Top 5 Lists for your Dental Braces

Published on by Dental Braces in Blog, Clear Braces, Dental Braces Top Fives, Invisalign, No Braces Dentistry

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Top 5 things to look for in a dentist?

1.  Are they happy to explain why and what they are doing and do they listen to your needs?  Communication is essential in dentistry.
2.  Do they attend regular lectures to continually update their knowledge?
3.  Do they have a happy team working with them?
4.  Are they aware of the importance of properly balanced jaws?
5. Do they practice FJO orthodontics, or at least refer to an FJO orthodontist?

5 things the dentist should consider before using any type of braces on YOUR teeth!

1.  Is the upper jaw in the correct position relative to the base of the skull?
2.  Is the upper jaw the correct size relative to the base of the skull?
3. Is the lower jaw in the correct position relative to the upper jaw?
4. Is the lower jaw the correct size relative to the upper jaw?
5. Is the patient aware of the commitment involved to wear braces?

5 things to consider before choosing clear braces.

1. Are all of the above criteria satisfied?
2. Is the patient aware that treatment will usually take longer than other forms of braces and may be more expensive?
3. If major tooth movement is required, a better solution can be fixed braces.

5 things you need to know about “No Braces” dentistry.

1. “No braces” is used to refer to dentofacial orthopaedics (or FJO dentistry), the process of altering the shape, size and position of the jaws.
2. In most cases, the reason for crooked teeth is related to abnormal growth of the jaws, rather than an actual tooth problem.  It is this growth that is fixed by “no braces” dentistry (FJO).
3. The “no braces” phase of treatment is sometimes best followed up by a course of treatment using braces to align the teeth properly onto the corrected jaws.
4.  ”No Braces” dentistry is usually best carried out as early as possible, while the child is still growing.  Age 2 to 8 is ideal, although during ages 9 and beyond, excellent results can be achieved.
5. All orthodontists and dentists do not practice this type of dentistry.  Some orthodontists only see the problem as being related to the teeth.  They may opt to not to treat the jaw problems.

  • Article by Dr Dan Hanson – Founder of DentalBraces.com.au. Dr Dan is passionate about all things relating to dental health benefits, including the worldwide study of orthodontics, orthopedics, dental sleep science, and TMD

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The Truth About Dental Braces and Straight Teeth

Published on by Dental Braces in Blog, No Braces Dentistry, Orthopedic Braces

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The Truth About Dental Braces and Straight Teeth

The truth about dental braces and straight teeth is that there are many many different ways of moving teeth to straighten them. One of the most common ways is to use braces.  The term “braces” is generally used to describe the metal (or porcelain) brackets that are attached to the teeth, upon which a wire is placed.  Other ways include invisible braces, using clear braces or Invisalign; and lingual braces where the braces are placed out of sight behind the teeth.

Dental Braces PatientsEach method has its own advantages and disadvantages. Your dentist or orthodontist can discuss which options are available for your particular case, as there are limitations to some of the methods.  For example, unless there is only a small amount of tooth movement required, clear braces can be a poor choice due to their cost and extended length of time required to achieve the desired movements.

Braces come in various guises and there can be many different types:  metal, plastic, porcelain, different elastic colours, different brackets, “no braces” techniques and so on.

Getting braces can be a life-changing event.  The increased confidence that goes with a great smile can have a dramatic effect on your confidence and make you feel great.  Not to mention the many health benefits achieved when the jaws are properly aligned and the teeth are in their correct positions.  The moment when a patient gets their braces off is a moment they will cherish for the rest of their lives.

The treatment used to balance the jaws is sometimes called orthopedic braces (sometimes spelt orthopaedic) or Functional Jaw Orthopedics.  This method can bring about a whole host of positive health benefits, in addition to giving you straight teeth.

No Braces BracesIn recent times this has been marketed using the term “No Braces”, or “No More Braces.” In this method the initial treatment involves straightening teeth (and balancing the jaws) without fixed braces. Removable braces (appliances) are used to direct the growth of the jaws and move the teeth. The appliance chosen will vary according to the specific problem.

Some cases can be very simple, perhaps to correct a minor overbite, whereas, other cases may require more complex types of appliances such as headgear.

Some of the most common questions asked before starting the dental braces process are:

  1. What is the cost of braces and how much time with braces is required?  This can vary considerably.  In some cases 6 months is all that is required and so the treatment is very fast and cheap.  In other cases, the treatment can be more expensive and time consuming.
  2. Sometimes, people want to know about the alternative to braces and ask if they can have straight teeth without orthodontics.  The only way to give the appearance of straight teeth without orthodontics or at least myofunctional orthodontics, is to camouflage them using veneers.  However, this is not ideal as this is destructive to the teeth and only masks the existing problem.
  3. When is a good time to get Veneers vs Teeth Braces? Getting veneers and other types of similar dental treatments are best used when the teeth are chipped or discoloured. This can sometimes be done after having orthodontics to improve the shape or colour of the teeth.  Sometimes it is best to ask why are the teeth chipped?  Maybe it’s because you are grinding your teeth due to a jaw imbalance (pain) or an airway problem.  Maybe that should be fixed first?
  4. What about my crooked teeth, can’t you just do the same treatments you used on my brother? It’s important to remember that everybody’s case is different...  Some people will only require tooth movement.  However, in the vast majority of cases, the problem isn’t simply crooked teeth. Usually, there is a skeletal problem where the jaws are in the wrong position or are the wrong size.

Be sure to seek the opinion of an FJO dentist who practices cutting edge orthodontics.  These practitioners will not only straighten your teeth.  They will try to align your jaws, help you to breathe properly, possibly stop you from grinding your teeth, and in some cases even cure your migraines. There are many health benefits that can be gained from FJO orthodontics.

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