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Tradition, Technology and Experience
Reviews
Office Tour
West Lafayette
257 Sagamore Parkway West, Suite A
West Lafayette IN 47906
Office Tour
Lafayette
4900 Old US 231
Lafayette, IN 47909
Ultra Low-Dose 3D Scans
ITero Lumina scanner
Technology
6 Reasons Your Neighbors Are Choosing Dr. Carr & His Team
Experience
With over 25 years of experience in orthodontics, Dr. Carr is actively engaged in continuing education to bring the most advanced techniques to his practice to benefit his patients.
Dr. Carr’s extensive experience is an important part of your treatment plan.
The Staff
All of the clinical staff are certified as Specialized Orthodontic Assistants by the American Association of Orthodontists. Their knowledge, skill and kind manor will make your treatment feel easy.
Our staff is fun and caring.
Technology
Through the use of technology, Dr. Carr can offer competitive prices, better results and shorter treatment times, which results in a better experience for the patient.
Get to the smile you want quickly, easily, and comfortably.
Treatment choice
We offer Invisalign, clear braces, or metal braces.
You can choose how you want to be treated.
Value
While many offices may charge as much or more for less advanced and precise orthodontic treatment, Dr. Carr will not compromise your care.
We accept most insurance plans to reduce your out of pocket expense.
Complimentary Consultation
We offer complimentary consultations for all new patients and their parents. This is an opportunity to learn more about us and your orthodontic needs.
With over 25 years of experience in orthodontics, Dr. Carr is actively engaged in continuing education to bring the most advanced techniques to his practice to benefit his patients.
All of the clinical staff are certified as Specialized Orthodontic Assistants by the American Association of Orthodontists. Their knowledge, skill and kind manor will make your treatment feel easy.
Through the use of technology, Dr. Carr can offer competitive prices, better results and shorter treatment times, which results in a better experience for the patient.
We offer Invisalign, clear braces, or metal braces.
While many offices may charge as much or more for less advanced and precise orthodontic treatment, Dr. Carr will not compromise your care.
We offer complimentary consultations for all new patients and their parents. This is an opportunity to learn more about us and your orthodontic needs.
Blog
Why your Neighbors are Choosing Dr. Carr & His TeamDecember 30, 2024
A Repost of media interview with Dr. Guthrie B. Carr
I know you market your practice with the tagline “Tradition, Technology and Experience”
Tell me about that?
Well, the tradition portion refers to my families’ heritage as dentists in Greater Lafayette. We have over 110 years of continuous practice! If your family is from greater Lafayette, there is a good chance that I, my father, my uncle, or my grandfather has treated someone in your family. I take that tradition very seriously in our relationships with our patients. We value the trust the community has placed in our family over the past 100 years. Technology refers to the changes that are available to let orthodontists improve the patient experience. Not every orthodontic practice embraces new technology.
Why is that?
Technology can be very expensive, it can disrupt the rhythm of office workflows, and it takes time to learn and master. I have invested in newer technologies that provide better information for diagnosis and treatment. This allows for shorter, more comfortable treatment and improved results.
Tell about these technologies?
Firstly, our ultra-low dose ICAT 3D scanner is amazing. It allows me to get a 3D scan of a patient with less exposure than a digital panorex, which is the most common orthodontic X-ray. It is not uncommon for me to find information that was not seen on a previous traditional X-ray.
I can submit this ultra-low dose scan to a third party who will turn it into a dynamic model. This is useful in pretreatment simulations for early treatment expansion, surgery cases, cases that might need restorations or implants when the orthodontic part of the treatment is finished. It is a great learning tool for me, and a great communication tool for the patient and their dentist.
We also offer digital video scanning that replaces traditional impressions. This allows us to send information digitally to labs we work with like Invisalign and Suresmile.
You offer Invisalign? Tell me about that?
Invisalign has made a lot of progress in their implementation of new technologies. I am now confident that Invisalign is a great choice for a variety of problems, including children, tweens, teens, and adults. I have spent a lot of time in continuing education learning the nuances of their technology and how to best apply it for each individual case. One newer feature with Invisalign is the ability to integrate our 3D radiographic scan showing the bone and roots with the dental scan of the teeth. Positioning the roots in the ideal place along with tooth movement is a game changer for treatment quality and efficiency. I believe I am the only orthodontist in the area offering this technology. Nationally, only 20% of orthodontists use this to their advantage.
What is Suresmile?
Suresmile is a fantastic technology that allows me to use the 3D scans we take and create a dynamic model of my patients. I can see their teeth, roots, bone, and the braces. I can even link their model to their smile photo. This allows me to simulate the desired final result with more information than is available in conventional orthodontic treatment. From this plan, I create custom wires that are bent robotically to maximize their accuracy. These custom wires allow me to make the simulations come true. After I simulate the final result, I can design the final smile using the photo linked to the model. This is very powerful because often the smile is why our patients come to us; the bite and the function are what orthodontists are focused on. With Suresmile, I can optimize both. Oh yeah, it also shortens treatment. Patients love that!
What about the experience?
As an orthodontic specialist, I have two years of additional education beyond dental school focused solely on orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. I have been in practice for over 30 years. I am actively involved in my professional societies and meetings to learn both the science and the technologies that affect our diagnosis and treatment planning.
What else would you tell someone about your orthodontic practice?
