orthodonticsjournal.net

Orthodontic treatment is used to correct a “bad bite.” This condition, known as a malocclusion, involves teeth that are crowded or crooked. In some cases, the upper and lower jaws may not meet properly and although the teeth may appear straight, the individual may have an uneven bite.  Protruding, crowded or irregularly spaced teeth and jaw problems may be inherited. Thumb-sucking, losing teeth prematurely and accidents also can lead to these conditions. Correcting the problem can create a nice-looking smile, but more important, orthodontic treatment results in a healthier mouth. That’s because crooked and crowded teeth make cleaning the mouth difficult, which can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and possibly tooth loss.  

Journal: Journal of Dental Research
Citation: 87(1):84-88, 2008
Authors: A.C. Shortall, W.M. Palin, and P. Burtscher

Limited cure depth is a drawback of light-activated composites. We hypothesize that curing light transmission and cure depth are influenced by monomer reactivity and filler/resin refractive index mismatch. Light transmission throughout cure was recorded for composites based on strontium (refractive index 1.51) or barium (refractive index 1.53) glass fillers. Fillers were mixed (70 wt%) with 4 Read the rest of this entry »

With technology growing rapidly and several innovations in orthodontics taking place, so-called whitening procedures that can be done at home are flying off the shelves because of competitive prices compared to clinical procedures. However, a major difference lies between the two. While so-called home treatments may provide flexibility as well as attract people with competitive pricing, clinic treatments almost always take effect immediately, give off a highly noticeable and dramatic change, and last longer.

So people now are at a standstill. Do they take the affordable process and have whitened teeth as the result? Or do they go to the clinic instead and shell out half a thousand dollars for it?

Journal: The European Journal of Orthodontics
Citation: 2007 29(6):654-659
Authors: Maja Ovsenik

Malocclusion assessment methods are based on registrations and measurements made on study casts, which requires that impressions be taken. In addition to being costly and time consuming, this process can be unpleasant for children and adolescents. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of intraoral measurements that compute a malocclusion index score to determine malocclusion severity in permanent dentition.

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Ceramic braces? Invisalign? Traditional metal? Golden metal? Self-ligating brackets? Viazis Brackets? What about Lingual braces? These days, there are many choices available to adults, and it gets confusing! Which type of braces should you choose? Can you choose, or is it strictly up to your dentist? These questions come up time and again in our Metal Mouth Message Board.

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Only your dentist or orthodontist can determine whether you can benefit from orthodontics. Based on diagnostic tools that include a full medical and dental health history, a clinical exam, plaster models of your teeth, and special X-rays and photographs, an orthodontist or dentist can decide whether orthodontics are recommended, and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.

If you have any of the following, you may be a candidate for orthodontic treatment: Read the rest of this entry »

Years ago, dental braces were used only for pre-teens and teens having problems with their bite (malocclusion). Today, orthodontic treatments are not only for pre-teens and teens, but for adults as well.

Close to 30% of all orthodontic patients in the United States are adults. Despite this growing trend towards adult orthodontics, it pays to start orthodontic treatment early for maximum effectiveness. The American Dental Association recommends that children receive an orthodontic evaluation by age seven.

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Many people ask the question of what is the right age before one can start undergoing orthodontic procedures. It is a general consensus among dental practitioners that the best time is when the body has finished developing all it’s organs.

The good things about starting at this stage is that the teeth particularly, are easier to correct, and if one would have braces installed at this time, it would take a significantly shorter time for the alignment to be corrected compared to if he or she would have had it done later in his or her life. Catching any dental problems early lead to better and healthier teeth as a person grows older. Bad dental habits can also be corrected at once, preventing lasting and more extensive damage, while good habits will be easier to learn, with benefits in the long term.

Most people fail to realize that their teeth serve more than a beauty aid and serves a very important purpose. Bedsides grinding food and biting your favorite snack, it is a reflection of your overall health for a healthy set of teeth means less tooth decay and less chances of bad breath. Being able to chew food properly and efficiently is the making of a good and sound body. Crooked teeth in younger life, left uncorrected will lead to more chances of cavities due to hidden nooks and crannies that are unreachable by brushing alone.
Have your teeth checked at least twice a year so problems are stemmed as they develop. A child should be taken in for dental exams at age seven when their teeth have become more solid and established to proper framework for their permanent teeth are laid and watched properly. Any problems with the bit can also be corrected with self litigating expanders that adjusts the gap between the teeth pushing the jaw bones apart to make a perfect fit. Good health is in your teeth, so go to your dentist for regular check-ups and cleaning for a healthier

Many have heard of the Invisalign System of braces which is one of the most revolutionary teeth alignment systems around. As the name implies, it is virtually invisible making it less obtrusive to the wearer making it the ideal choice for adults who live active lives. Nobody wants unsightly metal braces more than professionals in the office who want better smiles yet shun the metal-mouth approach. It isn’t for everybody though and only licensed and accredited orthodontists can prescribe them for use.
Using advanced 3D imaging, the system allows the making of these marvelous invisible braces that can be removed for normal brushing and flossing that is quite difficult with traditional metal braces. Going to the ball or some other function, simply pop it off and store it in your purse for that unimpeded smile people so love.
The system is worn for two weeks or more depending on the adjustments desired and new ones that have been adjusted can be prescribed for more changes should they be desired. It has revolutionized the way we make our teeth looking better resulting in better smiles that is for the whole world to see.