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Monday, November 29, 2010

Orthodontics for Children and Adults

Advancements in the field of orthodontics include innovative orthodontic treatments that address dental anomalies effectively, with least discomfort for the patients. Utilizing these effective, comfortable orthodontic treatment options children and adults can straighten their misaligned teeth, and benefit from a charming, dazzling smile as well as improved facial appearance.

Dental Anomalies that Can Be Treated with Orthodontic Procedures

Crooked teeth, protruded teeth, crossbites, openbites, overbites and underbites can be successfully corrected with orthodontic braces. With dental irregularities out of the way, children and adults can also improve their physical fitness by avoiding tooth loss, abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, gum diseases, chewing problems, digestion disorders and speech impairments.

Thorough Evaluation Necessary to Finalize the Treatment Procedure

Before prescribing orthodontic procedures, orthodontists examine the structure of the teeth, face and jaws of their patients through X-rays, photographs and bite impressions. Metal braces, ceramic braces or Invisalign braces will be recommended on the basis of this evaluation.

Traditional metal braces are usually recommended for children. These braces are strong and also cost-effective. Clear ceramic braces, known as tooth-colored braces are very smooth, translucent and are completely stain resistant.

Invisalign invisible braces are mostly favored by adults and teens. Invisalign clear plastic aligners are specially designed using advanced 3D imaging technology. The patient has to wear one set of aligners for two weeks and replace it with a fresh set, to speed up the teeth straightening.

Invisalign braces promote good oral hygiene. Patients can eat, drink, brush and floss normally. Moreover, these braces are virtually invisible, so the treatment can be completed without the knowledge of others.

An Experienced Orthodontist Is Most Important

Only an experienced orthodontist can correctly determine the braces that are most suitable for children and adults. Besides, your orthodontist should be able to educate you on the orthodontic options available, and why a particular procedure is most suitable for you. In this technology age, the doctor can even show you the after treatment images on the computer, so that you can have a clear idea of the results you can expect.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Invisalign Teen – A Clear Alternative for Teens

It was not that long ago that teenage patient had only one choice when it comes to straightening their teeth: metal brackets and wires. Today, more and more teen patients and their parents are seeking less visible, more esthetic treatment options. One of the newest available for young patients is Invisalign Teen - a clear alternative for teens.

Invisalign Teen - An Invisible Way to Straighten Your Teeth

Invisalign Teen is an exciting alternative for patients who are cosmetically conscious and want to avoid the stereotype of traditional braces. This product was launched by the Santa Clara, California-based Align Technology, the maker of Invisalign. Invisalign is a computer-generated set of clear, nearly invisible, removable appliances (also called aligners) that guide teeth into the desired final position.

Invisalign Teen – Advanced Features

While similar to traditional Invisalign, Invisalign Teen incorporates several key features to accommodate the unique needs of teen patients. Align designed the Invisalign Teen appliance with compliance indicators, which the dentist can use to determine how many hours the aligner has been worn per day. In order to maximize the efficiency of the appliance, the Invisalign Teen aligners must be worn as prescribed. This is usually 20 to 22 hours per day over a two- to three week period. Another benefit of Invisalign Teen treatment is the ability it gives to the patient to remove the aligners when needed for sports, music lessons, and of course eating. Another unique feature of the Invisalign Teen product is that it features specially engineered “eruption tabs” to compensate for molar eruption during the treatment. The unique features of these aligners make them well suited for the teenage population.

As a qualified orthodontist ensures the convenience in obtaining all your treatment, finding the right orthodontist is vitally important. Nowadays, many orthodontists are incorporating the new technology Invisalign Teen at their practice.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Invisalign Invisible Braces for Treating Dental Inconsistencies

Invisalign invisible braces are the perfect solution for treating even complex dental inconsistencies found in teenagers and adults. The greatest advantage of Invisalign is that it does not have the metal wires and brackets of traditional braces, and is therefore a more comfortable orthodontic solution.

Invisalign Invisible Braces: Suitable Solution for Major Dental Inconsistencies

Dental inconsistencies such as protruded teeth, overcrowded teeth, widely spaced teeth, crossbites, openbites, underbites and overbites can be rather distressing since these negatively affect your facial appearance. When these are corrected to give you evenly spaced teeth, it not only improves your smile but also ensures better physical health by eliminating problems such as irregular wear of tooth surfaces, tooth loss, gum diseases, chewing disorders, digestion problems and speech difficulties.

