Braces are orthodontic devices which are used in order to correct the position of misaligned teeth, braces are very popular because they get the job done but, for many people the speed at which they work and the unique look that distinguishing them are not much of a selling point. Additional braces are known because they are mostly made of metal and they have some thick wires which are used to adjust pressure and individual areas in order to correct the oral structure.
Another characteristic of traditional braces is that they use elastic bands which are harder to adjust, these bands are attached to ligatures which can create friction there before slowing down the process they were intended to aid.
In order to address all these issues dentists have come up with a different type of braces which are self-ligating and are able to hold the wire without the need for elastic bands, this makes this type of braces much thinner and also more effective because they do not rely on traditional ligatures which slowed down the orthodontic process.
Traditional braces are very hard to clean them because they use ligatures and elastic bands that tend to be harder to clean, if a person eats food with those type of braces on it is very common for food to get trapped between the ligatures which effectively causes bacteria to build up that promoting tooth decay.
The market for self-weaving braces has dramatically grown since 2005 because their aesthetic appearance is not as obvious as their counterpart, self-ligating braces also use translucent ceramic which helps it blend with the appearance of your teeth in a more natural way, so the noting that you are wearing braces would be really hard for most people.
As you see the reason why self-regulating orthodontic devices have become popular because they are extremely convenient, they are able to get the job done in a shorter amount of time (requiring less and faster visits to the dentist for adjustments) and also being aesthetically pleasing which is a huge benefit for both teenagers and adults.
It's not easy task to clean the teeth while wearing an appliance. The food particles tend to get stuck between the brackets, wires, and teeth and if your kid was used to brushing only twice a day in the past, she now has to brush within a few minutes after every meal and every snack!
True, this is asking for too much, especially from a young one, but knowing the rules of dental hygiene would prove to be beneficial in the long run.
To help your child have an easier time with oral care, purchase a handy kit for cleaning braces. This is a small pouch in which she can keep all the paraphernalia she would need for cleaning the teeth:
Angled toothbrush. Some kits include a special toothbrush, one that's specifically designed for brace-wearers, but any durable, angled toothbrush will do. The handle needs to be angled to facilitate reaching in to the corners that ordinary toothbrushes can not reach.
The head should not be too big, and the bristles should be in a V-shape – that is, The outer bristles must be taller than the bristles in the center. This makes it more appropriate for brushing with braces.
Denticator dental picks. These are small toothpick-like plastic implements that are used to dislodge food from between the braces and the teeth. They are handy in places that toothbrushes could not get to.
Threader flosses. The person wearing clear invisalign braces should floss now more than ever. However, with braces, you will not be able to floss under the wire, between teeth. The perfect solution is a floss threader which are small plastic loops used to thread the floss under the brace's wire to get between the teeth. It's also important to use waxed instead of unwaxed floss because the latter could shred when caught in the brackets or the metal wires.
Dental wax. These are available in boxes of several strips and are very useful but inexpensive. Wak is used to create a cushion between the metal and the soft tissues of the cheek. Occasionally, wires become disengaged which may cause mouth sores. You can not always rush to your orthodontist to have it fixed, so it's important to carry dental wax around with you.
Travel Toothpaste and mouthwash. Of course, the kit for cleaning braces needs to include a small tube of toothpaste. Do not forget to throw in a bottle of mouthwash for a quick fresh fix.
Small mirror. Do not leave anything to chance – carry a small mirror at all times! You'll never know when bits of celery may remain stuck between the wires. If possible, bring a dentist's mirror to view even the far corners of the mouth.
These important items should be placed in a small waterproof case, handy enough to be placed in a purse. Dentakit, a ready-to-use kit for cleaning braces, can be bought over the Internet. Its case measures 10 x 15 cm and is encased in a sleek and classy container small enough to be bought anywhere.[Top]
Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that specializes in the treatment of malocclusions, otherwise known as improper bites. Conditions such as overbites, misaligned teeth, crowed teeth, disproportionate jaw relationships and any other teeth irregularity are proper subject matters of orthodontics.
