Basic Orthodontics

Removable braces are more attractive to patients because they can remove them. The problem with that premise is that they won’t work if they’re removed from teeth. Unlike the conventional braces, removable appliances influences jaw growth to affect facial structure changes. The said appliances may also be used to retain teeth in corrected lines. It may also be used in conjunction with fixed appliances.

However, removable braces aren’t for everyone. The orthodontist, with his skills and experience, will be the one to suggest such appliances.Removable braces increases saliva flow, and therefore may affect the way you eat or talk. Not to worry though, after some time, you will adjust and get used to your new removable braces.

When is the proper age for one to get dental braces? The answer? It depends. Cochrane Library released an article saying that children with overbite can have an equal chance of recovery whether they start using braces early or late.

“As long as you’re treating somebody that’s growing, it doesn’t matter if you treat them early or late — it will lead to successful treatment,” said Don Joondeph, a Seattle-area orthodontist and former president of the American Association of Orthodontists.

A good orthodontist should always cater to his patient’s particular situation and not base it on age range.

“When we look at patients, one thing that’s important to look at is there’s a lot of individual variation.”

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There seems to be an increase an increase in people seeing their dentist lately. According to a 2003 survey, 63 per cent of people aged 15 or older had consulted a dentist in 2002. That’s a 20 percent increase from the 1970s!

Is it because more people are less afraid of going to the dentist? Here’s some thoughts from a member of the board of the Canadian Dental Association, Dr. Ron Smith:

“Some of it probably has to do with the baby-boomer crowd, who are now taking better care of themselves,”

Another said that makeover shows on TV has reinforced that white shiny teeth are needed to look good.

Whatever the reason, one should be prepared for the costs. A take-home whitening tray is in the $199 to $495 range and an in-office procedure costs around $895. Braces are worse: $3,000 to $5,000.

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What if we told you that you could probably remove those braces in less than a year?

It’s possible, if your braces were planned on a computer-aided system design. According to Dr. Adam Weiss, orthodontist at Pennsylvania, “With SureSmile and the ability of the new technology to understand all the forces going on in the mouth, we are able to treat the total mouth, and so it reduces the amount of wires the patient needs.” They use a 3D scanning system and plans the treatment in virtual space.

Lastly, your braces are done by a robot. Only a robot can do the specific planning done on a computer. Once in your mouth, the wires gently move the teeth in a quicker pace.

More on their site here.

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A new nationwide survey of mothers who kids underwent braces installation through orthodontic treatment say they are “fun” and “cool”. Why? Most likely new technologies in treatment, advanced software, color options, and popular celebs are influencing this young group to look at braces in another way. Compared to the mothers of these kids who considered braces used to be bulky and uncomfortable.

The number don’t lie. According to the survey, 86 percent of mothers reports that braces today are cooler compared to their time. 69 percent said that their children felt cool when wearing braces, and 81 percent said that their children’s response to orthodontic treatment was positive.

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What does the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have anything to do with orthodontists?

Some of the materials used in braces come from the space program. According to Dr. Robert P. Scholz, a resident orthodontist in California, “Our heat-activated arch wires were developed through NASA,” points out Dr. Scholz. “When the wires reach mouth temperature, they start to move teeth gently and gradually.” Originally, the alloy used in the arch wires was engineered to automatically activate antennae or solar panels of spacecraft orbiting into the sun’s rays.

So if you have those wires, remember to thank NASA and their space program.

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