Because of the advanced 3D and digital technologies we use, we run our office schedule on time, require fewer appointments, and finish our treatments on time, which is not so common in orthodontics. I have a wonderful staff who are fun and talented and really engaged with our patients and their families in the office. They really make the office environment a great place. We love our patients, and I think our patients would say it shows.
SureSmile®February 12, 2024
Dr Guthrie Carr has offered SureSmile for his patients with braces since 2013. Suresmile is the most advanced and complete technology in braces. SureSmile offers a 3D analysis (including teeth, roots, bone, and smile) and simulation tools to design your best customized result. Virtual archwires are created from your engineered result and sent to a robot to bend your fully custom memory archwires to achieve your ideal result.
AVERAGE TREATMENT TIME WITH SURESMILE IS 30% OR MORE FASTER THAN CONVENTIONAL BRACES.*
(*Based on a comparison of 1,849 patients treated conventionally and 4,376 patients treated with SureSmile.)
Through the use of SureSmile technology, your orthodontist can offer you a "braces experience" that provides:
- Shorter treatment times
- Fewer office visits
- Less overall discomfort
- High-quality results
SHORTER TREATMENT TIMES
You've probably heard from friends or family that wearing braces is a long-term commitment, taking more than two years on average. With SureSmile orthodontic treatment, getting braces isn't what it used to be. You'll get outstanding results in less time with SureSmile technology.
FEWER OFFICE VISITS
With SureSmile, patients spend less time in treatment and make fewer visits to the orthodontist. The custom SureSmile archwire provides smoother movement for a more comfortable experience than traditional braces. And by quickly returning to a normal oral hygiene routine, maintaining healthy teeth and gums is easier.
LESS OVERALL DISCOMFORT
Anyone who has worn braces will probably tell you that wire adjustments and changes were the least favorite part of the process due to discomfort. Fortunately, the SureSmile system is engineered to maximize the therapeutic efficiency of each wire, significantly reducing the number of adjustments needed. This means fewer episodes of discomfort over the course of your treatment.
HIGH-QUALITY RESULTS
Instead of the doctor bending an archwire by hand, a SureSmile wire is custom-shaped by a robot. When the wire is inserted, each tooth moves directly to the prescribed position. It's this precise movement that enables such great results with a shorter treatment time.
Why Dr. Guthrie Carr and his staff for your orthodontic treatment is your best choice.December 31, 2023
Our office environment: We offer the ideal blend of experience, and technology in a fun and caring environment. Our office has over 260 five-star ratings from Google, Facebook, and Healthgrades. Dr. Carr is local a third-generation orthodontist serving greater Lafayette and we have earned the trust of our community over that time with many second and third-generation families in our practice.
Technology: Dr. Carr built a modern state-of-the-art office with the latest technology such as the low dose 3D scans to give him an accurate picture of your dental health and the digital iTero scanner which is faster and more accurate than those goopy dental impressions.
Treatment choices: Dr. Carr offers both braces and Invisalign for children teens and adults.
Technology we use for braces: Not all braces are the same.
To start, there are no goopy impressions, we scan your teeth digitally and then we use state of the art digital indirect bonding to plan and place your braces with the end result in mind. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCHm2rzhah4)
After your initial dental alignment, we use the most accurate technique in orthodontics Suresmile technology to plan your smile, treat your bite, and align your roots in the bone in 3D. This optimizes your results and shortens your treatment time.
We offer Invisalign for adults, teens and children (yes teens and kids they do well with it). Dr. Carr is in the top 5% of all providers. He is able to incorporate your 3D dental scan into your Invisalign plan to optimize the position of the roots and bone and design your smile.
Shorter Treatment times: The national average for orthodontic treatment is 27 months, and Dr. Carr’s average is just 21 months. His experience and technology will get you your best smile 6 months sooner than most orthodontic offices.
Appointment Flexibility: We have many appointment choices available so you will be able to keep your treatment on time. You will not need to wait 4 months to get your treatment started or braces removed or be told we cannot see you soon if you have an issue in treatment.
Payment plans: We accept most insurances including Delta Dental. We have an open choice enrollment policy that allows you to choose your payment plan regarding down payment, length of payments, and monthly amount within certain guidelines.
We offer complimentary evaluations and we look forward to meeting you!
Invisalign® First for ChildrenAugust 15, 2023
Young patients are all smiles because, with Invisalign® First, they can remove the clear aligners to eat candy, popcorn, and bubble gum and never worry about poking wires or brackets. Invisalign® First lets kids continue to enjoy their favorite meals and keep active at the games they love – sports, Choir, or wrestling with their friends— because, with Invisalign® First, no timeouts are needed. Children at this age are eager to please adults and do very well wearing aligners.
Invisalign® First is an easy, comfortable option for children who might need that early, Phase 1 treatment. Dr. Carr is happy to speak with you and your pre-teen to determine if Invisalign® First aligners are the correct orthodontic treatment plan and lifestyle choice for your child with fewer visits and fewer emergency visits. Invisalign® First treatment typically lasts less than a year and is the same easy, comfortable experience as Invisalign® Teen and Invisalign® treatment for adults.
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that every child see an orthodontist for an initial evaluation at the age of seven. This is because your child’s teeth and skeletal structure are continually changing and may require early intervention for correction. Not all 7- or 8-year-olds need orthodontic treatment, but there is a short list of reasons to have phase 1 orthodontic treatment:
- Lack of space for future adult tooth eruption. If untreated this can lead to extraction (removal of teeth) or impaction (teeth don’t come in) of permanent teeth.
