Invisible Braces for Kids and Adults
Most people consider braces a cosmetic endeavor, but that’s actually about third on the list. Function and hygiene are actually the most important reasons to use orthodontic correction. If the bite is incorrect, it can have far reaching consequences in the ability to chew, the muscles in the face and neck, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) that hinges your jaw, and even in the spine. If the teeth overlap incorrectly, that can also cause entrapment of debris and tartar between the teeth, making it much harder to clean and causing an increase in decay and gum disease.
Only after those other considerations can we dwell on the cosmetics. However, it just so happens that the correct functional and hygienic alignment of the teeth is also aesthetically pleasing, so the cosmetic result just becomes a byproduct of the other corrections.
Once we have our priorities in order, we can decide on the methods. Traditionally, the thought of braces brings to mind a mouth overflowing with wires, brackets, and bands. When I was a teenager, it was kind of embarrassing to be a metal mouth with a tin grin, but today, some kids think it is a bit of a status symbol; just like in some countries it’s a sign of affluence to have a big gold tooth in the front of your mouth.
However, there are some serious drawbacks to all that hardware. It causes a tremendous hygiene challenge, can injure the gums and roots, cause decay and staining of the teeth, and although some kids think it is cool, others, and especially the adults, would rather not go through all of that. In some cases the brackets are necessary, but most of the time invisible braces are the best choice.
Invisalign has developed a system that effectively produces orthodontic corrections with minimum time, expense, and discomfort. It consists of a series of clear trays, or aligners, that fit over your teeth and gradually move them into the correct positions. They look great, they’re more comfortable, and they’re removable so you can eat, brush, and floss much more effectively. These are benefits that kids and adults alike can appreciate. One concern is that braces can throw your bite off, but the Invisalign trays are computer generated, so the finished bite is correct to within one hundredth of a millimeter.
Behind the scenes, the dentist must be trained and certified with Invisalign, and we work with one of their orthodontic specialists to collaborate on the best course of treatment. So if you’re thinking braces, your choice may be clear!
Dr. Moulton’s article was published in the Desert Valley Times, January 2009
This entry was posted on Friday, December 18th, 2009 at 6:20 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.