Braces for Adults
There is a common misconception that only children or teens should see an orthodontist, a dentist specializing in orthodontics, to correct their improperly aligned teeth. If you think that the opportunity to improve your smile has passed you by in junior high, think again. Adult braces Aurora have become increasingly popular over the years.
Studies show that about 5 million people in the United States and Canada go to see an orthodontist every year. For every five of these people, one is 18 years old and above.
How much would it cost?
If you are worried about the cost, there are ways to go around that particular issue. Just bear in mind that the cost of getting adult braces Aurora is directly related to how complex your orthodontic problem is.
For instance, a condition where the person's bottom teeth overlap the top teeth, both being very crooked, may require surgery whereupon the jaws have to be reformed to correct the alignment. It will cost a lot, of course, but the result is a beautiful set of teeth with no overbites or under bites.
On the other hand, if the only problem is overcrowding of teeth, which is a common enough condition, then this may be corrected by wearing adult braces Aurora without any further surgery.
If you are still concerned about the cost, another alternative for you is visiting any of the 56 dental schools throughout the United States. Offering high-quality orthodontic treatment, these dental schools are suddenless inexpensive because the ones doing the work are student doctors but under the direct supervision of their experienced professors who are orthodontists. For a list of the 56 schools and their locations, check with the American Dental Education Association.
Perhaps one of the greatest advances that the 21st century has brought to the practice of orthodontics is the emergence of new material for use in adult braces Aurora. Now, the choice is no longer metal. In fact, there are many brands of adult braces Aurora that are clear – that is, they are not nearly as noticeable as metal when worn around the teeth. This is good news for those who are looking to improve their smiles but do not want the embarrassment of having a metal mouth.[Top]
Misaligned teeth or crooked teeth hinder the overall appearance of individuals and are often a cause of embarrassment for the ones facing this problem. With the invisalign dental treatment this problem can be tackled effectively without any visible signs like the metallic braces. From aligning crowded teeth to filling the gaps between them, this cosmetic dentistry procedure is an effective solution.
Metallic braces have been in use since long for teeth straightening and did do a fair job. But the pain patients have to undergo and the long duration for which they have to wear braces has surfaced as a reason for people not wanting to opt for this treatment. Invisalign is an alternative dental treatment to the traditional braces, and aims at providing its users a hassle-free experience. These also come with numerous benefits in comparison with the braces, below mentioned are a few of them.
Not visible: It is practically difficult to know whether a person is wearing aligners since they are invisible. These are transparent sheets and when placed on the teeth cover them entirely in such a way that the teeth appear glossy without any trace of the trays.
Flexibility: Invislign dental treatment allows you the freedom to remove them, which is not possible with metal braces. So you can remove them while you are eating and enjoy your meal without any problem. However there is a certain time-frame for which one needs to wear the aligners to achieve desired results.
Easy to clean: The wearer can easily remove aligners and clean them at regular intervals. This will help combat any possible infections. With braces oral hygiene tend to be a concern since the braces can not be cleaned thoroughly nor the teeth. Whereas aligners will let you brush your teeth like you would do any other day and also make it easy for you to maintain the same with the aligners.
Customized: Invisalign dental procedure involves creating customized trays that fit the patient's teeth structure. These are changed at regular intervals as the progress happens. Just like metallic braces need to be tightened so that the right pressure is put on the teeth, aligners work on the same idea, just that they are replaced by a new set.
Pain-free: Many people consider aligners over braces because of its simplicity and pain-free approach. The wearer does not have to bear pain while the invisalign trays are being fit. The entire process takes a few minutes post which the person is free to continue doing regular activities including eating, drinking as usual.
