Posts Tagged “Orthodontics”
Orthodontics has come on leaps and bounds in recent years
Today it seems that not a day goes by where a new advancement is made in the general field of dentistry, and it seems the farthest ahead in terms of technology is the dental field of orthodontics. In recent years there have been a number of advances that have been hailed as nothing short of revolutionary.
Gone are the days of self conscious wearers of braces, scared of revealing their metallic smile to the world. Nowadays there are a huge number of alternatives to traditional braces and people can now fix their smiles without anyone being any the wiser!
While advances in braces themselves are impressive, another area that has seen leaps in technology is the design and implementation of braces.
OrthoCAD IQ
The OrthoCAD IQ system is a revolutionary new digital programme that allows orthodontists to place braces in the mouth easier, more accurately and quicker than before. While there are areas within dentistry that a human hand may be superior to a machine, the placement of braces to a millimetre’s accuracy every time is no easy feat for our fleshy selves. The use of the OrthoCAD IQ system allows the brace to be placed at the exact place the orthodontist desires.
Other digital advances have given dentists the ability to easily diagnose problems and come up with solutions, to anything from tooth cavities to gone astray teeth. While X-rays are by no means new, continuous advances in the field such as digital photography have made the use of x-rays far more reliable and useful in recent years.
Aligners and Braces
As mentioned earlier, traditional ‘railroad track’ braces are becoming a thing of the past, as they are replaced by newer equipment, the most notable of which are aligners.
The most common aligners are those of Invisalign and the Inman Aligner. The use of modern material means that teeth can now be brought back to the shape you desire using less material for quicker results. Both Invisalign and the Inman Aligner are being heralded as ‘revolutionary’ due to them being almost completely invisible, as well as removable, generally cost effective and taking only a fraction of the time.
With such advances in dentistry in recent times, it’s no wonder that patients are choosing to have their smiles rejuvenated with the latest techniques rather than live with a smile that doesn’t light up the sidewalk.
Posted in: braces
Tags: fixed braces, Inman aligners, OrthoCAD IQ, Orthodontics
| September 22, 2011 at 8:00 am | No comment
Align with Invisalign
The desire for attractive teeth that are straight and white spans cultures—it is a global issue at the forefront of human’s minds around the world. In fact, our infatuation with perfect smiles started long before Hollywood gave us pin-ups, poster children and the silver screen.
Historians say that the quest for straight teeth was a priority for some of the world’s most iconic leaders and thinkers including Aristotle and Hippocrates. Such was the early human’s desire for straight teeth that they fashioned makeshift braces from catgut and wires, drilling holes in the teeth themselves to thread the wires through and create tension to force crooked teeth into submission.
It has been proven that the alignment of one’s mouth, the shape of one’s teeth, greatly affects our individual levels of outgoingness and confidence. Be it the result of social norms or inherent makeup, our confidence naturally increases when we have straight teeth. In fact, scientific research suggests that the social lives of adults are boosted.
No matter the initial reason, we get bombarded with ads about our teeth and how to achieve perfect smiles. Having straight teeth is a priority for most of us and many of us would rather receive a smile we are proud of without the embarrassment stereotypically associated with traditional, metal braces.
Invisalign braces were created for this purpose. Invisalign invisible braces allow you to reclaim your smile by means of a comfortable teeth-straightening process that will not leave you steeped in the ridicule often associated with metal braces.
Invisalign braces are specially fitted and made of plastic. They can be removed and replaced, just like mouth guards, by the wearer, and enable patients to continue eating a diet of foods that they prefer, instead of having to abandon popcorn, chewing gum and sticky foods. Since Invisalign braces do not have wires, they are less painful than traditional braces. Traditional braces required the wearers to attend regular dental visits for wire tautening.
Because Invisalign braces trays are replaced every two weeks, the speed at which the teeth are straightened is quicker. Invisalign’s biggest advantage is that since the braces are invisible you can carry on with your life without having to hide behind a mouth full of metal. Most people don’t even notice that you are wearing the invisible braces!
