From Restorative Dentistry to Orthodontics: The Transformative Journey of Dr. Courtney Lavigne

Dr. Courtney Lavigne's unique career path took her from a decade of practicing restorative dentistry to orthodontics. She holds accreditations and fellowships from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Pierre Fruchard Academy. Dr. Lavigne is a renowned lecturer in dental aesthetics and comprehensive care. She established a patient-centric, aesthetics-focused practice in the Boston suburbs before pursuing an orthodontic residency at Tufts University.

Driven by her fascination with airway and occlusion, Dr. Lavigne transitioned to orthodontics, aiming to provide truly interdisciplinary care. She sold her cosmetic practice and embarked on her orthodontic journey in July 2020.

In her orthodontic practice, Dr. Lavigne combines her restorative dentistry expertise with orthodontic training, prioritizing comprehensive treatment planning that considers both facial aesthetics and three-dimensional tooth alignment. Her ultimate goal is to achieve each patient's ideal outcome, going beyond just achieving a Class I canine occlusion.

Dr. Lavigne also highlights the critical significance of early orthodontic evaluations, recommending that children undergo orthodontic assessments around age seven. She underscores factors such as crossbites, functional shifts, and crowding in primary teeth as potential indicators for early intervention.

Shifting gears, Dr. Lavigne discusses the utilization of 3D printing for orthodontic brackets and the influence of artificial intelligence in enhancing treatment planning precision. She stresses that while aligner technology is a valuable tool, the practitioner's skill and understanding of the software play a pivotal role in achieving successful outcomes.

Dr. Lavigne shares her perspective on AACD accreditation, emphasizing how it not only enhances clinical skills but also builds a robust referral network within the dental community. She notes that the journey of personal growth and improvement throughout the accreditation process is equally valuable as achieving the accreditation itself.

As a practitioner who values continuous learning, Dr. Lavigne underscores the significance of mentorship. She advises younger dentists not to hesitate in reaching out to experienced colleagues for guidance and mentorship opportunities. She shares her own experiences with various study groups and organizations that have been instrumental in her professional growth.

For more information, follow Dr. Lavigne on Instagram @courtneylavignedmd or email [e-mail].