treatment

Many will say that Invisalign can only be used for simple treatments.  Others believe that they are purchasing Invisalign as a product rather than purchasing the services of an orthodontist using Invisalign.  The fact is the results of your treatment will vary depending on where you get your Invisalign in Richmond Hill.

Here is a sample of an Invisalign patient with a Class 3 malocclusion.  Elastics and buttons were used.  Total treatment time was just over 1 year.  Treatment completed by Dr. Jason Tam.  Visit www.torontobraces.ca for more information about Invisalign cost and to see more Invisalign results.


Class 3 Invisalign Initial
Class 3 Invisalign Progress
Class 3 Invisalign Final





Saturday, September 27, 2014

Toronto Invisalign Results: Open Bite Before and After

Traditionally, open bites are addressed with braces to extrude the anterior teeth, but those patients always experience relapse afterwards since there is nothing to hold the teeth in place.  Many doctors would also consider jaw surgery.

This case was first presented by your Stouffville Invisalign orthodontist, Dr. Jason Tam, at the New York Metro Area Invisalign Expo to about 70 orthodontists.  It has also been selected for publication in the 2014 Invisalign Case Gallery as one of the top treatments in the past 2 years.

Invisalign Open Bite Initial Photos
Invisalign Open Bite Progress Photos
Invisalign Open Bite Final Photos

Most of this work was completed with intrusion of the posterior teeth so that the regular bite is able to keep the open bite closed afterwards.  Nightly wear of Vivera retainers will continue to help keep the bite closed and the upper fixed retainer was placed to prevent that space from coming back during the day, due to a tongue thrust.  Remember that Invisalign is a technique and your results and method of treatment will differ depending on the experience and skill of your doctor.  For more, visit www.torontobraces.ca .

Monday, September 15, 2014

Toronto Invisalign Specialist Speaks to Metro New York Orthodontists

Those seeing Invisalign in Toronto should understand that Invisalign is a technique, rather than a product.  This is why, whenever seeking treatment, price is not really something that can be compared fairly, since your treatment results will differ depending on the doctor you choose.

Last Thursday, Dr. Tam taught a focused group of 8 orthodontists from the New York City area, followed by a full lecture Friday on moving teeth with Invisalign to about 70 doctors.  His primary message was that Invisalign movements are the responsibility of the doctor and that telling patients Invisalign doesn't work is not because Invisalign doesn't work, but rather because the doctor has not learned to feel comfortable using it.

Speaker list:  Dr. Nicozicis, Dr. Tam, and Dr. Kottemann
Other renowned Invisalign speakers included Dr. Jonathan Nicozicis in Princeton, NJ speaking about deep bite and open bites, Dr. Bill Kottemamn from Minneapolis, MN talking about class 2 correction, and famed consultant Rosemary Bray in the staff treatment coordinator session.  Congratulations to Dr. Tam on being invited to speak at one of the most famous areas in North America at the Metro New York City Invisalign Expo!


Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Toronto Invisalign Orthodontic Specialist to be Published Again!

Potential Toronto Invisalign patients doing their research know that Dr. Jason Tam is considered one of the best Invisalign experts around.  Practicing Invisalign near Richmond Hill at MCO Orthodontics, with vast experience in treatment planning for Invisalign and delivering an optimal patient experience, hundreds choose him for his expertise every year.  He teaches Invisalign for Align Technology with his next lecture scheduled for the New York City Expo in September 2014.



Recently, one of his treatments was selected to be published in the 2014 Invisalign Case Gallery as one of top Invisalign results in North America.  Every 2 years, Align Technology calls for doctors to submit their treatments and an independent panel determines the top 100.  This is the second consecutive such honour for Dr. Tam, who presented his previously selected Best Class 2 Invisalign Treatment at the 2012 Invisalign Summit in Las Vegas.  Congratulations again!