- Bite problems that can affect the growth pattern of your child. If NOT treated early, treatment options may be limited in the future and lead to the need for possible orthognathic (jaw) surgery.
- To correct oral habits such as thumb-sucking, dependence on pacifiers past age one, and tongue thrust habits that can lead to improper development of your child’s teeth, palate, and bite.
- Airway issues can also be improved with Phase 1 treatment.
- If necessary, we may recommend braces, Invisalign® First, or expansion to intercept any potential issues that could lead to greater problems in the future.
- The goal of the 1st phase of treatment is to get “in and out” as quickly as possible so that there is a nice break in treatment to allow the child to continue to develop before they are ready for their 2nd phase of treatment. Having a 1st phase of treatment, if needed, typically cuts down on the length and cost of the 2nd phase of treatment.
Call our office to schedule your complimentary evaluation today.
Click here to learn more about Invisalign First for children and phase 1 treatment.
Should I trust my smile to “mail order“ aligners?August 1, 2022
Often the temptation of splashy “mail order” aligner commercials or even “special offers” from university alumni associations might entice you to try “mail order” aligners.
There are compelling reasons to trust your orthodontic care to a professional orthodontist who is experienced with Invisalign. A thorough in-person orthodontic exam along with the appropriate records to diagnose and plan your case are essential to a successful outcome. A recent survey of “mail order” aligner users and orthodontists is summarized in an article highlighting some of these differences: AAO SURVEY
If you had braces when you were younger, but stopped wearing your retainers and watched your teeth move, don’t worry we can help you.
If you thought you did not need orthodontics when you were younger, but now your teeth are no longer straight, we can help you.
We offer options tailored to your goals and the amount of change you need. Some treatments can be as short as 10 weeks, others may be more comprehensive. With the right plan we can make the changes you are seeking and restore your confidence in your smile.
As an orthodontist, I use Invisalign because they are the leaders in aligner technology that allows me to deliver on results for my patients.
If you are considering Invisalign or aligners, please give our office a call to schedule your in office consultation for Invisalign treatment.
We know many parents want to start their children’s orthodontic treatment in the summer.
That’s why we saved extra appointments this summer. You will not have to wait until fall to be seen in our office.
What sets us apart from the others orthodontic offices?
Our office environment: We offer the ideal mix of experience, and technology in a fun and caring environment. Our office has over 260 five-star ratings from satisfied patients in Google, Facebook, and Healthgrades. Dr. Carr is a local third-generation orthodontist serving greater Lafayette and we have earned the trust of our community over that time with many second and third-generation families in our practice.
Technology: Dr. Carr built a modern state-of-the-art office with the latest technology such as the low dose 3D scans to give him an accurate picture of your patient’s dental health and the digital iTero scanner which is faster and more accurate than traditional alginate impressions.
Treatment choices: Dr. Carr offers Invisalign for teens (yes they do well with it), and SureSmile with clear or metal braces for the most advanced and accurate technique in braces.
Shorter Treatment times: The national average for orthodontic treatment is 27 months, and Dr. Carr’s average is just 21 months. His experience and technology will get your patients their best smile six months sooner than most orthodontic offices.
Appointment Flexibility: We have many appointment choices available so you will be able to keep your treatment on time. Our patients do not need to wait four months to get their treatment started or finished, nor are we too busy to see our patients if they have an issue during treatment.
Payment plans: We accept most insurances including Delta Dental. We have an open choice enrollment policy that allows you to choose your own payment plan regarding down payment, length of payments, and monthly amount within certain guidelines.
If your dentist has recommended orthodontic treatment for you or your children, call us for your complimentary consultation.
Braces or aligners or both? Hybrid orthodontic treatmentMarch 21, 2022
Some patients want Invisalign but may have conditions that really need braces for a short period of time. If your dentist or another orthodontist has told you that you cannot have Invisalign that is when we use Hybrid treatment.
What is Hybrid treatment exactly? It is combining the use of clear aligners from Invisalign, with short durations of cosmetic clear braces to maximize esthetics and minimize the appearance of the braces. The clear braces are used in situations where they are more efficient than aligners.
Typically the clear braces are only needed for a few months at either the beginning of Invisalign treatment. Occasionally braces are only needed on a few teeth and can be hidden in the back of the mouth where it is likely not to be noticed at all by friends or colleagues. If brackets do need to be placed towards the front of your mouth we utilize the most esthetic braces available today: 3M clarity brackets.
By using this combo approach many adults and aesthetically driven adolescents will not need to compromise on either their final function or aesthetic results. Hybrid orthodontic treatment can provide the best possible functional and aesthetic smile outcomes without compromise.
How long will my treatment take?February 16, 2022
A word about treatment times.
Patients starting orthodontic treatment want to know how long the treatment will be. It is a fair question that deserves a better answer than the most common answer.
The most common estimate of treatment length is about 24 months.
But that estimate varies widely depending on patient cooperation, individual response, and difficulty of treatment. Patients are understandably frustrated and disappointed when their treatment lasts longer than expected.
The average estimate in the United States is 24 months, the true length of treatment is 27 months! Three months longer than estimated!
