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New Options for Braces
Orthodontic technologies have greatly improved the
effectiveness, comfort, and aesthetic appeal of wearing braces
for today's patients. Many people who were once concerned about
having to wear large metal brackets and thick bands on their
teeth for years are now enjoying healthy new smiles thanks to
shorter, more discreet orthodontic care.
New Choices for Traditional Braces
With traditional braces, brackets are glued to each tooth and
held together by a metal loop that goes around the entire row of
teeth. Modern advances have eliminated the thick steel bands and
heavy brackets of the past. Today, stronger glues mean smaller,
more tightly bonded brackets. Thick bands have been replaced by
thin wires that are not only are harder to see, but also more
effective at adjusting teeth.
These smaller, stronger components translate into fewer
adjustment appointments, and ultimately a shorter treatment
length. On top of that, they also improve oral health. Thick
brackets and bands were difficult to clean around, and many
patients suffered from tooth discoloration as a result. Over
time, the exposed enamel around each bracket darkened from
inadequate brushing, while the color underneath each bracket was
protected; when the brackets were removed, lighter spots could
be seen in the centers of many teeth. Thankfully, today's braces
rarely cause such a problem, provided patients brush regularly.
Consumer demand has also led to many cosmetic choices being made
available to orthodontic patients. While stainless steel
brackets are still most common, they can also be fashioned from
ceramics or plastics, making them blend in more with the teeth.
(Plastic brackets are discouraged for longer treatment
schedules, as they tend to discolor over time.) Brackets, wires,
and elastics are all available in a rainbow of colors. Clear
components are also available, which make braces even harder to
detect.
Invisible Braces
The latest news in orthodontics that has many people excited is
the development of "invisible" braces.
Instead of using brackets
and wires, the orthodontist instead develops snugly-fitting
molds of the top and bottom rows of teeth. While in place, these
molds apply firm but gentle pressure to misaligned teeth,
encouraging them to move and straighten over time.
Computer technology helps the orthodontist to map out a
progressive plan to properly align the teeth, broken down into
multiple steps. At each step, the current mold is replaced with
a new one that provides slightly more pressure than the last.
Over time, the series successfully leads to straightened rows of
teeth, without any need to undergo invasive braces installation
and removal.
Generally, each mold is worn for two weeks. They must be worn
all day and all night, but can be removed for eating and
cleaning. This prevents the tooth discoloration that often
accompanies traditional braces. Most patients experience slight
discomfort on the first day of a new mold, but this disappears
quickly as their teeth adjust to their new positions.
Invisible braces cost more than traditional braces, but for
some, they are well-worth the extra investment. Not only are
they easily hidden (unless someone is standing right in front of
you), but they can also be removed on rare occasions, such as
wedding photos, where someone would otherwise be uncomfortable
being seen in braces.
Invisible braces cannot be used to treat every case. Even if
they can be tried, traditional braces still may provide a higher
degree of success. Only an orthodontist can tell for certain
whether or not someone makes a good candidate for invisible
braces.
Casey Morgan is a freelance writer and is also a regular
contributing writer to SmileForLess - a website dedicated to
providing information about dental care and
information about dental
insurance and plans. http://www.smileforless.com
About the author:
Learn about new options for braces that is making today's
patients smile.
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