by dentistryblog | Mar 7, 2020 | Orthodontic Braces
Choosing between the many types, treatments, and solutions for a brighter smile can be confusing for many dentistry patients. Many adults today decide to have a natural white without the fear of looking crooked or broken. Through orthodontic dental appliances such as clear braces or metal braces, it helps make the teeth healthier. Furthermore, a skilled team of dentists at Sandstone Point Dental talks about how braces can benefit a child as soon as they can wear braces. Many people are interested to know the real difference on clear braces vs metal braces. A licensed dentist can refer you to an orthodontist for your questions about the mouth’s health care and treatments.
What Are The Advantages Of Orthodontic Treatment?
A crowded set of teeth may hinder a child from speaking freely. With misaligned teeth, there can also be issues with their bite. Without great teeth for eating, it can be one of the leading factors for malnourishment in children. Adults may even have higher risks of dental problems without straight teeth as well. Gaps in between teeth can harbor germs and bacteria that are only flossing, and correction of teeth can solve. Clear braces or metal braces are functional orthodontic dental appliances that allow the teeth to adjust to its normal state naturally. Hence, it may be beneficial for their health’s future condition.
Clear Braces Vs Metal Braces: Which To Choose?
Protruding teeth during an early age makes many children and teens uncomfortable about their smile. Permanent teeth may have additional treatments to guide these concerns. Truthfully, a patient’s choice of braces depends on what the teeth needs. Moreover, your dentist can even recommend you to switch from metal braces to clear braces after a few months or years. Not sure which braces to get? Discover the advantages of both clear braces vs metal braces.
Why Get Clear Braces?
Through the many years of dentistry, metal is one of the best materials for orthodontic treatment. On the contrary, a most orthodontic dental appliance such as ceramic braces is getting recognition for its aesthetic appeal. Ceramic or clear braces are also removable and can be washable with ease. However, since it is a developing orthodontic treatment, some people may only have clear braces after a traditional metal brace. One of the popular aligners is Invisalign, which promises a fast and quick remedy for a malocclusion.
How Can Metal Braces Be A Better Solution?
A teeth’s structure can vary, since some teeth are sharp, pointy, have gaps, or uncontrollable movements. Advancements in modern dentistry may even use heat-technology for braces or have better materials. Using a metal brace can help support the teeth, jaws, and mouth for a better bite and speaking. One good thing about having metal braces is how you will notice the fast changes in the adjustments. However, you may have to wear the appliance for a long time. Speak with your dentist to check if you are a candidate for this orthodontic treatment.
Tips For Taking Care of Braces
Avoid food that sticks in your mouth easily as it can also be a massive problem in the long run. Moreover, you can look for dental instruments that can aid in removing food debris. Clear aligners are removable, so that’s a great benefit when drinking, eating, or brushing. However, metal braces can be hard to clean. Don’t forget to brush your teeth in between the spaces. Finally, have a regular check-up with your dentist to ensure the best for your oral health care.
by dentistryblog | Dec 2, 2019 | TMJ Disorders
TMJ specialists are very useful health care providers these days because of their talent on how they can address TMJ disorders. Are you looking for a TMJ specialist near Sydney? Then here’s a heads up before talking to one.
Temporomandibular joint or TMJ for short is the joint connecting your skull to your lower jaw or the mandible. Its function is to enable the jaw to close and open and also allows you to eat and speak. It has been termed as TMJ to connect it to a group of disorders related to this joint.
Studies revealed that TMJ disorders are more common among women than in men. Though they can be managed, it has a lot of causes, making the real cause difficult to diagnose. That’s why TMJ specialists are highly appreciated, knowing the complexity of the case.
Causes of TMJ Disorder
The real cause of a TMJ disorder is still unknown even up to this point. Though there are sayings that the joint or jaw is a contributor in the disorder, there are various health conditions that are said to contribute to the development of the disorder. Here are some of them.
- Joint erosion
- Arthritis
- Habitual teeth clenching or grinding
- Congenital jaw problems.