Posted in: Braces Info, Invisalign
Tags: braces, Invisalign, Orthodontics, Teeth Alignment
| April 20, 2011 at 11:11 am | No comment
Four types of modern orthodontic treatment
If you’ve got a cavity you visit a dentist. If you’ve got crooked teeth you want made straight, you visit an orthodontist. If you’ve got crooked teeth you want corrected using the latest technology, with faster treatment times and an holistic approach to the appearance of your mouth and jaw, you visit an experienced orthodontist.
They can provide you with a range of teeth-straightening options from standard Invisalign braces to orthoganthic surgery. Here’s a brief outline of what types of treatment and advice experienced orthodontics offer:
- Invisalign braces — these nearly invisible braces have replaced painful metal braces that cause sores in the mouth and look unsightly. Invisalign braces are versatile in that they can be removed by the wearer for eating, allowing the wearer to continue eating the foods he loves. The speed of treatment with Invisalign braces parallels that of normal braces; the trays are replaced about every two week as the teeth move to their desired position—a much faster speed than with wire tautening when using traditional braces.
- Clear Fixed Attachments — these braces are truly clear. The brackets are created from enamel-coloured ceramic materials in order to reduce the visible impact of braces. These look more like traditional metal braces with a metal wire running across the brackets, linking them all up. This wire can be painted with an enamel-coloured coating, if desired.
- Damon Braces — these self-ligating braces have a locking mechanism to secure the wire in place. These braces are especially popular because the braces move as the teeth move, which mean less pain and faster results.
- Lingual Braces — these braces are also almost completely invisible. The hardware composing these braces is metal, but it is attached behind the teeth and is entirely invisible from the outside. This option of braces is used to produce high-quality results and are used to treat patients who need to undergo complex tooth movement to achieve their desired smile.
With the increase in technology, orthodontics is constantly changing. It is suggested that you consult with a dentist or an orthodontist for which option would be right for you if you are looking to improve or enhance your natural smile.
Posted in: Invisalign, Orthodontics
Tags: Invisalign, invisible braces, Lingual braces, Orthodontics
| April 12, 2011 at 11:08 am | No comment
Incognito Braces – the secret solution to a stunning smile!
For people of any age braces come pre-loaded with a massive stigma. Nobody wants to wear braces but everybody wants that perfect smile. The embarrassment of wearing braces can be difficult to deal with and if your dream of having that perfect smile is crushed by the thought of a metal mouth for the months or years it will take then don’t fear…technology may have found your solution!
The latest in brace technology brings us state-of-the-art Incognito braces. Incognito braces are comfortable, effective and best of all virtually invisible. This means that you no longer have to suffer the embarrassment of being a brace face and still your Cheryl Cole smile may just be achievable.
Discreet braces for you
Incognito braces are fitted to the back of your teeth meaning that it would be very hard for anyone to spot them when you smile. The secret is yours to share and if you choose not to reveal it the chances are you‘ll get away without detection. It is also very comfortable and relatively painless to wear which makes it one of the more convenient options in orthodontics.
A brace that is fitted to the back of your teeth is known as a lingual brace and the Incognito brace is just one of a number of these. Lingual braces do tend to affect your speech slightly as it affects the way your tongue makes contact with the back of your teeth. The advantage of the Incognito brace is that the brackets and wires are significantly lighter and finer which means that your speech is not so dramatically affected and it is much more comfortable to wear.
The custom-made brace is the only orthodontic appliance made in the UK which is 100% designed purposely for each individual mouth and this makes it as reliable, discreet and effective as can be. It is available to people of any age – even teenagers who may not yet have their full set of adult teeth. Treatment time varies as with all types of brace but you can expect treatment to last for anything from one up to three years.
With an Incognito brace it really is possible to achieve that perfect smile and still maintain your street cred. The Incognito brace is the sophisticated solution to your skewed smile and if you think the Incognito brace is the answer to your problems then don’t hesitate – the road to achieving that stunning smile is just a dentist trip away.
Posted in: braces
Tags: Incognito Braces, invisible braces, lingual brace, Orthodontics
| March 24, 2011 at 1:43 pm | No comment
Damon Braces: for teeth that slide into position
Damon Braces are an improvement on traditional braces, offering enhanced flexibility and comfort. Where traditional wire braces can create stress and unnecessary tension on the teeth, the Damon Braces system aligns teeth without this discomfort.
