A significant development in the field of orthodontics was the introduction of self-ligating brackets.
These don't need tie wires or elastic ligatures to hold the arch wire onto the bracket of the braces.
Instead, they are held on by a "trap door" built into each bracket.
The idea of self-ligating brackets dates back to the 1930s but, while many designs were patented over the years, it was not until the 1070s that a system was widely available.
During the 1980s and 1990s, many companies improved upon the idea in various ways and there is now a range of self-ligating options.
Another significant development in the 1970s was the Ortho-Tain appliances, which guide jaw growth and help correct orthodontic problems and malocclusions.
They look just like custom plastic mouthguards, and are worn mainly at night, or for only a few hours each day. Nevertheless, they still help address many types of orthodontic problems.
Around 1975, two orthodontists working independently developed systems which placed braces on the inside surfaces of the teeth.
These "lingual braces" offered people the benefits of bonded brackets with the big advantage that they were on the inside of the teeth.
This meant nobody else could see them and they became known as "invisible braces"
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Monday, April 14, 2014
Your Questions Answered About Braces
Here are the answers to five common questions about the implications of having braces.
Does having braces affect the way I talk?
Standard braces don't normally affect how you talk or the sound of your voice. Sometimes, you may find it difficult for the first couple of days but then you will be able to talk fine.
Are there any activities that I should avoid when I have braces?
You can continue to do most things such as enjoying sports and playing musical instruments. For some sports, you should wear an orthodontic mouth guard. It is also best to avoid activities where you could suffer a lot of blows to your mouth such as boxing or karate.
Does having braces affect what I eat?
You can continue to eat most foods when you wear braces. In the first few days, you would probably be advised to stick to softer foods.
After that, you may need to be careful with hard or sticky foods like caramel and some nuts. You want to make sure the food does not stick on your braces or pull them off your teeth.
In addition, chewing gum is usually not recommended. Some sugar free gums have been reported as causing less problems but talk to your orthodontist if you want to be able to chew gum.
Can the braces come off?
This can happen and it is usually not a major problem. Your orthodontist will attach them again. If it happens a lot, some larger adjustments may be needed.
What happens if a piece comes off and I swallow it?
This is quite rare but it is usually not a major problem. Any parts that you swallow should just pass through your digestive system.
Does having braces affect the way I talk?
Standard braces don't normally affect how you talk or the sound of your voice. Sometimes, you may find it difficult for the first couple of days but then you will be able to talk fine.
Are there any activities that I should avoid when I have braces?
You can continue to do most things such as enjoying sports and playing musical instruments. For some sports, you should wear an orthodontic mouth guard. It is also best to avoid activities where you could suffer a lot of blows to your mouth such as boxing or karate.
Does having braces affect what I eat?
You can continue to eat most foods when you wear braces. In the first few days, you would probably be advised to stick to softer foods.
After that, you may need to be careful with hard or sticky foods like caramel and some nuts. You want to make sure the food does not stick on your braces or pull them off your teeth.
In addition, chewing gum is usually not recommended. Some sugar free gums have been reported as causing less problems but talk to your orthodontist if you want to be able to chew gum.
Can the braces come off?
This can happen and it is usually not a major problem. Your orthodontist will attach them again. If it happens a lot, some larger adjustments may be needed.
What happens if a piece comes off and I swallow it?
This is quite rare but it is usually not a major problem. Any parts that you swallow should just pass through your digestive system.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Why Teenagers Need Braces
The idea of getting braces may at first be daunting to a teenager.
But the benefits definitely make it worthwhile.
It may be hard to believe at first but the long-term benefit is a better smile that makes you look great.
Truth is about 70% of US teenagers need braces so, if you look around your class, probably about two out of three of your friends have braces or will have them soon.
Just take a look in the mirror and decide if you like your smile.
Whatever you think now, your orthodontist will make your smile even better.
Think about how much that will boost your social life.
However, it's not just about your smile, there are many health benefits of braces:
- You will be able to chew your food better: When teeth are not straight, you can't chew your food correctly. This can cause an upset stomach.
- You will avoid dental problems: If you do not get orthodontic treatment when you need it, your teeth will be hard to clean and your gums will hurt.
- You may avoid developing a breathing problem: The roof of your mouth can sometimes partially block the air passages in your nose. This causes you to snore loudly and may contribute to a condition called "sleep apnea".