Saturday, May 24, 2014

Invisalign IPR is a Important Part of Many Orthodontic Treatments

Your Toronto Invisalign specialist is the one who plans how your teeth will move using the ClinCheck program provided by Align Technology.  Often times, space is required to move the teeth, but the crowding is not severe enough to warrant extraction, but cannot be achieved by dental expansion.  This is not unique to Invisalign but is used with traditional braces as well.  In these cases, Interproximal Reduction (aka IPR, slenderizing, discing, shaving, polishing) may be employed.  

Check out this HD video about Interproximal Reduction:


Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Markham Orthodontist at Annual Orthodontic Meeting in New Orleans

Dr. Tam, your Toronto Invisalign specialist, recently attending the annual orthodontic session in New Orleans.  It is a great time to meet up with colleagues, see what is new in orthodontics on the exhibit floor, and attend lectures about evidence-based orthodontics.  It is this commitment to continual learning and passion for his profession that has helped Dr. Tam establish one of the most progressive orthodontic practices in North America.  Enjoy the pics!
Dr. Tam with his senior resident, Dr. Nischli, from Boston University
Dr. Tam with Irvine Orthodontist
NOLA is famous for their oysters.
Dr. Tam in a selfie with Align CEO Prescott


Sunday, April 6, 2014

Markham Orthodontist To Deliver Invisalign Lecture in Richmond Hill

Rarely does a dental society have its own member deliver a lecture to its component society, due to conflict of interest and fairness to all members.  This April, Dr. Tam has been given the honour of speaking to the York Region Dental Society about Invisalign in Richmond Hill at the Sheraton Parkway.  It was a natural choice as Dr. Tam has spoken to doctors internationally.

Dr. Jason Tam to lecture on Invisalign in Richmond Hill
He will once again provide his lecture on "Invisalign as a Technique Rather than a Product", focussing on the the requirement for doctors to understand how Invisalign works, and to help them realize that treatment results will differ depending on the planning and knowledge of the appliance.

Friday, February 28, 2014

Toronto Invisalign ClinCheck Pro with 3-D Control

Invisalign in Toronto is often viewed as a commodity like a TV or piece of clothing.  The truth is that Invisalign is a technique used to help a doctor achieve straight teeth.  In other words, the way the doctor uses the Invisalign is going to have an impact on your treatment results.  For example, buying Kevin Durant's basketball shoes will not make most people play like Kevin Durant.  Just like the shoes help Durant produce his results on the court, Invisalign helps doctors produce beautiful smiles.

Align Technology recently launched ClinCheck Pro with 3-D Control for doctors to perform their treatment modifications.  A common misconception is that impressions/scans are sent to Invisalign and Invisalign does the treatment plan.  Doctors are responsible for the tooth movements and to direct the technician on how they feel the teeth need to be moved.  This new program allows the doctor to actually move the tooth to the position they wish, so that the technician can visualize what the doctor is looking for.

The doctor can choose to ask the technician for movements, or turn on 3D controls.  This will allow control of the teeth in intrusion, extrusion, buccal, lingual, rotation, tip, width of the arch, location of attachments/cutouts, and designating the amount and location of IPR.  The software then allows the doctor to see the original ClinCheck and then the modifications performed.

Screen shot of CC Pro3D

Keep in mind that a doctor can still move a tooth anywhere on a computer, but this may not happen in the mouth, so doctors must still have the experience to understand how aligners move the teeth.  It is a convenient tool for doctors to detail movements and provide over-correction of specific teeth.  It is likely going to increase the gap between experienced and inexperienced doctors, since those with more experience know where they need to move the teeth in the simulation to make it work in reality.  With this new software available, it should become more and more clear to doctors, as well as the public that Invisalign is a technique, rather than a product.

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Invisalign G5 Features for Deep Bite Correction Described by Toronto Invisalign Specialist

On February 21, 2014, Align Technology announced the latest generation of Invisalign features to help in deep bite correction.  Remember that these are tools that will help the clinician properly plan your treatment.  Your results will still differ depending on the experience of your doctor.  Here is a summary provided by your Toronto Invisalign Expert.  Dubbed as G5, features include:



Pressure areas on aligners- Redirect the intrusive force through the long axis of anterior teeth.  This is important as teeth that need to be intruded have to be done so through the long axis.  For clinicians, this will show up as a circular module on the ClinCheck summary sheet.