Now the good news: with Dr. Carr’s experience and his use of technology like indirect bonding, SureSmile for braces, and Invisalign, Dr. Carr’s average treatment time is just 21 months! That is 6 months faster than the national average and three months sooner than the most common estimate.
If you are interested in using the most advanced technology to improve your results and shorten your treatment time up to 6 months less than regular treatment times, give our office a call for your complimentary evaluation.
Virtual Orthodontic ConsultationsJanuary 28, 2022
Technology continues to evolve that allows Dr. Carr to evaluate, monitor and communicate with patients
Recently we implemented the amazing new Grin Scope technology.
Grin Scope allows Dr. Carr to visualize patient malocclusions and treatment progress remotely.
We now offer Virtual Consultations using the Grin Scope from the comfort of your own home, on your own time schedule for Dr. Carr to review.
This platform allows you to take your own scans from home. Dr. Carr can make an initial evaluation if treatment is indicated in your case without the need an in-office visit.
If treatment is indicated, an in-office appointment will be scheduled for us to take the needed records to finalize your diagnosis and treatment plan.
At this appointment, we will provide you with information about your diagnosis, treatment plan and the cost of treatment as well as additional explanations on the course of your treatment.
The value of the Grin Scope does not stop there! While in treatment you can continue to use the Grin Scope to take a short 1 minute scan of yourself or child every 2-3 weeks for Dr. Carr to review.
These scans are valuable for teens and children in treatment to monitor tooth brushing, oral hygiene, breakage of brace, and rubber band compliance.
Invisalign patients can also decrease the number of in-office visits by taking scans every two weeks during treatment.
Many busy adults and university students and teens can reduce the number and frequency of in-office visits to once every three months or more using the Grin Scope.
We have had several adults and graduate students that wanted to begin orthodontic treatment that knew they would be moving in a year.
These patients were able to finish their course of orthodontic treatment using remote monitoring and avoid having to transfer to another orthodontist.
Who are virtual consultations suited for?
Virtual consultations are suited for tech savvy individuals or families who have a smart phone with a good working camera. Users need to be able to download and install the app from an app store (Android or Apple) and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.
There is a small technology fee for the Grin Scope which is $25(we can mail it to you or you can pick it up at the office).
Dr. Carr’s time and evaluation are complimentary (his gift to you). You pay for the grin scope and Dr. Carr pays the Grin platform subscription fees.
If you start orthodontic treatment in our office, we will credit the $25 toward your fee.
To start now, click the Virtual Consultation Link. After you fill out the request form our office will contact you to register you as a patient and collect your grin scope fee. After you open the grin scope app you will be prompted to answer a few short questions as well as to send some facial photos to compliment the scan of your teeth.
We look forward to helping you get the smile you’ve been wanting!
Early Orthodontic TreatmentJuly 20, 2020
Timing is everything – even when it comes to your child’s orthodontic treatment. “Early” treatment, also called “interceptive” treatment, means treatment that is performed while some baby teeth are still present.
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that your child’s first check-up with an orthodontist be performed when an orthodontic problem is first recognized, but no later than age 7. Why age 7? By then, your child has enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to evaluate the developing teeth and the jaws, which in turn can provide a wealth of information. Dr. Guthrie Carr is trained to spot subtle problems even in young children. You may view photos of such problems here: Problems to Watch for in Growing Children.
There are generally three outcomes of an initial check-up:- No treatment is expected to be necessary.
- Treatment may be needed in the future, so the child will be followed periodically while the face and jaws continue to grow.
- There is a problem that lends itself to early treatment.
While there are many orthodontic problems that orthodontists agree are best treated after all permanent teeth have come in, early treatment can be in a patient’s best interests if their problem is one that could become more serious over time if left untreated. The goal of early treatment is to intercept the developing problem, eliminate the cause, guide the growth of facial and jaw bones, and provide adequate space for incoming permanent teeth. A patient may require a second course of treatment after all permanent teeth have come in to move those teeth into their best positions.
The kinds of problems orthodontists may recommend treating while a child still has some baby teeth include:- Narrow dental arches with airway restrictions
- Underbites – when the lower front teeth are ahead of the upper front teeth
- Crossbites – when the jaw shifts to one side
- Very crowded teeth
- Excessively spaced teeth
- Extra or missing teeth
- Teeth that meet abnormally, or don’t meet at all
- Thumb-, finger-, or pacifier- sucking that is affecting the teeth or jaw growth
Some of these orthodontic problems are inherited, while others may result from accidents, dental disease, or abnormal swallowing.
Early orthodontic treatment can take many forms. The orthodontist could prescribe a fixed or removable “appliance” – a device used to move teeth, change the position of the jaw, or hold teeth in place in order to bring about desirable changes. Sometimes no appliances are necessary. Rather, removal of some baby teeth may help the permanent teeth erupt better. The extractions will be timed to take best advantage of a patient’s growth and development.
Regardless of how treatment goals are reached, the bottom line is that some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if they are found and treated early. Waiting until all the permanent teeth have come in, or until facial growth is nearly complete, may make correction of some problems more difficult.
Dr. Guthrie Carr offers complimentary evaluations, No referral needed!
Now a word about the overuse of early treatment: Caveat Emptor
Parents need to be aware than some orthodontic offices make it a practice for almost every patient to receive early orthodontic treatment. They often characterize this a “special kind of treatment”. They are “the only ones who can help you with this special treatment”. The most common example would be the over use of early expansion.Early expansion is important for airway problems in young children, cross bites and severe crowding. It is probably not needed for mild to moderate crowding when the bite is correct. If you visit an office where every young patient “needs 7 millimeters of expansion”, or they threaten you that they will have to pull 4 permanent teeth in the future if you do not do this now, get a second opinion!
