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.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
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.
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