Braces are a widely used method of straightening teeth in the United States. The FDA Consumer Magazine reports that currently about 4.5 million people are paying for orthodontic treatment.
The largest market groups for braces are the baby boomers and teenagers. The main reason baby boomers are straightening their teeth through braces is that they can afford braces more than other consumer groups.
Meanwhile, teenagers just need or want their teeth straightened. The desire to have straight teeth has been growing among teenagers and other groups because awareness of the benefits of straight teeth has been growing.
In the past, braces have often only been associated with improving the looks of a person. However, a healthy, straight smile goes so much further than that.
Dental diseases are much more common in people who do not have straight teeth and a healthy bite. Common diseases associated with un-straightened teeth include gum disease and tooth decay that if left untreated will result in more severe conditions.
Treatment is especially important for people who suffer from crooked teeth, crowded teeth, over-bite, under-bite, misalignment of front teeth, and widely spaced teeth.
Many people avoid getting braces when they need it because of the discomfort and pain it will cause. However, after looking back into the history of orthodontic care, orthodontic care of today is not so bad.
It was not until the 1880s when J.N. Farrar suggested that mild force should be used to move teeth to a straight position. Just a few decades ago, bands had to be put around every tooth which were then connected together by a metal band.
Technology has developed far enough that ceramics, plastic, and stronger, lighter metals are used. Today, braces are much lighter than they were 20 years ago.
There are several different types of braces for people to select from. This makes them more convenient for everyday life and varying lifestyles.
Traditional braces include the stainless steel bracket system, gold-plated stainless steel braces, clear braces, and lingual braces. Progressive or clear removable aligners are non-traditional because they do not use the bracket system.
Traditional braces tend to be one of the cheapest forms of braces ranging from $2,000-$8,000 according to the needs of an individual. Progressive braces are commonly more expensive than traditional braces costing between $5,000 and $7,000.
The most typical type of braces are the stainless steel bracket system braces. Stainless steel braces tend to be one of the most inexpensive options for straightening teeth.
Many cosmetic dentists offer gold-plated stainless steel braces for people who are allergic to nickel, which is found in stainless steel. Occasionally, people will choose the gold-plated stainless steel braces simply because they prefer the color gold over silver.
Clear braces blend in with the natural color of the teeth and are widely used by people who are concerned with how they look. They are more easily broken than stainless steel braces because they are made of ceramics or plastic.
Treatment through clear braces is often more time consuming because they are more fragile. Clear braces are more expensive than stainless steel braces because of replacement costs.
Lingual braces are attached behind the teeth so that they are not immediately visible in daily life. These braces are also popular among people who are concerned about appearances.
While all braces are hard to get used to, adjustment periods for lingual braces are generally longer. This is due to the fact that they hinder the movement of the tongue.
For non-severe corrections, progressive or clear removable aligners are also an option. This method uses a clear retainer-type mold of the teeth to slowly move them into place.
Progressive braces are not as bulky as traditional braces and therefore are not noticed as often in daily life. The most commonly known type of progressive braces is Invisalign.
The most modern orthodontic method is called the “smart bracket.” Once these braces are fully developed, they will provide many benefits to orthodontic care.
Smart brackets will have a computerized microchip that will measure the forces between the brackets and the teeth. By measuring the force, the amount of force applied can be optimized without causing harm to the teeth and will result in faster treatment.
ronald pedactor is a former dental assistant and has authored hundreds of articles relating to oral health. he worked for a http://www.drcmohler.comdentist in south carolina before becoming a guest dental lecturer for the past 15 years.
contact info:
ronald pedactor
ronaldpedactor09@gmail.com
http://www.drcmohler.com
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