Invisalign dental treatment no doubt gives a lot of flexibility to people and is not a complicated procedure like braces. Even with this, the results people have witnessed are exactly the same and in some cases even better than the ones achieved using the traditional braces method. Cosmetic dentistry has made the use of aligners possible and help people get rid of their crooked teeth without any obvious signs. One can certainly not always hide his laugh or live in constant embarrassment due to his teeth structure. It is time to switch to revolutionary method and see for yourself the wonders.[Top]
Why on earth would an adult want to wear braces? In the past, braces were worn by children and teenagers. But times have changed. Today, 1 in 5 patients of orthodontists in the US is an adult.
Adult dental braces are more popular than ever. That Huck Finn buck-toothed grin may be cute on a freckle-faced kid, but on an adult? No way! Or maybe you inherited the family heirloom-your grandfather's gap-toothed grin or your grandmother's lisp. Or perhaps you're experiencing the pain caused by a TMJ problem, or are having trouble chewing and swallowing properly.
There are many reasons for having your teeth straightened. And, since the process typically takes 1-2 years and can cost several thousand dollars, your choice of orthodontist should be an informed one. Many orthodontists offer free consultations. It's a good idea to shop around and check out at least 2 or 3 orthodontists before making a commitment. To make the decision easier, here are 5 facts to know before choosing an orthodontist.
1. The orthodontist you choose should practice high professional standards. Does he belong to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)? How long has he been practicing? Are his license and other credentials current? Does he continuously update his training?
1. You should decide what a successful outlet looks like. Do you want to close a gap, straightened crooked teeth, improve your bite or correct a speech disadvantage, such as lisping? What is it you want the braces treatment to accomplish?
2. Beside the traditional stainless steel "metal-mouth" braces, there are many other styles and techniques such as ceramic or plastic ones and the so-called "invisible" braces or even porcelain veneers. Does the orthodontist offer a variety of options and the latest trends in other teeth straightening techniques?
3. Ask about appointment times. You have commitments to your family, your employer and others. Does the orthodontist offer appointments on only one day a week? Or is he available on more days? Are available appointment times convenient for you? Inconvenient appointment times can lead to missed appointments-and a longer treatment time.
4. What happens after the braces come off? Will you have to wear a retainer? If so, for how long? Some orthodontists are not very strict about having their patients wear retainers after their teeth straightening treatment. Not wearing your retainer can cause the teeth to move back out of their new alignment. This is good news for the not-so-ethical orthodontist, because it could mean a repeat of the treatment. A conscientious orthodontist, however, will explain the importance of maintaining your new straight smile and insure that you follow his instructions as to whether to wear a retainer and when.
5. Sometimes teeth straightening and braces are not enough to correct a lisp or a swallowing problem. What then? A good orthodontist will follow up the orthodontic treatment with a referral to another professional, such a speech therapist. An orthodontist you can trust is one who is concerned that you receive the appropriate and necessary after-braces care.
Adult dental braces, and the right orthodontist, can correct a host of oral health issues. And choosing a highly trained professional is an important decision.
Do not settle for the first orthodontist you come across. Evaluating several potential orthodontists is the best way to make an informed decision. Keep in mind these 5 facts before choosing an orthodontist. The right professional for you will help you achieve a successful treatment income and maintain that gorgeous smile for a lifetime.[Top]
Can semen really whiten your teeth? Is semen good for teeth? Information about whether ejaculated human sperm can help make your teeth whiter.
Before we can make any assumptions on whether does semen whiten the teeth, the following facts should be known about ejaculate human semen before judging or coming to any conclusions.
The human semen contains a variety of ingredients, which mainly include sperm (containing DNA), citric acid, fructose, ascorbic acid, water, magnesium, enzymes, nitrogen, chlorine, potassium, creatine vitamin B12, cholesterol, phosphate, bicarbonate buffers, zinc and calcium. These are all essential for reproduction and have their own individual roles to play in the whole reproductive process, among them; calcium and zinc are held by some to be useful for the teeth, but there are no scientific proof to support that they help when it comes to whitening the teeth.
Furthermore, a comparison study between the ingredients inside a tooth whitening product and semen will give us a knowledge about the effect of the latter as a tooth whitener.
