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September 2009
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On The Cutting Edge: Little Laser Points The Way Ahead Keeping abreast of technological developments is an essential aspect of staying on the cutting edge and for Dr Bourne, who returned to Trinidad in 2000 to practise and teach orthodontics at the School of Dentistry of The UWI’s Faculty of Medical Science, it is as important for teachers and students as it is for practitioners. “As a lecturer at the University I try to make sure that I am doing my bit for the University to keep abreast of the most recent developments, and to at least expose all undergraduate clinical dental students and those interns and teaching assistants who are interested in orthodontics,” he said as he demonstrated the finesse and precision of the laser at his private practice, bluntly named Braces, in St Augustine. The laser is used for minor oral surgical procedures, such as gingivectomy, and in addition to the better visibility which reduces chances of mishaps, and the shorter procedural times, there are several benefits for patients. It eaves no scarring, there is little or no bleeding, and postoperative pain is negligible. It also shortens the time between procedures, thus reducing cost significantly. Many people, he said, believe orthodontic costs are prohibitive, especially as they see it as a cosmetic procedure, more than a corrective one. Most patients come in because they want to improve the way they look. Fewer come because the improper positioning of their teeth causes discomfort. Dr Bourne said that it was also more common for parents to bring their children in first, and after they have had their treatment, then the parents take turns coming for attention. He surmises that it is not that they use their children as test cases, but more likely that they prefer to look after the young ones first, and then seek personal care. Often, because they imagine it to be very expensive, they defer it and when they discover that it really ranges between $13,000 and $20,000 over a two-year period covering about 15-20 visits, they decide to take the plunge. It’s never too late to do it, says Dr Bourne, though the earlier treatment is begun, the better. When people feel that they look good it affects their self-esteem and confidence, and their sense of wellbeing. A happy countenance reflects that, so it is no wonder the first thing he notices in a person is their smile. Orthodontics is one area of specialty in dentistry and it is primarily concerned with treating malocclusions (bite) occurring because of improperly positioned teeth or overcrowding. In the past, orthodontists were associated primarily with braces, which were also thought to be only for children. Orthodontics offers a range of treatments that includes repositioning teeth and roots and supporting crowns. Generally, people seek orthodontists to improve their appearance, and treatments are often considered cosmetic enhancements, especially in cases where they reshape the jaw, neck and lips. What is a Gingivectomy? The orthodontist or surgeon will numb your gums with a local anaesthetic—of differing strength depending on the scope of work and the time to do it—then using either a laser or other cutting instrument, will remove or restructure loose or diseased gum tissue. |
Time was when the idea of a doctor waving around a 10-ft long laser in surgery was impressive, but how the times have changed and how quickly! That same doctor, who impressed young student, Compton Olatunji Bourne, with his maxillofacial techniques at the Royal London Hospital, is probably using the same laser principles but instead of an unwieldy two-ft wide instrument, he is likely to be using a sleek, pen-sized laser like Dr Bourne uses in his orthodontics practice.