Also, another unfortunate occurrence is to over charge for the first phase of early treatment with a promise of a credit at the second phase. Early treatment should be less than half the cost of current full treatment. If you pay more than this at the start, you have already prepaid for the second phase and the office is holding your money. What if you move, or do not need a second phase, or want to go to another office after the first phase? The fee should be proportional to the treatment provided at the time it is delivered and not come with a future promise tied to a second phase of treatment.
If you had braces, but stopped your retainers and watched your teeth move, we can help you.
If you thought you did not need orthodontics, but now your teeth are not aligned, we can help you.
With up to 14 aligners over less than 6 months, we can make the changes you are seeking and restore your confidence in your smile.
Unlike mail order aligners, this treatment is orthodontist designed and supervised. Our treatment includes office visits and a second scan to improve your results from the first set of aligners with a second set of aligners.
When you finish, we will provide you with 4 sets of vivera retainers to make sure you won’t have those unwanted changes again.
Dr Guthrie Carr is greater Lafayette’s only Platinum level orthodontist certified by Invisalign.
To find out if you are a candidate for the restore program, contact our office for your complimentary evaluation.
Call 765.497.6453 or visit carrortho.com
If you thought you did not need orthodontics, but now your teeth are not aligned, we can help you.
With up to 14 aligners over less than 6 months, we can make the changes you are seeking and restore your confidence in your smile.
Unlike mail order aligners, this treatment is orthodontist designed and supervised. Our treatment includes office visits and a second scan to improve your results from the first set of aligners with a second set of aligners.
When you finish, we will provide you with 4 sets of vivera retainers to make sure you won’t have those unwanted changes again.
Dr Guthrie Carr is greater Lafayette’s only Platinum level orthodontist certified by Invisalign.
To find out if you are a candidate for the restore program, contact our office for your complimentary evaluation.
Call 765.497.6453 or visit carrortho.com
Dr. Carr is greater Lafayette’s only orthodontist who is a Platinum level Invisalign providerMarch 17, 2020
Dr. Guthrie Carr has been providing unmatched orthodontic treatment using SureSmile for over 6 years.February 7, 2020
SureSmile® Braces are Next level 3D orthodontic treatment
SureSmile orthodontic treatment takes the idea of custom orthodontic treatment to the next level with computer generated imagery and robotically-molded archwires. This technology represents the most precise treatment available today.What are SureSmile Braces?
SureSmile is a cutting-edge 3D digital imaging and computer-aided prescription program that allows your orthodontist an unprecedented level of treatment accuracy and precision when deciding on your alignment and braces.How does it Work?
Using both an Itero impression free scanner and your 3D radiograph, a dynamic 3D model of your teeth and bite is created, which gives your doctor a complete picture of how your teeth are aligned and how they fit together. This dynamic model is then used in conjunction with the SureSmile Treatment Planning software. This virtual simulation allows your doctor to interactively create the most effective treatment plan possible that suits your unique prescription. He can see your teeth, roots and bone as well as integrate your smile photo into the plan to design your smile. Additionally, your customized archwire is custom bent by a SureSmile robot, rather than being shaped by a doctor. The robot can heat the memory alloy in the archwire to shape the wire in first, second and third order movements and provide accuracy to 0.1mm—something regular orthodontists cannot do by hand.What are the Benefits of SureSmile?
One of the major plusses is the accuracy with which your doctor can predict and plan for tooth movements. This anticipation and smoother movement results in faster treatment times (some sources have suggested that it can be up to 40% quicker). The quicker your braces come off, the quicker you have your perfect smile and return to your normal dental hygiene habits. This maximum control offered by the robotically-shaped, heat-molded alloy archwire also means that teeth are moved in the most direct path so that you can expect to spend less time in your orthodontist’s chair for adjustments. Fewer adjustments also means less discomfort over the course of the treatment.Lastly, your smile will look fantastic thanks to the benefits of smile design!
Tips on Choosing an Invisalign providerDecember 23, 2019
Invisalign has become a popular option for many adults and teens today for many reasons. Invisalign may fit your lifestyle better than traditional braces. If you are involved in music, sports (teens) or public speaking (adults) this option may appeal to you.
Treatment is planned out in advance by the orthodontist allowing a smoother treatment experience with fewer appointments now often 10 or more weeks apart and often with shorter total treatment time. Digital 3D scans now replace old fashioned impressions to capture your bite. This removes a common source of anxiety among patients.
What is their experience? If your dentist or orthodontist “dabbles” in Invisalign, you may not get the most from your treatment. Check the provider's tier level on the find an Invisalign provider page. Bronze, silver and Gold level providers submit these cases with a lower frequency than Platinum level providers and above. There are a lot of nuances to this treatment protocol (they are not just clear braces), your provider's experience is an important part of your experience.
Do they use the iTero element 2 scanner? This digital scanner allows your orthodontist to submit your scan digitally. It is more accurate than impressions and faster. Beyond the initial scan, this scanner allows us to do 3D simulations at your initial consultation to help you see what your smile might look like after treatment. This scanner also allows future comparisons to your plan for progress assessments and it also will show us your occlusion (bite) for a better assessment. Knowledge is power and this scanner is the gateway to knowledge regarding your case.
