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Different types of dental braces

Different types of dental braces

Though many people still picture a “mouthful of metal” when they think of braces, there are now many more options available. Dental braces work by applying pressure to the teeth so that they move gradually into a new position. The pressure usually comes from a metal wire attached to tiny brackets placed on each tooth. These brackets are what used to create the “metal mouth”. However modern…

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How braces look good

How braces look good

Braces are orthodontic appliances that can help straighten out crooked and crowded teeth. As well as making you look better, they can help improve your dental health. Many people have been put off wearing them because of how they look but modern braces can be very inconspicuous. One way of making them inconspicuous is by having the brackets – the part that attaches to each tooth – fixed to the…

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What an orthodontist can do for you

What an orthodontist can do for you

Orthodontic treatment is about straightening out crooked and crowded teeth and may use special appliances such as braces. While most dentists can deal with minor orthodontic problems, they will often refer patients to an orthodontist for more specialist care. Orthodontists are dentists with additional training and they specialize in the treatment of dental and facial irregularities. One of the…

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Myths about orthodontists

Here is the truth on some common myths about orthodontists Myth – Any dentist can straighten my teeth.Truth – An orthodontist is a specialist at straightening teeth with two or three years of additional training after dental school.They usually see hundreds of orthodontic patients a year where some family dentists may see only a handful. Myth – Only children wear bracesTruth – Around 20% of…

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Mothers Like Braces Better

Mothers Like Braces Better

The vast majority of modern mothers believe braces today are much cooler than when they were young. In a study for the American Association of Orthodontists, 86 percent of mothers said braces are cooler today than when they were kids and 69% said wearing braces makes their children feel cool. The vast majority – 81 percent – said their children’s experience with orthodontic treatment was either…

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Five ways an orthodontist could help you and your children

Five ways an orthodontist could help you and your children

Orthodontists are specially-trained dentists who can give you a better smile. They do this by bringing the teeth, jaw bones and facial profile into proper alignment. Here are five ways they could help you or your family: Straightening your teeth to cut the risk of decay and gum diseaseEnhancing your appearance to boost your self-esteemCorrecting protruding or misaligned teeth to get rid of…

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Why Straighten Your Teeth?

Why Straighten Your Teeth?

If you don’t have straight teeth, you might wonder if you need to do anything about it. Straight teeth have psychological and physiological benefits. Straight teeth can help you bite, chew and speak better. They also contribute to healthy teeth and gums. Properly aligned teeth and jaws may also alleviate or prevent physical health problems. Having straight teeth enhances your smile and makes…

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How Dental Braces Work

How Dental Braces Work

Dental braces are orthodontic devices which help realign the position of your teeth. They may be used if you have bite problems (also called malocclusions), crooked teeth, gaps or other problems with your teeth. Although they are mainly used on children and teenagers – as treatment is easier when you are still growing – adults can also benefit from braces. Braces are made up of three basic…

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The Pros and Cons of Invisalign Braces

The Pros and Cons of Invisalign Braces

Invisalign braces have become popular as an alternative to traditional braces as they are cosmetically more appealing. They are known as “invisible braces” but they actually work in a very different way to the traditional approach. Rather than using brackets and wires, Invisalign uses aligners to move your teeth into new positions. These aligners are clear and removable. In order to use the…

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A Quick History of Orthodontics

A Quick History of Orthodontics

While you may think braces are a modern invention, the fact is people have been using devices to move their teeth since the early days. Archaeologists have discovered mummified remains where there were metal bands wrapped around individual teeth. As far back as 500 BC, Hippocrates and Aristotle were both talking about ways to straighten teeth and fix various dental conditions. However, despite…

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Common Questions About Braces

Common Questions About Braces

Here are the answers to some common questions about what it like to have braces What is it like having braces?,When you have braces, you will probably find your mouth sore for a few days. It can also be uncomfortable when the braces are tightened. However, most of the time you probably won’t even notice them. Do braces hurt?It can depend on which type you choose but usually modern braces will…

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What are Braces and How do They Work?

What are Braces and How do They Work?

Braces are devices which are used to straighten teeth, correct bite problems and fix irregular teeth. They are made of three basic parts: BracketsBonding (or band)Arch wire The bonding is used to fix the brackets to the teeth. The arch wire goes through the brackets and is held in place with small rubber bands. The brackets and arch wire work together to move the teeth into new positions to…

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Overcoming Problems with Braces

Overcoming Problems with Braces

Most people get used to braces quickly and wear them for as long as they need to with no problems. However, occasional problems can arise and taking the right steps enables you to resolve them quickly. Here are some examples of problems that may arise. Allergic Reaction: Some people can have an allergic reaction to the elastic or the metal used in braces. Alternative materials can normally be…

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Adult Braces and Self esteem

Adult Braces and Self esteem

A lot of effort is made to help teenagers feel better about having braces. However as around 70% of teenagers need braces, it’s a very common experience. Yet adults can also need braces and it is less common amongst their peers so adults often have more issues about what other people think of them when they go to work and to social events with braces. Feedback suggests many men feel a bit…

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What Adult Orthodontic Treatment Feels Like

What Adult Orthodontic Treatment Feels Like

The early stages of orthodontic treatment can be a little harder for adult patients than for teenagers. Teenagers have the benefit of getting treatment while they are still growing and their mouth is more flexible. In some cases, adults will need to have teeth removed or will require surgery to expand their jaw to make room for moving the teeth. This may not be fun but anaesthetics and…

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Common Questions About Orthodontics

Common Questions About Orthodontics

How does orthodontics work?The job of an orthodontist is to help fix crooked teeth and jaw problems so that your teeth are in the right place in your mouth. This may require the orthodontist to take action that helps stretch your jaw or move your teeth so that everything fits properly. One action they can take is using tools such as braces to push on your teeth so they move into the right…

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Your Questions Answered About Braces

Your Questions Answered About Braces

Here are the answers to five common questions about the implications of having braces. Does having braces affect the way I talk?Standard braces don’t normally affect how you talk or the sound of your voice. Sometimes, you may find it difficult for the first couple of days but then you will be able to talk fine. Are there any activities that I should avoid when I have braces?You can continue to…