There are also some factors known to contribute to the development of TMJ but are not considered the primary cause. Some of them include:
- Wearing of orthodontic braces
- Sleep deprivation
- Unhealthy diet
- Chronic stress
- Improper posture that gives strain to the facial and neck muscles
TMJ Symptoms
There is a wide range of symptoms when it comes to TMJ disorders, although the most common would be pain felt on the jaw and its surrounding muscles. Other manifestations would include:
- Facial or neck pain
- Stiffness of jaw muscles
- Restricted jaw movement
- Jaw lock
- Popping or clicking sound heard on the TMJ site
- Malocclusion, or an abnormal change in the alignment of the upper and lower teeth
The symptoms may be manifested either on one or both sides of the face.
How TMJ Specialists Treat TMJ Disorders
For mild disorders, TMJ specialists would usually recommend home care remedies or apply self-practices. Here are some suggestions to easy the symptoms:
- Apply ice to minimise swelling
- Limit jaw movements
- Go on a soft diet
- Avoid intake of hard-to-chew foods like beef jerky or gum
- Limit stress
- Practice jaw-stretching exercises to promote jaw movement improvement
If for some instance that home care remedies aren’t effective, TMJ specialists may recommend the following methods:
- Analgesics such as Ibuprofen
- Muscle relaxants such as Valium
- Corticosteroids or drugs to reduce swelling
- Stress-reducing therapies
The last resort to address TMJ disorders would be joint replacement surgery, arthrocentesis or the removal of debris or fluid from the join and dental treatment to properly realign the bite and teeth.
Most TMJ disorder cases require lifestyle modifications accompanied with prescribed medication to lessen episodes of discomfort and pain. It’s highly recommended to have regular consultation with TMJ specialists to effectively address the problem.
by dentistryblog | Sep 6, 2019 | Orthodontic Braces
Braces are the go-to procedure for orthodontic issues, those concerning the alignment of the teeth. They realign and straighten the teeth through a tried-and-tested process that has been used for many years. Metal braces are the first orthodontic procedure ever used. But as time goes by, improvements on the process and its materials came about, leading us to have ceramic or clear braces. One may start to think, which is better. Let us tackle some points and determine who will win in the battle of clear braces vs metal.
Clear braces vs metal: Criteria to know which is better
Appearance
Metal or traditional braces use metal brackets and wires that are attached to the front side of your teeth. Patients who are wearing them, especially teens, get a bit self-conscious because their orthodontic treatment is so visible, it is as if they want to tell the whole world they are fixing their crooked teeth. Clear braces are the answer to that; these braces use ceramic materials that are almost the same color as the teeth, making them a bit more concealed and unnoticeable. So clear braces get this in the bag.
Durability
While both braces use the same technology and are following the same process, we all know that metal is stronger than ceramic. In fact, if you are living an active lifestyle, your dentist might encourage you to choose metal braces since it can withstand far more pressure than the clear ones.
Cost
Expect that metal braces can cost you between $3000 to $7000 and clear braces from $3500 to $8000. They may sound almost the same, but if you have insurance, your insurance policy may only cover metal braces. It is still best to consult your provider before choosing which you should prefer.
Severity of malocclusion
Clear braces can solve mild to moderate orthodontic problems, but if you have severe malocclusion, your dentist will encourage you to use metal braces. They are sturdy and can tolerate more pressure than ceramic braces.
Do you need braces? If you want to have a better smile to show the world, now is the time to consider straightening your teeth. Talk to your dentist and discuss which orthodontic procedure would suit you and your needs.
Check out this comparison of the best invisible aligners before purchasing one.
by dentistryblog | Sep 4, 2019 | Orthodontic Braces
Orthodontic procedures differ on the length of time a patient has to wear them, and it all depends on the severity of their teeth misalignment and the type of solution they chose to use. Many patients include the treatment period as one of their criteria in using a suitable procedure for their teeth straightening, aside from its appearance and cost. With this, let us find out some information about the 6 month braces more commonly known as Six Month Smiles, a company that promises to straighten your teeth within 6 months! You can also visit CP Dental’s clinic near Acacia Ridge for an orthodontic procedure and have that beautiful smile.
Six Month Smiles: Are they too good to be true?
Six Month Smiles are the newest innovation in teeth straightening that uses tooth-colored or clear brackets attached to the front teeth. They promise to be less expensive, only charging you $3000 to $4500 for the whole procedure. They also claim that they are less uncomfortable because the brackets are only attached to the front teeth. Moreover, Six Month Smiles are also less hassle for patients since you will spend less time at your dentist’s office. But to be fair, let us look at the downside of this orthodontic advancement.
