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.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Monday, November 4, 2013
The Future of Orthodontics and Braces
While steps have been taken to straighten teeth for hundreds of years, the biggest steps forward have come in the last few years.
Dentists had known for many years that removable plastic appliances could move teeth.
Some even made simple plastic "aligner trays" for minor adjustments.
But a major step forward was the invention of Invisalign.
This was the brainchild of Zia Chishti and Kelsey Wirth, graduate students in Stanford University's MBA program.
Wirth had traditional braces in high school and Chishti had adult treatment with traditional braces and now wore a clear plastic retainer.
Chishti noticed that if he didn't wear his retainer for a few days, his teeth shifted slightly - but that the plastic retainer soon moved his teeth back to the desired position.
In 1997, using 3-D computer imaging graphics, they created the Invisalign method.
The dental profession - perhaps understandably - was initially skeptical because of their lack of professional dental training.
But, when Invisalign braces became available to the public in 2000, they proved extremely popular with patients.
Technology continues to push forward the science of orthodontics and techniques such as digital computer imaging are being used to make orthodontic treatment more precise.
For example, one system takes a detailed 3-D model of a patient’s teeth to help the orthodontist develop a precise treatment plan for tooth movement.
As companies develop more precise, high-tech materials and methods, orthodontic treatment will become easier, faster and more comfortable.
Dentists had known for many years that removable plastic appliances could move teeth.
Some even made simple plastic "aligner trays" for minor adjustments.
But a major step forward was the invention of Invisalign.
This was the brainchild of Zia Chishti and Kelsey Wirth, graduate students in Stanford University's MBA program.
Wirth had traditional braces in high school and Chishti had adult treatment with traditional braces and now wore a clear plastic retainer.
Chishti noticed that if he didn't wear his retainer for a few days, his teeth shifted slightly - but that the plastic retainer soon moved his teeth back to the desired position.
In 1997, using 3-D computer imaging graphics, they created the Invisalign method.
The dental profession - perhaps understandably - was initially skeptical because of their lack of professional dental training.
But, when Invisalign braces became available to the public in 2000, they proved extremely popular with patients.
Technology continues to push forward the science of orthodontics and techniques such as digital computer imaging are being used to make orthodontic treatment more precise.
For example, one system takes a detailed 3-D model of a patient’s teeth to help the orthodontist develop a precise treatment plan for tooth movement.
As companies develop more precise, high-tech materials and methods, orthodontic treatment will become easier, faster and more comfortable.
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