Do they include refinements in the treatment plan and cost? Refinements are when the first course of aligners are completed, a new scan is taken and resubmitted for additional treatment planning and aligners. You rarely get 100% of the first Invisalign plan and this step is a critical quality control step. This is the opportunity to go from better to great! It is also the time for the patient to offer their input into their treatment progress. Many offices do not offer refinements or they charge additional for this service.
Dr. Guthrie Carr is greater Lafayette’s and the Purdue area’s only Platinum level orthodontist offering Invisalign. Dr. Carr uses the iTero element 2 scanner to offer his patients the best experience including refinements in your case.
Getting the smile you’ve been wanting has never been easier! If you are considering orthodontic treatment for you or your children give our office a call to schedule your complimentary evaluation.
Treatment is planned out in advance by the orthodontist allowing a smoother treatment experience with fewer appointments now often 10 or more weeks apart and often with shorter total treatment time. Digital 3D scans now replace old fashioned impressions to capture your bite. This removes a common source of anxiety among patients.
Questions to ask when choosing an Invisalign provider:
Are they an orthodontist? Orthodontists are dentists with 2 or more additional years of university training. There is a reason for the specialty. Trust your smile to a specialist for the best results. Your orthodontist will work with your dentist to coordinate your treatment.What is their experience? If your dentist or orthodontist “dabbles” in Invisalign, you may not get the most from your treatment. Check the provider's tier level on the find an Invisalign provider page. Bronze, silver and Gold level providers submit these cases with a lower frequency than Platinum level providers and above. There are a lot of nuances to this treatment protocol (they are not just clear braces), your provider's experience is an important part of your experience.
Do they use the iTero element 2 scanner? This digital scanner allows your orthodontist to submit your scan digitally. It is more accurate than impressions and faster. Beyond the initial scan, this scanner allows us to do 3D simulations at your initial consultation to help you see what your smile might look like after treatment. This scanner also allows future comparisons to your plan for progress assessments and it also will show us your occlusion (bite) for a better assessment. Knowledge is power and this scanner is the gateway to knowledge regarding your case.
Do they include refinements in the treatment plan and cost? Refinements are when the first course of aligners are completed, a new scan is taken and resubmitted for additional treatment planning and aligners. You rarely get 100% of the first Invisalign plan and this step is a critical quality control step. This is the opportunity to go from better to great! It is also the time for the patient to offer their input into their treatment progress. Many offices do not offer refinements or they charge additional for this service.
Dr. Guthrie Carr is greater Lafayette’s and the Purdue area’s only Platinum level orthodontist offering Invisalign. Dr. Carr uses the iTero element 2 scanner to offer his patients the best experience including refinements in your case.
Getting the smile you’ve been wanting has never been easier! If you are considering orthodontic treatment for you or your children give our office a call to schedule your complimentary evaluation.
Invisalign, it’s not just for adults anymore!July 24, 2019
Invisalign teen is now a great option for many active teens.
For the past two years I have been quietly treating teens with Invisalign whose parents request it.
Why do the parents ask for Invisalign teen? Invisalign Teen is a unique treatment course that will allow dedicated patients to have shorter treatment with fewer visits than those patients with braces (Don’t get me wrong I still love the precision of Suresmile in my practice and it affords me the greatest amount of control in treatment).
Invisalign Teen is well suited for teens who are focused and dedicated to their school work, sports and music. Invisalign teen will often allow me to have a greater length between appointments and thus fewer appointments.
What are the drawbacks? Well compliance is an issue. If your Teen constantly has to be reminded to do things and procrastinates then braces with the precision of Suresmile may be our best route to success.
I was recently invited by Invisalign to participate in the Invisalign Teen Summit in California based on the amount of teen cases I am treating. What we found was that overall teens are as good as or better than adults in the aligner compliance department. That follows my experience. In the past two years I have had to convert two adults to braces, but only one teen for poor compliance.
If you would like to consider Invisalign Teen for your child, give our office a call to schedule a complimentary evaluation. Our impression free scanner will allow us to capture a digital image of their bite and do a simulation to show you what we can do to improve their smile.
Invisalign, Can my dentist do it for me?October 30, 2017
Recently I was challenged by a patient: “my dentist has an Invisalign sign at their front desk and the staff say their dentist can do this for me too?”
What are the differences between orthodontist driven Invisalign and general dentist driven Invisalign?
First of all the keys to successful treatment are: patient compliance, the proper plans and proper biomechanics. Notice I said plans! Many dentists are accustom to preparing a crown and then taking an impression and sending it off to the lab to be made by a technician. To that end, Invisalign appeals to them; take an impression, send it off to the lab and get back a kit to move the teeth. Simple right? Well maybe not so fast.
Let’s consider the differences in the process and why they are important to you.
The dentist takes and impression and sends it off to the lab; most orthodontists will not take an impression, but rather obtain a 3D digital scan. This is considered more accurate as it can be refined during the scan to improve the quality (it is also sent in electronically speeding the process) with an impression you get one chance, if there is a bubble or an error, you repeat the impression until all of the teeth are perfect. This does not usually happen so the impression gets sent in to the lab with minor errors, this can affect the fit and performance of the aligners.
