Learn About Illinois Invisalign Costs Near You

Adult Braces and Orthodontics: Something To Smile About

Orthodontic braces conjure up lots of images, most of them about children and the temporary metallic smiles that they cause. But many strides have been made in the world of dental braces. More adults are now choosing teeth straightening and are glad braces aren't just for kids anymore.

Why Do Adults Wear Orthodontic Braces?

Braces offer a good choice for improving your smile and oral health. Some adults have problem teeth because their parents could not afford getting braces or retainers when they were young. Or perhaps the problem with their teeth is more recent. Now, options are available for correcting them and adult braces provide many advantages.

Crooked teeth or teeth that overlap are harder to clean around. As a result, this serves as hiding places for bacteria that cause bad breath, gum disease and tooth decay.

Protruding teeth or gaps between teeth interfere with your smile and create an uneven bite, but getting braces or orthodontic appliances can straighten crooked teeth and move teeth into proper position.

Adults now enjoy the results of adult orthodontics, which so beautifully provide a healthier-looking smile. Today's braces are much less noticeable than those you may remember as a child. Taking care of your teeth sends the message that you are taking care of yourself, reflecting self-respect and confidence.

What Are My Orthodontics Choices?

The orthodontic appliances of today provide greater comfort and style than in the past. Another feature of modern adult braces is that they work more quickly than the traditional style braces, which means a shorter time to wear them and fewer trips to the orthodontist.

Older dental braces used bands that wrapped around teeth. While these are still available, other braces offer new options. One type features brackets made of metal or plastic, bonded to the teeth and used in conjunction with thin, gentle wires.

Another type of braces stay discreetly hidden from view, using brackets attached to the back of the teeth. Both types require wires to move the teeth into their correct positions. Your dentist or orthodontist will help you decide which style of braces is right for you.

Braces: An Investment of Time for Long-Term Benefits

Most patients usually wear full braces from 18 to 30 months, depending on specific treatment needs. When your dental braces are removed, retainers are used to prevent your teeth from repositioning themselves. Your orthodontist will determine how long you will have to use your retainer after treatment is completed.

How To Care for Orthodontic Braces

One thing hasn't changed: if you wear dental braces, regardless of whether they're metal or ceramic braces, you must take care of them. Careful brushing and flossing between them and under wires will keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. Avoid eating foods that can break wires and loosen brackets such as those that are sticky (caramels and gum), hard to bite (uncut carrots, apples, and ice), or crunchy (popcorn, nuts, hard candy).

Orthodontic braces can make a world of difference and give you something to really smile about!

By Brian J. Gray, DDS, MAGD, FICO

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Orthodontics and The Technology Behind Invisalign Braces

You may wonder what goes on with your Invisalign braces between the time that your orthodontist takes impressions of your teeth for your clear braces and when you receive your first set of aligners.

State-of-the-art computer technology plays a vital role in the process of creating your Invisalign braces. In fact, Invisalign's high-volume, customized orthodontics manufacturing process is the first of its kind in the world.

Below are some of the ways advanced computer technology in used in the manufacture of Invisalign invisible braces.

• To ensure a high degree of accuracy throughout the process, your orthodontists take impressions of your teeth.
• Your orthodontics professional then sends Invisalign your dental impressions which are used to make plaster models of your teeth.
• Using advanced imaging technology, Invisalign transforms the plaster models of your teeth into a highly accurate 3-D digital image.
• From your approved ClinCheck® file, Invisalign uses laser scanning to build a set of actual models that reflect each stage of your dental treatment plan.
• Using the Internet, your orthodontists review your ClinCheck® file - if necessary, adjustments to the depicted orthodontics plan are made.
• A computerized movie - called ClinCheck® - depicting the movement of your teeth from the beginning to the final position is created.
• Your customized set of aligners for your Invisalign clear braces are made from these models, sent to your orthodontist, and given to you. You wear each aligner for about two weeks.
• After wearing all of your orthodontics aligners in the series, your crooked teeth are gone and you've got the beautiful smile you've always wanted.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.