Deep Bite Attachment on the first premolar- Anchorage for anterior intrusion; maybe be activated to extrude premolars.  Previously, horizontal attachments were used to provide anchorage.  The new attachments may also help extrude premolars in cases where there is a low mandibular plane angle.


Precision Bite Ramps on aligners- Disocclude the posterior teeth to prevent intrusion on posterior teeth and to intrude anteriors.  Previously, doctors estimated the position of the incisors and asked for "virtual bite turbos".  Now these ramps are incorporated into the aligners and move in concert with intrusion.  For clinicians, this will show up as a triangle on the lingual surfaces of the incisors on the treatment summary sheet.

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Arkansas Orthodontist Dr. Ben Burris and Toronto Invisalign Specialist Dr. Tam

Even on weeks off, Dr. Tam, your Stouffville braces orthodontist is working hard to help improve the orthodontic experience of his patients at MCO Orthodontics.  Recently, he was down in Playa del Carmen, Mexico to meet with Kyle Ray, a leadership coach, having attended 21st Century Extraordinary Leadership.  Kyle is a master of mental imagery as a factor of future success and one of the top high stakes poker players in the world.

Dr. Ben Burris, Dr. Jason Tam, Mr. Matt Wilkins
Later, he met with Dr. Ben Burris, owner of Arkansas Braces and Braces by Burris, and his CEO Matt Wilkins.  Dr. Burris has an impressive resume, having started the largest pro-bono orthodontic charity in Smiles For A Lifetime, owner of an orthodontic magazine/study club, the Progressive Orthodontist, a  prominent patient advocate with Orthodontists for Access, and all while running the largest individual orthodontic practice in North America.  They had many discussions about the future of orthodontics and the management of orthodontic offices.

Friday, January 31, 2014

Stouffville Orthodontist Has a New Website

As each community is different, MCO Orthodontics has rolled out a new website for their Stouffville Orthodontist location.  This website can be found at www.stouffvilleorthodontist.com .

Two members of the Minacs Family from Stouffville


On this site you'll find links to a lot of happy patients and information regarding out local community initiatives.  We hope you find this website helpful and look forward to working with you to achieve your beautiful MCO smile!

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Orthodontist Interviews Candidates at UTS, University of Toronto Schools

Dr. Tam, your Toronto Invisalign specialist,  recently spent his Saturday morning at his former high school, UTS, or the University of Toronto Schools.  Located at 371 Bloor Street West on the U of T campus, UTS has been widely recognized as the top high school in Canada, having produced 2 Nobel Laureates and 20 Rhodes Scholars.

Dr. Tam at his interview station.



He interviewed students who had passed the original academic screening, meeting a variety of talented 11 year-old students from across the GTA.  Many of these candidates were extremely strong and exhibited a maturity beyond their years.  Dr. Tam enjoyed meeting these young high-achievers and wishes them good luck on acceptance to the school.

Dr. Tam strongly believes in UTS, and has established the MCO Orthodontics UTS Community Builder Award, 4 annual awards given to students with high academic achievement, involvement in extra-curricular activities, and character.  He still goes back on the annual awards night to present to the recipients.

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Dr. Tam's Invisalign Technician and Team Leader in Costa Rica

One of the most important parts of Thornhill Invisalign treatment is the planning of the tooth movements by the doctor.  In order to make sure teeth move properly, Dr. Tam speaks regularly with his technician and team leader at the Treat Facility in Costa Rica.  Without proper communication, Dr. Tam's instructions would not be executed properly, leading to failed Invisalign treatment.






Recently, Dr. Tam thanked his team down in Costa Rica by sending them souvenirs from Toronto.  We now have two Raptors fans down at the Invisalign HQ.  Thanks for your hard work!