Therefore braces can make a big difference to your life both now and in the future.
But the benefits definitely make it worthwhile.
It may be hard to believe at first but the long-term benefit is a better smile that makes you look great.
Truth is about 70% of US teenagers need braces so, if you look around your class, probably about two out of three of your friends have braces or will have them soon.
Just take a look in the mirror and decide if you like your smile.
Whatever you think now, your orthodontist will make your smile even better.
Think about how much that will boost your social life.
However, it's not just about your smile, there are many health benefits of braces:
- You will be able to chew your food better: When teeth are not straight, you can't chew your food correctly. This can cause an upset stomach.
- You will avoid dental problems: If you do not get orthodontic treatment when you need it, your teeth will be hard to clean and your gums will hurt.
- You may avoid developing a breathing problem: The roof of your mouth can sometimes partially block the air passages in your nose. This causes you to snore loudly and may contribute to a condition called "sleep apnea".
Therefore braces can make a big difference to your life both now and in the future.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
How Dental Braces are Changing
The range of braces that modern orthodontists can offer is continuing to grow.
Traditional metal braces are still the most widely used.
With the conventional approach to these, ties are used to hold the archwire in place. However, there is now a newer approach to this known as self-ligating or self-tying brackets.
Clear braces offer a more visually appealing alternative to traditional metal braces as they blend in more effectively with the natural color of the teeth.
These are usually made of ceramic or plastic material and they work in a similar way to traditional metal brackets. As clear braces can be more brittle than metal braces, removing them can be more complicated.
Gold plated braces may be used for people allergic to components of the stainless steel in traditional braces - though some choose gold for cosmetic reasons.
Lingual braces are fitted behind the teeth so are not as visible but they can be harder to get used to.
Removable aligners such as Invisalign can be used to move teeth gradually into the desired positions in less complex cases.
Finally, work is being put into the development of "smart brackets" containing microchips that will help simply and shorten the treatment process.
Traditional metal braces are still the most widely used.
With the conventional approach to these, ties are used to hold the archwire in place. However, there is now a newer approach to this known as self-ligating or self-tying brackets.
Clear braces offer a more visually appealing alternative to traditional metal braces as they blend in more effectively with the natural color of the teeth.
These are usually made of ceramic or plastic material and they work in a similar way to traditional metal brackets. As clear braces can be more brittle than metal braces, removing them can be more complicated.
Gold plated braces may be used for people allergic to components of the stainless steel in traditional braces - though some choose gold for cosmetic reasons.
Lingual braces are fitted behind the teeth so are not as visible but they can be harder to get used to.
Removable aligners such as Invisalign can be used to move teeth gradually into the desired positions in less complex cases.
Finally, work is being put into the development of "smart brackets" containing microchips that will help simply and shorten the treatment process.
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Why Adult Orthodontist Treatment is Different
One reason orthodontic treatment for adults is different is that, when you are older, it is harder to enlarge your mouth to get all of your teeth to fit.
When you are growing, your jaw is more flexible and the orthodontist can stretch your mouth so everything fits.
However, after you finish growing, your jaw hardens and it becomes difficult for an orthodontist to stretch it.
While you can have your jaw enlarged surgically, most adults opt to have their teeth straightened without this step.
This may mean you need to have some teeth removed to make everything fit. This may not have been necessary if the treatment had been done when you were still growing.
However, there are many benefits in having orthodontic treatment at any age.
In adult life, it can help your digestion and your general health as well as preventing dental problems.
The main difference is that orthodontic treatment when you are older can be a bit slower and even slightly more painful than for younger patients.
When you are growing, your jaw is more flexible and the orthodontist can stretch your mouth so everything fits.
However, after you finish growing, your jaw hardens and it becomes difficult for an orthodontist to stretch it.
While you can have your jaw enlarged surgically, most adults opt to have their teeth straightened without this step.
This may mean you need to have some teeth removed to make everything fit. This may not have been necessary if the treatment had been done when you were still growing.
However, there are many benefits in having orthodontic treatment at any age.
In adult life, it can help your digestion and your general health as well as preventing dental problems.
The main difference is that orthodontic treatment when you are older can be a bit slower and even slightly more painful than for younger patients.
Monday, February 3, 2014
The Pros and Cons of Hidden Braces
While regular metal braces with an arch wire and elastics are still the most common, some people opt for a different approach.
