Revolutionary change

With more than 1000 Invisalign cases under his belt, New York based orthodontist Dr Barry Glaser tells us how using Invisalign Teen has transformed and benefitted his practice

New York based Dr Barry Glaser has always been passionate about orthodontics. ‘I wanted to become an orthodontist since I was five years old,’ he says. ‘Even as a young child, I was interested in detail-oriented activities such as building models, puzzles and wood working.  As I got older, I became interested in biological sciences, and I knew I wanted a career where I could help people. Orthodontics is ideally suited to my abilities and interests.’ Dr Glaser received his DMD degree from The University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and earned his certificate of advanced graduate studies in orthodontics from Boston University. He was appointed to the faculty of Albert Einstein College of Medicine and served as associate director of orthodontics at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City from 1992 to 1995.  He has maintained a private orthodontic practice in Cortlandt Manor, NY, USA since 1994.

Dr Glaser has now carried out more than 1000 cases and treats 75% of his patients (and 95% of teenagers) with Invisalign. So what got him interested in the product? ‘I started out as a huge skeptic, but quickly recognised that the Invisalign clear aligner technology was rapidly developing to the point where, in my experience, it is as good if not better than fixed appliances,’ he answers. ‘Certainly, 21st century patients, are increasingly demanding orthodontic services that are convenient, comfortable and aesthetic,’ he adds.

As an early adopter of both Invisalign Teen as well as iTero digital scanning, Dr Glaser has extensive experience treating teens and adults of all malocclusions with Invisalign clear aligners. He was selected to be a pilot doctor for the Smart Track aligner material, and is the principal investigator for the North American multi-centre prospective IRB study for Invisalign Treatment with Mandibular Advancement. He is the author of the recently published book, ‘The Insider’s Guide to Invisalign Treatment’. And it doesn’t end there. He also has an innovative website, www.AlignerInsider.com – an educational hub for dentists to learn more about excellence in aligner orthodontics.

Game changer

When asked how his practice life has changed since using Invisalign, Dr Glaser responds: ‘I treat 75% of my patients with Invisalign clear aligners. Since treatment proceeds so efficiently, with no emergency appointments and much less chair time, I enjoy direct benefits such as fewer scheduled patients per day, less working days in the office, and lower overhead costs since I do not require as many clinical assistants. In fact, I am now able to travel most weeks to sometimes distant locations to teach other doctors how to create a similar environment in their own practices.’

Using Invisalign Teen has had a hugely positive effect on Dr Glaser’s work. ‘I love treating teens with Invisalign clear aligners,’ he says. ‘Teens present with fewer complications and limitations than adults, such as missing teeth and periodontal disease. This allows me to pursue more ideal treatment plans. Biologically, I find the teeth of teens easier to move, and very often the growing teen patient allows for growth modification to address more severe malocclusions. Psychologically, teens are easy to motivate and who wants to go to high school with braces?’

Comparisons

Dr Glaser spends a lot of time lecturing around the world. What are the main differences between orthodontics in Europe and the USA? ‘Teeth are teeth no matter where you are on the globe, so from that point of view there’s no difference,’ he replies. ‘I do, however, see a much higher utilisation of functional appliances in Europe compared to the US, which is why I believe the newly released Invisalign treatment with mandibular advancement will be very popular in Europe.’

He explains that the biggest difference he sees between orthodontics in the US versus Europe is economic. ‘In the US, an extremely limited population of patients with severely handicapping malocclusions may receive government financial assistance for orthodontic treatment through the Medicaid program. The vast majority of patients in the US pay for orthodontic treatment out of pocket, with perhaps a limited percentage of treatment covered by private insurance. In certain parts of Europe, the UK for example, a much larger segment of the population receives orthodontic treatment free of charge via government funding.’

Personal decisions

What have been Dr Glaser’s best decisions? ‘Other than marrying my wife, Tracy 30 years ago? Clearly, my decision as a young man to invest substantial money and time in my education has paid tremendous dividends,’ he answers. ‘I also would not be the professional I am today without the brilliant guidance of my mentor at Boston University’s Goldman School of Graduate Dentistry, the late, great Dr Anthony A. Gianelly.’ In hindsight, would he have done anything differently? ‘Honestly, I wouldn’t do anything differently. I love my private practice and after over 20 years still enjoy going to work every day. I also love my second career as an Align Technology International faculty member. I have had the opportunity to teach so many wonderful people all over the world, and I derive a great sense of satisfaction that I am making a difference in the orthodontic community worldwide.’

His success stems from advice from his parents. ‘From a young age my parents instilled in me the importance of hard work and dedication. I’m grateful to them for fostering a good old fashioned work ethic. The most important lesson I have learned is also the most fundamental. It’s the Golden Rule:  Do unto others as you would have done unto you. Treat people with respect and dignity, and that respect and dignity will be reflected back to you. Sadly, it seems to be a lesson lost on many of our leaders today.’

For the near future, Dr Glaser hopes to continue to treat patients in his practice as well as teach around the world. ‘I am excited to announce the publishing of my first textbook, ‘The Insider’s Guide to Invisalign Treatment’ available in Europe in ebook format at www.3LPublishing.com.  I also have launched a worldwide educational website. www.AlignerInsider.com where doctors and staff can learn all about excellence with Aligner orthodontics,’ he adds. With such passion for the job, it seems Dr Glaser’s ambitious nature will see him continue to enjoy much-deserved success.

Barry Glaser factfile

Qualifications: BA, DMD
Position: Owner of Glaser Orthodontics, NY and Elite preferred provider of Invisalign
Dental interests: Orthodontics, Invisalign Interface
Interests out of dentistry: Teaching, hiking, travelling, motorcycles and cars.

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