This system allows wearers to receive effective teeth alignment treatment without the pain of having the braces tightened. What’s more, teeth aligned with Damon Braces are aligned much quicker than with traditional braces. Other benefits of Damon Braces mean that teeth are less likely to have to be pulled to achieve optimal alignment.
Damon Braces utilise the most advanced orthodontic technology available to ensure a thorough, effective and successful treatment is performed. If you have crooked, crowded or twisted teeth or gaps between your teeth, Damon Braces are for you.
Once seen as a rite of passage for teens, many adults are seeking orthodontic treatment for correcting crooked smiles to improve their aesthetics and the functionality of their teeth. In fact, this boom in the number of over 50’s receiving dental treatment has been affectionately dubbed the age of the Bracelift.
Bracelifts can do more than just approve the aesthetics of your mouth. If you are over 50, they can give you more mid-face support, a broader arch and a fuller, more youthful smile. A Bracelift can provide life-long improvement to your overall appearance and self confidence.
For more information and to determine if you or your teenager are eligible for Damon Braces, please contact us to book a consultation. Your fuss-free, beautiful smile is only a phone call away.
Posted in: Damon Braces, braces
Tags: braces, Damon Braces, Orthodontics, Straighter Smiles
| March 16, 2011 at 1:41 pm | No comment
Crooked Teeth: Plaguing Humanity Since 348 BC
According to the American Association of Orthodontics, society’s relationship with crooked teeth has continued on in the same way since early civilizations. The association reported that mummies had wires and thick cords wrapped around their teeth to create tension, enforcing the teeth to straighten, have been excavated.
In fact, according to historical evidence, teeth and how to keep them straight was a conundrum plaguing some of history’s greatest leaders. Aristotle and Hippocrates are among the few historical figures that possessed a desire for straighter teeth.
Although we have moved on from these primitive solutions to the problem of crooked teeth, the fact that we still find crooked teeth to be a problem links us with our ancestors, making the appearance of teeth more than a cultural issue—it’s a human issue.
Orthodontics, the practice of making teeth straight, has its roots in Greek linguistics. Although society had become obsessed with achieving the straightest smile possible, it wasn’t until the 18th century that real advances were made in the technology of orthodontics.
Today, London cosmetic dentists continue to expand with teeth straightening options evolving from static metal braces to pliable, removable invisible braces. If straight teeth are what you’re after, you can now choose from a variety of devices to help you achieve your desired smile.
The length of time needed to fully straighten teeth and the methods employed are generally less threatening today than they were years ago. Straight teeth, with the aid of technological advancements and affordable pricing, are becoming the norm.
Posted in: Orthodontics
Tags: braces, Crooked Teeth, invisible braces, Orthodontics
| January 2, 2011 at 10:53 am | No comment
Orthodontists Bearing Their Teeth At TV Show
Dentists have recently condemned the hit American TV Show ‘Ugly Betty’ for its negative portrayal of dental braces. In the show the lead character wears a pair of ‘train track’ wire braces. Orthodontics experts are worried that this could discourage people who need braces, as they may associate the unsightly train track style with orthodontic work. However, it is very rare for adults to be fitted with this style of braces and on the odd occasion when they are they are usually only ever required to wear them for a maximum of two years. The fact that braces are associated with ‘ugliness’, as portrayed in the program, has orthodontists worried about people avoiding having the treatment, when they may desperately need it.
However, if you’re one of these people who need corrective work done to their teeth, but are turned off by the idea of wearing braces then you should consult your orthodontist. They’ll be able to offer you a range of alternative treatments, and if it turns out that you are required to wear braces then it’s pretty unlikely you’ll have to wear the train track style wire braces. Modern braces are much more discrete and if some cosmetic dentistry experts are even able to offer their clients alternative corrective treatments that are just as effective as braces, but barely noticeable.
At the end of the day, you shouldn’t be worried about wearing braces as although popular TV shows may portray them as being typically unsightly, the fact is that most people probably won’t even notice you’re wearing them.
Posted in: Cosmetic Dentistry, Orthodontics, Orthodontists, braces
Tags: braces, Cosmetic Dentistry, Orthodontics, Orthodontist
| March 25, 2010 at 4:03 pm | No comment
Adult Orthodontics
Many people will have had to wear braces during their childhood to correct teeth growing in at unusual angles. However, there is a small percentage of people who didn’t wear braces when they were younger, even though they really should have. In some cases this has caused a great deal of problems for these people in later life as their teeth may have grown in such a way that they have caused the individuals pain.
