ProTorque

Prescription braces for Latin/Hispanics

Dr. Sugiyama has done extensive research on the dental and facial anatomy of Latin/Hispanic people. Through his studies, Dr. Sugiyama has found uniqueness in the size, shape, thickness and angle of Hispanic people's teeth. These tooth measurements are found to be very different from Caucasians, yet very similar to Asians and Blacks. Aside from their dental anatomy, Latin/Hispanic people's facial characteristics are also found to be very different from Caucasians'. The facial measurements and angles, profile, eyes, nose and lip positions are what give Latin/Hispanics a beautiful and ethnic look. It is Dr. Sugiyama's goal to preserve this natural look, using braces he has designed, while providing the best orthodontic treatment possible.

Orthodontic braces and appliances today are manufactured to fit Caucasians dental and facial measurements and norms. Because such appliances are designed to treat the Caucasian anatomy, using them on Latin/Hispanics, Blacks and Asians can actually be unhealthy to dental bones and tissue. A higher risk in gum recession, root resorption and orthodontic relapse is found in such cases. In addition, treating Hispanic patients with Caucasion appliances can change some of the ethnic facial characteristics. This can result in flattened facial profiles and "crow's feet" wrinkles above the lips.

Dr. Sugiyama's findings have been recognized as evidence-based research in orthodontics for Latin/Hispanic people. As a result, Dr. Sugiyama has developed special braces to custom fit Latin/Hispanics, called ProTorque Prescription Braces. These braces are designed based on Hispanic norms, not Caucasian measurements. With the ProTorque Prescription, Dr. Sugiyama is able to treat Hispanics orthodontically, while still preserving the ethnic facial characteristics and keeping their teeth healthy.

 

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