Hydrogen peroxides, hydrated silica, polyvinylpyrrolidone, potassium nitrate, calprox, baking soda, fluoride, strontium chloride and sodium tripolyphosphate are the main ingredients which are commonly found in different teeth whiteners on the market. The bleaching chemicals and ingredients mentioned above are not found in semen, although potassium and phosphates are present there, non of them are in the proper combination with other elements which can aid in whitening the teeth. Therefore it can safely be assumed that a teeth whitening toothpaste is a much better option, rather than depending on semen to do it.
However, semen ingestion is known to lower stress and raise the women's mood due to its sugar based enzymes, and a recent study also shows that selenium, an ingredient found in semen may also serve in protection against cancer, but as far as whitening of the teeth is concerned, semen does not seem to be promising at all. It would be advisable to go for a laser clinical tooth whitening session or purchase a professional at home teeth whitening kit if you want to be through about it. Any of these will give you better results, greater assurance and a whiter, brighter smile than semen.[Top]
One of the major problems with regards to dental insurance for individuals is that a large number of people are not aware of it. Even if people are aware, they think that their dental health is good enough and having a dental insurance is waste of money. On the other hand, there are people who are aware of dental insurance and take out the policy and benefit from it. If we look from the eyes of the people who are well aware of dental health care and the importance of dental insurance, we will be able to know how we can benefit from it.
Dental insurance is not expensive. It works pretty much the same way as most other health insurance plans. These days, there are numerous companies which provide dental insurance for individuals. Having a dental insurance in today’s date is extremely important because the cost of health care is increasing steadily and dental health care is no exception.
Different types of insurance plans cover different aspects. However, there are certain clauses which remain constant in all policies. Take for example, all the policies available from different providers cover only two cleanings per year. Depending on your dental health, you can decide which type of insurance you would like to opt in for.
The cost of individual plan is one of the major considerations at the time of choosing a suitable plan. If you are looking for an affordable dental insurance plan, then it is important that you consult with your dentist prior to buying a policy. Your dentist will be able to brief you regarding the overall condition of your teeth and gums and also advice you regarding the type of policy you should go for.
Insurance companies review their plans annually and your insurance plan will be valid for one year only. Depending on the rising cost of dental care, your insurance company may add or remove certain services provided to you every year. For this reason, it is also important for you to choose only what is suitable for you individual needs. At the end of the year, if you are not content with the changes in the policy, you can always look for another dental insurance provider.
What is covered in your plan and what is not will always depend on the premium you pay. The higher you pay, the more services you will be eligible for. To make your plan affordable, you can choose which services you need and which you will not require. Putting your requirements before the insurance broker will help them choose a plan that is suitable for you. If you require basic dental care insurance, you will get it at a very affordable rate. However, if you want to go for additional services, you will have to pay slightly higher premium.
Moreover, don’t just choose any dental health insurance quote that you come across. Take your time and decide. Have at least three options before you make the final decision. This will help you find a deal that is affordable and at the same time suitable for your individual needs.[Top]
If you’re old enough to have been employed in the 1960’s, you might remember when your company began to provide dental insurance as part of your health benefits package. Like many consumers, you may have thought-and perhaps might still believe-that your medical and dental coverage were similar, but that is not the case. Understanding the differences between these types of insurance can be a vital tool as you continue to seek the highest quality, lowest cost oral care.
General Medical vs. Oral Health Concerns
To understand why health insurance and dental coverage are different from each other, it is helpful to think about the nature of the problems each addresses.
Most non-dental, medical conditions we encounter cannot be predicted, and can be considered uncertain or random. Quite often, their occurrence results in significant and even catastrophic expense. Take a look at an itemized hospital bill or a receipt that shows how much your insurance covered when you needed an MRI or extensive blood tests, and you will understand just how quickly health costs can spiral out of control, as well as the key role insurance coverage plays in cushioning many of us from bankruptcy.