If your dentist is going to take a traditional impression, that is an indication that they dabble in Invisalign and do not do it on a regular basis. Another way to check your dentist is to use the find an Invisalign provider web page. If your dentist is not listed, then they do not use the product often enough to be listed as a provider.
Every provider submits a prescription to the lab. The details in the prescription are important in getting a good plan. I do not recall the last time I accepted Invisalign’s first proposal. I will generally modify the plan or four times before I accept it. How many times does the dentist modify the plan? My guess is most dentists accept it as is. Why, well reviewing the plan is a complex process that requires time and knowledge of how teeth move. The plan is an animation, and just because it looks nice, does not mean it will work. Over expansion, too much tooth reduction, teeth moving in ways that cannot occur in the mouth…
It is critical for the orthodontist not only to determine if the plan is appropriate, but achievable. Regularly, the first proposal from Invisalign will not work in my opinion and requires additional changes. What does that say for plans for patients where the initial plan is accepted from the company without changes?
Revisions: most orthodontists know that after the first round of aligners, an additional plan for refinement aligners is necessary. Again, this is where the 3D intraoral scan is helpful. A new scan is obtained and within a few weeks a new plan and new aligners are available to move forward from the initial results. This is common in orthodontics where the orthodontist evaluates what they wanted from their treatment mechanics and what they got and now what is required to move forward toward the goal. The key, as always is understanding the plan and making sure it is realistic (the animation/plan will show anything is possible, it it’s the provider that must determine if it is realistic).
Additional technology: I have a 3D dental radiography machine that gives me a 3D x-ray. This is important to determine when and how much expansion is permitted. If you exceed this amount the teeth will be pushed out of the bone causing relapse and an unhealthy situation.
In summary I would say that while your dentist can take an impression and get back trays from Invisalign, your experience and thus results will be different from the orthodontist driven treatment.
I know you market your practice with the tagline “Tradition, Technology and Experience’. Tell me about that?
Well the tradition portion refers to my families’ heritage as dentists in Greater Lafayette. We have over 100 years of continuous practice! If your family is from greater Lafayette, there is a good chance that I, my father, my uncle or my grandfather has treated someone in your family I take that tradition very seriously in our relationships with our patients. We value the trust the community has placed in our family over the past 100 years. Technology refers to the changes that are available to let orthodontist improve the patient experience. Not every orthodontic practice embraces new technology.Why is that?
Technology can be very expensive, it can disrupt the rhythm of office workflows and it takes time to learn and master. I have invested in newer technologies that provide better information for diagnosis and treatment. This allows for shorter more comfortable treatment and improved results.Tell about these technologies?
Firstly, our ultra-low dose ICAT 3D scanner is amazing. It allows me to get a 3D scan of a patient with less exposure than a digital panorex which is the most common orthodontic X-ray. It is not uncommon for me to find information that was not seen on a previous traditional X-ray. I can sublimit this ultra-low dose scan to a third party who will turn it into a dynamic model. This is useful in pretreatment simulations for early treatment expansion, surgery cases, cases that might need restorations or implants when the orthodontic part of the treatment is finished. It is a great learning tool for me and a great communication tool for the patient and their dentist. We also offer digital video scanning that replaces traditional impressions. This allows us to send information digitally to labs we work with like Invisalign and Suresmile.You offer Invisalign? Tell me about that?
When Invisalign first was introduced, I did not offer it because I did not think the product could deliver on expectations, recently Invisalign has made a lot progress in their implementation of new technologies. I am now confident that Invisalign is a great choice for a variety of problems. I have spent a lot of time in continuing education learning the nuances of their technology and how to best apply it for each individual case.What is Suresmile?
Suresmile is a fantastic technology that allows me to use the 3D scans we take and create a dynamic model of my patients. I can see their teeth, roots, bone, and the braces. I can even link their model to their smile photo. This allows me to simulate the desired final result with more information than is available in conventional orthodontic treatment. From this plan I prescribe custom wires that are bent robotically for to maximize their accuracy. These custom wires allow me to make the simulations come true. After I simulate the final result I can design the final smile using the photo linked to the model. This is very powerful because often the smile is why our patients come to us, the bite and the function is what orthodontists are focused on. With Suresmile I can optimize both. Oh yeah, it also shortens treatment. Patients love that.What about the experience?
As an orthodontic specialist I have two years of additional education beyond dental school focused solely orthodontic diagnosis and treatment. I have been in practice for over 25 years. I am actively involved in my professional societies and meetings to learn both the science and the technologies that effect our diagnosis and treatment planning.What else would you tell someone about your orthodontic practice?
I have a wonderful staff who are fun and talented and really engaged with our patients and their families in the office. They really make the office environment a great place. We love our patients and I think our patients would say it shows.
Read the full interview: Clicking Here
We are located in University Square at 500 Sagamore Parkway West in WL. from crew carwash and Dog & Suds. Ph: 765.497.6453
WWW.carrortho.com, we are on Facebook, staff@carrortho.com
Helping Patients Achieve Their Goals is Our Mission!September 5, 2016
At the end of the day, our real reward is who we helped.
Orthodontics can change lives, particularly in children who gain confidence and smile more after their treatment is complete. Our greatest compliment is the referral of family and friends from our patients. Many patients have chosen to reward us with 5 star reviews. We are gratified by our patient’s referrals and their kind words.Below are some recent comments posted by our patients:
Lafayette, IN | Aug 11, 2016
My daughter had a great experience at Dr. Carr’s office. She loved everyone there and was always treated kindly and with respect. We never had to wait for any of her appointments~ they were always ready for her! Dr. Carr always explained things thoroughly and made sure we understood different options that were available.