One option is lingual or "hidden" braces which are fixed to the inside of the teeth.
They still use brackets and wires, but those brackets and wires cannot generally be seen by others.
Rather than having brackets bonded to the teeth and wires attached with elastic, lingual braces have brackets built for each tooth.
The brackets are fixed to each tooth with cement and then the arch wire is threaded through the brackets.
Pros of Lingual Braces
They look better than regular braces
They work as effectively as regular braces
Food caught in them is not usually visible to others
May be more stable than other options
Cons of Lingual Braces
They can take longer to get used to
The way you talk may be affected, especially at first
Caring for them is more difficult
Cleaning takes longer
They can be more expensive as they have to be custom made and installation is more complex
One option is lingual or "hidden" braces which are fixed to the inside of the teeth.
They still use brackets and wires, but those brackets and wires cannot generally be seen by others.
Rather than having brackets bonded to the teeth and wires attached with elastic, lingual braces have brackets built for each tooth.
The brackets are fixed to each tooth with cement and then the arch wire is threaded through the brackets.
Pros of Lingual Braces
They look better than regular braces
They work as effectively as regular braces
Food caught in them is not usually visible to others
May be more stable than other options
Cons of Lingual Braces
They can take longer to get used to
The way you talk may be affected, especially at first
Caring for them is more difficult
Cleaning takes longer
They can be more expensive as they have to be custom made and installation is more complex
Muench Orthodontics
301 N Main St Vestal, NY 13850
(607) 953-6414
www.MuenchOrthodontics.com
Thursday, January 16, 2014
The Process of Getting Braces
Before you get braces, your dentist or orthodontist will determine if braces are suitable for you and will help solve the problems you face.
First they will conduct a visual inspection of your teeth.
If they determine that you need braces, they will set up what is known as a "records appointment". At this appointment, X-rays, molds, and impressions are made of your mouth and teeth.
These records will be used to help determine the best action to take.
The full course of treatment may be between six months to two and a half years depending on the issues.
The fist step of fitting the braces is to apply adhesive to help the cement bond to the surface of the tooth.
Normally, the teeth will then be banded and brackets added. Dental cement is used to apply the bracket and light will be used to help this harden quickly. This usually takes a few seconds per tooth.
Spacers may be used to create room for molar bands to be added later to ensure brackets will stick. These can be used when previous dental work such as fillings makes it difficult to secure a bracket to the teeth.
An archwire is then threaded between the brackets and affixed with elastic or metal ligatures. The archwires will need to be adjusted frequently to help achieve the desired outcome.
When the archwire is cold, it is normally flexible so that it can be easily threaded between the brackets. After it heats up to body temperature, the archwire attempts to retain its shape. This is what applies the light force needed to move the teeth.
Often there is a problem because there is not enough space in the mouth for all the teeth to fit properly. If this is the case, then some teeth may be removed. Alternatively, an expander may be used to enlarge the palate or arch.
Braces need to be adjusted every couple of months and this may cause a little discomfort. But most of the time with braces you will forget they are there.
First they will conduct a visual inspection of your teeth.
If they determine that you need braces, they will set up what is known as a "records appointment". At this appointment, X-rays, molds, and impressions are made of your mouth and teeth.
These records will be used to help determine the best action to take.
The full course of treatment may be between six months to two and a half years depending on the issues.
The fist step of fitting the braces is to apply adhesive to help the cement bond to the surface of the tooth.
Normally, the teeth will then be banded and brackets added. Dental cement is used to apply the bracket and light will be used to help this harden quickly. This usually takes a few seconds per tooth.
Spacers may be used to create room for molar bands to be added later to ensure brackets will stick. These can be used when previous dental work such as fillings makes it difficult to secure a bracket to the teeth.
An archwire is then threaded between the brackets and affixed with elastic or metal ligatures. The archwires will need to be adjusted frequently to help achieve the desired outcome.
When the archwire is cold, it is normally flexible so that it can be easily threaded between the brackets. After it heats up to body temperature, the archwire attempts to retain its shape. This is what applies the light force needed to move the teeth.
Often there is a problem because there is not enough space in the mouth for all the teeth to fit properly. If this is the case, then some teeth may be removed. Alternatively, an expander may be used to enlarge the palate or arch.
Braces need to be adjusted every couple of months and this may cause a little discomfort. But most of the time with braces you will forget they are there.
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