Contrast these health problems with dental issues such as tooth decay and periodontal disease. While oral diseases can be found in people from all walks of life, races and creeds, their prevalence has markedly decreased in recent years. This positive trend is due, in part, to community water fluoridation, as well as to the fact that more people are seeing the dentist regularly for preventive care. But unlike many health problems that may disappear unexpectedly, dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease only worsen over time, resulting in extensive and costly care.
How the Dental System Structure is Unique
Interestingly, the average per person expenditure for dental care in 2002 was $513.06, compared to $3,302 per person in the same year spent for standard medical care.
These figures suggest that these systems operate very differently from each other. Technological advances in the field of dentistry have enabled oral practitioners to be more efficient and to bring their costs down. Innovations in standard medicine, however, tend to result in higher costs.
When you visit your dentist, he or she can address most of your needs right in his office. In fact, 80% of dentists are general practitioners, with specialists like oral surgeons making up the other 20%.
This stands in direct contrast to the medical profession, where specialists comprise 80% of the field. In addition, most if not all of the dental care you ever receive in your lifetime will be on an outpatient basis, whereas a good portion of general healthcare takes place in hospitals or other in-patient settings. Finally, a much lower percentage of dentists are allied into larger groups or partnerships than are doctors. All of these factors combine to separate dentistry from general medicine.
Dental Insurance vs. Health Insurance
There is one final factor that sets dental care apart. Because most oral conditions are not of a life-threatening nature, you as the patient can have the luxury of time and choice. You can go online and consult family and friends or get a second opinion to find the dentist who will best meet your needs.
This time to shop around for oral care could give you the chance to research helpful coverage options known as discount dental plans. These alternatives to dental insurance enable a patient to save significantly because large groups of dentists band together and offer quality care at reduced prices. Insurance has come a long way since the 1960’s, and obtaining the coverage that will save you the most money for the best care is one of the best things you can do for yourself.[Top]
Some people realize the benefits of having insurance but have a hard time understanding how it all works. Every dental plan is different depending on the insurance provider. There are some terms used in dental plans that are the same across all dental insurance plans. These terms may seem like a foreign language at first but understanding these terms can give a person a better understanding of how his or her insurance plan works and what is covered under the plan.
The term deductibles is one that many people hear about with dental plans but are not quite sure what deductibles are. To put it simply, deductibles are the fees that a person will need to pay before the insurance company will take on the financial responsibility issued in the dental plan. The deductible amount varies among insurance companies and insurance plans. On average, less expensive dental plans will have higher deductibles while more expensive plans will have lower deductibles.
Another term that some people may not be familiar with is insurance premiums. Insurance premiums are nothing more than the amount of money a person spends to secure the dental insurance plan. The amount of insurance premiums will depend on the dental insurance plan. Some insurance premiums are paid monthly while others can be bi-annually or annually. Failure to pay insurance premiums could result in cancellation of the dental insurance policy. Cancellation of a policy could also release the entire cost burden of dental work back to the individual.
Maximum benefit amounts are also something a person should familiarize himself or herself with when it comes to insurance. While insurance will cover a person for a variety of dental work, there is a limit to how much the dental insurance will cover over a given policy term. This limit is what the maximum benefit amount returns to. This limit is a part of all dental policies and will also vary upon the dental insurance policy. Once this limit is reached, the policyholder is then liable for one hundred percent of the cost for dental work.
Dental procedures fall into different categories. The categories are typically preventative, basic, major, and cosmetic. Each category is covered at a different percentage depending on the type of dental insurance plan. Some categories, such as cosmetic, may or may not be covered at all. It is important for an individual to have a general idea of the type of dental work he or she intends to get so the correct policy and coverage can be obtained. If a person is unsure as to which category a procedure is covered under, he or she can contact the dental insurance provider.
Insurance offers a number of benefits to people who enroll in them. Complying with the dental insurance policy will ensure that a person is properly covered for the procedures he or she needs. It also allows the individual to maximize his or her dental health benefits.[Top]