-Julia in Lafayette, IN | Apr 06, 2016
Dr. Carr is not only an extremely knowledgeable orthodontist but one that also develops relationships with his patients that make their visits pleasant and enjoyable.
-Jill S. in Lafayette, Indiana | May 01, 2016
I had a wonderful experience my smile is beautiful Dr. Carr and his staff was very friendly and did a wonderful job on my teeth! Thank you everyone!
-Sarah W in West Lafayette, IN | May 18, 2016
I have sent both my kids to Dr. Carr for braces and had excellent results. Both went through his Sure Smile system and were done in 14-15 months.
Lafayette, IN | Jul 027, 2016
The level of care is excellent. The saying you get what you pay for is confirmed in this situation. Your staff is always so polite. I find it refreshing to see an office full of women get along and handle themselves so comfortably with one another. Sara is always a joy to be around!!! And today I met a lady who probably handled my impressions. It says a lot about Dr Carr’s character that 40+ years later she is still in the same spot doing the same thing!
Lafayette, IN | Jul 27, 2016
My daughter feels comfortable enough to leave me in the waiting room while she has her procedures and check ups. The staff is friendly, professional, and helpful, and I feel good about the investment we’ve made in our daughter’s health!
-Susan Z in West Lafayette, IN | Nov 11, 2015
Dr Carr and his entire staff were very professional, very prompt and very informative at each appointment. My sons teeth turned out better than we could have ever imagined. Dr Carr came very highly recommended to us by our dentist and I would definitely recommend Dr Carr to friends and family.
-Ann S in Lafayette, IN | Dec 08, 2015
Dr. Carr’s office is very organized! Will had a great experience with his braces and they were removed several months early because we used the Sure Smile system. Thank you to Dr. Carr and all of the staff who work there.
You can read more at: https://www.healthgrades.com/dentist/dr-guthrie-carr-xs39mLafayette, IN | Jul 01, 2016
I recommend Dr. Carr! Dr. Carr and his staff are upbeat and positive and make your visit as smooth as they can. My child loves going in for her checkups and talking to the staff!
Pediatric Airway Diagnosis and TreatmentJune 19, 2016
Does your child have trouble in school? Do they snore?
Many bright children experiencing behavioral problems and difficulty in school may have sleep disorders caused by airway issues. Only a sleep doctor can diagnose problems such as pediatric sleep apnea, but when the airway on a child is small it can result in sleep apnea and poor sleep. The airway size can often be improved with expansion of the dental arches allowing the tongue to posture forward and open the airway in the pharynx and improve sleep.
Dr. Carr’s ultra low dose 3D scanner will allow him to visualize many hidden problems including an airway analysis in just seconds. Combining this technology with Dr. Carr’s 25 years of experience you will know if your child needs early intervention or can wait until adolescence for a single treatment with braces.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have their first orthodontic exam by age 7. Our ultra low dose 3D scanner allows us to do an airway analysis for your child in conjunction with our examination.
Over the past three years a quiet revolution of digital technology has been changing the way orthodontists diagnose and treat orthodontic patients.
ICAT flex is an ultra-low dose three dimensional dental scan. I am able to obtain a 3D image of a patient with less radiation than a single digital panorex radiograph. Often, I can get the image I need with the same exposure that comes from bitewing films (the ones you bite on and get every six months at the dentist). This 3D image offers me insights and views that were previously unobtainable.
Suresmile is an amazing technology that combines a low dose 3D dental scan with a 3D intraoral video (in the mouth) of the teeth. I get back a dynamic model of the patient’s jaws, teeth, roots and facial photo. This model allows me to design and simulate the final result including smile design. I can move each individual tooth to its desired final position. When I have the plan finished (all of the teeth positioned where I want them), a computer algorithm calculates the complex bends required to achieve the goal and then soft memory shape wires are bent by a robot to micron precision to achieve these goals. This technology not only speeds up your treatment, but offers more precise results. I am constantly impressed with the additional information I learn about each patient’s case when I am customizing their treatment plan. Suresmile allows me to offer my patients treatment that was not possible before using traditional orthodontics.
Anatamodel is another product that lets me use my 3D scan to model complex problems before I make treatment decisions. It is a fantastic communication tool for patients, parents, and fellow dentists.
3D digital intraoral scanner. Our intraoral scanner takes a 3D video of your teeth (like a digital impression) with superb accuracy. This data is combined with our 3D scan in suresmile to obtain the most accurate results. It can also be used to make orthodontic appliances.
Welcome to Our BlogMay 10, 2016
Thank you for taking the time to visit our blog. Please check back often for updates on fun and exciting events happening at our office, important and interesting information about our orthodontics, and the latest news about our practice.
We hope this will be a valuable resource for our patients, their families, and friends!
Contact
West Lafayette
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257 Sagamore Parkway West, Suite A
West Lafayette IN 47906
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765-497-6453
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Mondays - Wednesdays
8am-12pm & 1pm-4:45pm
Thursdays
8am-12pm & 1pm-4:30pm
Request an In Person Consultation with Dr. Carr
We want to make it easy for you to get the smile you’ve been wanting.
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