They correct the front teeth but not the whole. Since the brackets only adjust the front teeth, the correction of your bite may be unaffected. This means that there will still be slight pain or malocclusion still present at the back of your mouth, and not improving your bite.
They are not for everyone. Six Month Smiles recommend using their product for patients 16 years of age and above. So to know if you are eligible for this orthodontic solution, it is best to consult your dentist.
It is not recommended for severe malocclusion. This advanced type of dental braces correct the anterior part of your dental arches, so if you suffer from more complicated teeth alignment issues, you may not be satisfied with the result of your procedure.
Caring for your teeth is as important as caring for your whole body. Not only does it look good to have straight pearly whites but it is also good for your overall health. Consult your trusted dentist or orthodontist so you can start correcting your teeth misalignment and confidently show off that beautiful smile.
by dentistryblog | Sep 3, 2019 | Orthodontics
A beautiful smile can be described as having straight, white, and sparkly teeth framed by rosy red lips that extend its warmth to your eyes. Because seeing a smile that beautiful can give off a positive vibe not only to the audience but also to the beholder as well, it is important that every aspect of your smile is as perfect and as reflective of your true happiness. Speaking of using your eyes to keep seeing that beautiful smile, maintain your eye health with your ophthalmologist in Melbourne at Dr Anton van Heerden clinic, So when a person has, say a bite or teeth alignment problem, it is inevitable that the appearance of your smile is really affected. Let us tackle about one of these problems: what is an overbite and how can your dentist help you in correcting it? Visit and check the orthodontic services from Good Choice Dental for overbite treatment and other dental problems.
Overbite: All you need to know
Malocclusion is associated with any dental problem that has a deviation on the teeth alignment. This includes bite problems. Overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites, and others are just some of the types of malocclusion. Let us focus on one that is very common: an overbite.
Overbite is a teeth alignment problem characterized by the upper teeth sticking out far from the lower teeth arch. While it is normal to have a very slight overlap between your dental arches (upper and lower teeth), an overbite is an abnormal one where the lower teeth are almost concealed. This is caused by a deformity of the jaw or the abnormally small space for the teeth to grow. Overbite is also sometimes accompanied by overcrowded and crooked teeth.
Having an overbite not only makes you feel less confident and more self-conscious about how you talk and relate with other people, but it also can cause different problems like tooth decay since it is harder to clean the hard-to-reach corners and edges of your teeth, jaw pain or TMD, discomfort while eating, and difficulty speaking.
How can you correct an overbite?
This question is answered in 2 words: orthodontic procedures. Yes, dental braces, clear aligners, and dental retainers are the go-to options your dentist can suggest. Of course, if you have impacted molars, extraction or surgery is a must so as to make room for your other teeth to grow and move while having your orthodontic procedure. Your dentist can also recommend jaw surgery if it is the jaw itself that is the problem.
To make sure that you are addressing your overbite or any malocclusion problem the right way, have a dental expert assess your dental health.
by dentistryblog | Jul 16, 2019 | Orthodontics
Dental braces are wire-based appliances used by the orthodontists to rectify the crowded as well as the misaligned teeth or jaws. Most individuals who require dental braces get them during their teenage years; braces are not only limited to teens as they can be worn by the adults. The main function of the braces is to ensure your teeth and jaws are aligned properly as this will restore your smile.
For minor corrections, invisible braces are the most used because they are removable and can be customized. These kinds of braces are perfect for adults because they are not visible from the outside. When choosing between clear aligners and fixed braces, you need to consider the cost as well as the pros and cons based on your specific requirements. Fixed braces are ideal for most people because of their ability to correct their dental problems.
The use of technology in the dental industry has brought up comfort when it comes to dental braces than in the past. They offer a variety of treatment options:
- Crooked or overcrowded teeth
- Spacious teeth
- Those with upper teeth biting the lower ones
- Upper front teeth are overlapping the lower teeth to a large extent.
- Jaw misalignment problems can result in an uneven bite.
Proper alignment of your teeth is essential as it can enhance the appearance of your teeth as well as the health of your mouth and how you bite, chew, and speak.
Adults and Braces
If you are an adult and you have braces, they need to wear them for an extended period when compared to a younger person, but they still yield the same results – for instance, correcting misaligned jaws or crooked teeth. Since your facial bones are not growing anymore, nevertheless, there are issues which cannot be rectified using braces alone.
