Recently this past week we have been upgrading our server and many of our workstation computers as they were getting to be almost 10 years old.  That’s the problem with technology; it is constantly getting better and better and you are always needing to upgrade. These new 27-inch monitors we purchased are wonderful and show an incredible, crisp clear digital image and are a far cry from trying to look at an old washed-out one-inch X-ray under a small light of a view box or holding it up to the overhead light.

But, the problem with technology and information is that there are bad people always trying to take advantage and steal it and hold it for ransom.  I received a letter from my IT person who said, “In 2023, 43% of ransomware attacks were on small businesses. Only 14% of these businesses were prepared to face such an attack.”

Your money is the only priority for the bad guys and it doesn’t matter how big your business is, they don’t care.  I have noticed a huge increase in these attacks.  Just last weekend I found out that the United Healthcare/Change Healthcare clearinghouse ransomware attack affected almost all the dentists in the U.S. and caused them not to get any insurance payments for who knows how long.

I was relieved to find out that my electronic claims provider used a different clearinghouse for most of my claims so I wasn’t affected.  I couldn’t order products from my Henry Schein dental supplier recently due to a cyberattack and last year my supplier Burkhart Dental Supply was hit and was affected for quite some time. Due to this trend and problem, I have decided to invest in a monthly cyberattack prevention software program called Threatlocker, which my IT person says is the best one out there. This will increase my expenses, but the cost and pain of having it happen and losing everything is totally worth the added cost.

I just want you to know that as my clientele, and I consider you like family, you can rest assured that your personal health information is safe and secure from everyone and everything, and especially, all the hackers out there. I also feel adding this service and protection will help my IT person, who is responsible for my data, and me, to sleep at night knowing we are fully protected.  Yes, technology has changed, and yes, along with it all the problems associated with it, but it is still wonderful to live in the digital age and enjoy all the blessings of it.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA), or your personal health information stored on our computers, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at any time.  Oh, and by the way, we are also here for all your dental needs, including your family and extended family and friends.

If you would like to schedule a visit with our Two Rivers Dentistry team in Vancouver, Washington, please call 360-256-1202. I look forward to helping you create your best smile!

Best Regards,

Dr. Teuscher

The post My How Technology Has Changed! first appeared on Two Rivers Dentistry.

Since Invisalign pioneered the first clear aligners back in the late 1990s, the trays have improved and gotten more comfortable to wear. There are no wires or brackets and you don’t have to change the way you brush and floss. The only possible downside is occasionally we need to do IPR (interproximal reduction) which means we remove 0.4-0.5 mm between the teeth that are crowded to gain space. There is still sufficient enamel left to protect the tooth. Sometimes we may need to place a composite button to aid in the movement with the tray fitting over the top. Treatment time can be as little as six months, with results beginning after only a few weeks. The cost varies depending on how many aligners you will need and case difficulty. The aligners are virtually invisible and you can eat or drink your favorite foods without worry. One must commit to wear them 22 hours a day and only remove them to eat or drink to be successful.

The process begins with a consultation to see if you are a good candidate, followed by a digital scan of the teeth and bite and photographs. This is sent off to the lab and a treatment plan is made showing the possible outcome and goals. We cannot guarantee a particular treatment outcome but encourage you to share your treatment goals with us prior to approving the plan.

We are happy to offer this new service and look forward to helping you achieve the smile of your dreams.

The post CLEAR ALIGNERS first appeared on Two Rivers Dentistry.