Ideal If You Don’t Want Others to Notice Your Braces

Invisalign invisible braces are specifically designed using 3D imaging technology according to your teeth structure. The patient has to wear these series of clear plastic aligners for two weeks and then replace it with a fresh set, to speed up the straightening process. By applying a gentle pressure these aligners shift your teeth to straighter positions. The normal time required for completing the treatment is 9-15 months, in the course of which the patient may have to use about 18-30 sets of aligners.

The major convenience offered by Invisalign is that these braces are detachable, so the patients can maintain superior oral hygiene. They can eat, drink, brush and floss normally. Besides, these braces are invisible and therefore the entire treatment can be completed without others noticing.

Speak to an Expert Orthodontist

An experienced and skilled orthodontist will provide timely and efficient treatment that will give you the expected results. Discuss your requirements with the doctor and learn more about the procedure as well as its merits.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

iBraces: The Invisible Way To Straighten Teeth

Everyone like to have straight, beautiful smiles, but for some of us, the thought of wearing visible braces is enough to keep us from seeking treatment. Until recently, aesthetic orthodontic options were limited to clear ceramic braces and the Invisalign® aligner system. Although these represent good treatment options, each carries its own inherent limitations. A revolutionary orthodontic braces system, iBraces™ is the invisible way to straighten teeth.

iBraces Appliances for Teens And Adults

The iBraces System is the next generation of invisible orthodontic treatment that has been introduced to meet the cosmetic needs of patients and the technical needs of orthodontists. This new and exciting method for straightening teeth is placed behind the teeth and is an excellent alternative for patients who want to straighten their teeth but do not want braces to show.

Brackets are invisible and do not make a significant Impact on patient’s lifestyle. Each bracket and wire is designed to deliver a specific treatment result and to overcome limitations of the dental anatomy.

Benefits of iBraces™ Orthodontic Braces

  • Aesthetics

  • Practically invisible

  • Customization

  • Comfort

  • Technology

iBraces Appliances are made using state-of-the-art CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer–aided manufacturing) and robotic technology.

The iBraces system features brackets that are 100% customized to adapt to the patient’s tooth anatomy for superior fit and comfort. Each patient’s unique prescription is built into the brackets and wires to ensure efficient, effective care. They are low profile, so they are much more comfortable for patients to wear and do not cause significant speech interference or tongue irritation. Patients must wear the aligners 20 hours per day in order for the treatment to be effective.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Early Orthodontic Treatment for Prevention

orthodonticsIt's true that wearing braces has become somewhat of a rite of passage for young people. However, as a parent it's important to know that not all orthodontic treatment occurs only during those pre-teen years. In fact, there are certain malocclusions ("bad bites") that are more appropriate to treat at an earlier age. Waiting until all the permanent teeth come in and fall and skeletal growth is complete, may make resolution of some problems more difficult. So it is better to start an early orthodontic treatment for prevention.

The American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) recommends that all children receive an orthodontic screening by age seven. It's an ideal time to determine what orthodontic treatment, if any, may be needed either now or in the future.

Why Early Care?

Early treatment, also known as interceptive orthodontics typically occurs between the ages of seven and 10. Treatment is directed at taking advantage of a child's growth to provide suf­ficient room for the alignment of the adult teeth. This may make treatment at a later stage shorter and less complicated and can prevent more serious problems from developing.

The most common reasons for early orthodontic treat­ment include the following:
  • Protruding front teeth (buck teeth)

  • Crossbites

  • Harmful oral habits

  • Jaw discrepancies

  • Crowded teeth

A Window of Opportunity

Early orthodontic treatment traditionally involves only the adult permanent teeth present in the mouth. Many modalities, including palatal expanders, removable appliances and conventional fixed braces are available. The length of early treatment can range from as little as six to as much as 20 months.

Early treatment provides the orthodontist with a window of opportunity to significantly improve the dental development in those patients where treatment is indicated. It's possible that this therapy may reduce or eliminate the need for more invasive treatment later on, such as removal of teeth or jaw surgery.

Most of orthodontic facilities of today have the specialized equipment, facility and staff to properly address today's most demanding orthodontic needs.