Not wearing braces during childhood, despite an apparent need can leave people with many different problems, some of which can be quite serious. However, in the majority of cases these problems will be purely aesthetic, and in the majority cases they can be corrected with cosmetic dentistry. The number of adults undergoing orthodontic treatments has increased sharply in recent years as more people who should have been wearing braces as children become aware of the fact that they can have the resultant dental problems corrected.
It’s quite common for people who didn’t undergo orthodontic treatment as a child to have very overcrowded teeth, as braces were not in place to control the direction of tooth growth. Most people will have this corrected for purely cosmetic reasons, however it some instances teeth that have gown in irregularly can cause some serious and quite painful problems!
Of courses, it would have been much better for these people if they could have prevented the problem in the first place, but thankfully adult orthodontics allows them an opportunity to sort out these problems in later life. If you think you could benefit from adult orthodontic treatment then get in touch with a cosmetic dentist today.
Posted in: Cosmetic Dentistry, Orthodontics, braces
Tags: braces, Cosmetic Dentistry, Orthodontics
| March 3, 2010 at 10:50 am | No comment
The Right Angle For Your Teeth
Even if you have never worn them yourself, everybody knows exactly what is meant by a “brace” or “braces” when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. Some countries have a higher usage rate than others, but chances are that if you went to school any time in the last 40 years that you will have had a friend who had to wear a brace. Back in those days most braces were obvious and ugly, often requiring a head strap or even face mask to be worn to apply the required pressures to the teeth and jaw.
Nowadays these obvious and demoralising rigs are rarely seen, and there are even some orthodontic systems available, such as Invisalign, that are subtle enough to go unnoticed by all but the keenest eyed observer. Realignment of teeth or bite will almost always have to be done by brute force alone, but the existence of such unobtrusive options as Invisalign compared to what was available 40 years ago is testament to how far this field of medicine has come.
People have been trying pseudo-medical methods to straighten teeth probably for as long as they have been combing their hair, but the modern field of orthodontics didn’t really come in to being until towards the end of the 19th Century, with the first school of orthodontics being founded by Englishman Edward H Angle in 1901. In fact the classification system laid out in Angle’s “Treatment of Malocclusion of the Teeth” was used worldwide and still forms the basis of the field today.
Modern orthodontists have a much better understanding of hygiene and infection control than they did in Angle’s day, but it his testament to his intellect and methodology that so much of his original teachings remain.
Posted in: Cosmetic Dentistry, Invisalign, Orthodontics, Orthodontist, braces
Tags: braces, Cosmetic Dentistry, Invisalign, Orthodontics, Orthodontists
| February 19, 2010 at 11:55 am | No comment
No Excuse For A Great Smile
Having crooked or misaligned teeth can have a serious impact on your confidence. Are you the only one not smiling in your holiday photos? Do you feel self conscious when giving a presentation at work? You are not alone, with surveys showing that a huge proportion of people in the Western world would change something about their teeth if they had the chance. Well perhaps you do.
Before After
The science of cosmetic dentistry is evolving all of the time and so if all you know of orthodontics is a mass of metal wires then perhaps you might want to look again. There are all kinds of different treatments available now, some that are best for making slight alterations and others that can completely transform your bite, face and smile.
The most striking and immediate effect you will see is with dental veneers. These are essentially little shields of material cemented on to the front of your existing teeth, covering up any discoloured, chipped or uneven teeth along the way. They can also be used to close gaps between teeth and can be used to literally build a brand new, perfect smile right over the top of your existing one. Dental veneers can be made from a variety of materials but the most popular is porcelain.
This kind of treatment can be expensive but the vast majority of dental clinics offer some kind of credit and payment scheme, allowing you to spread the cost over a number of months. Having the renewed confidence that a new, perfect smile can bring can transform your life, and with such easy finance options available there aren’t many reasons left not to go for it.
Posted in: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Veneers, Orthodontics
Tags: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Veneers, Orthodontics
| January 15, 2010 at 11:58 am | 1 comment
