Showing posts with label orthodontics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label orthodontics. Show all posts

Thursday, December 4, 2008

The Pros and Cons of Invisible Braces

Invisible braces are becoming a hit today!
First there were the metal braces that are complete with a full head gear.
Then there were the much simpler metal braces.
Next are the porcelain brackets.

And finally invisible braces. Invisible braces can fix misaligned teeth for as quick as one month. Because it's the latest hip in the orthodontic world, I doubt this will cost less here in the Philippines.


The Pros

Unlike conventional metal braces, these are actually plastic trays which are custom-made to allow perfect fit. These "aligners" replace metals and wires. The plastic tray is responsible for the tension and compression which is necessary to move and align your teeth.

This is very advantageous for the wearer since this is fully removable and it sort of eliminates the pain (but not completely) in contrast with the conventional braces.

Well, it is undetectable by others since the tray is really thin. The term "invisible" is actually a misnomer since it functions as the conventional. So, if you don't want the unwanted "Betty" look, then this is your option.

The Cons

The concept of invisible braces is actually present since the 1940s but it was only now when it attracted ortho patients. So, new means that it would cost a lot. We are not paying for the materials per se, but the concept itself. So if you are thinking of getting yourself one of these, make sure you are financially-able!

Invisible braces are designed only for misaligned teeth or slightly crooked teeth. If your problem is your jaws or anything related to the bone, this wouldn't do you good. Try the conventional one instead.

The tray, since it is removable, is very easy to lose. So be really vigilant with these.

If you want the braces worn by Miley Cyrus (yeap She has one!), you can try lingual braces

Saturday, November 15, 2008

My Visit To The Dentist For Bracket Adjustment

I just had my brackets adjusted a while ago. The usual regimen happened which included waiting for one and a half hour under the heat of the sun. Oh yes, my dentist has to share clinic space with another dentist in spite of being very rich and well-off. I think this is because the rate my dentist charges is very, very affordable compared to other dental fees (The affordable was in large text because this is the number one factor people consider nowadays. Let's be practical people.). So the result? People, including myself, come all the way to this place and they we try to endure the long wait that comes with it. Again the usual mass of people were there standing beside me and beside each other. Despite this set-up, I really find it hard to talk to them and start small talk. I am just not very good with this.

Anyway, my house is not very far away, actually it was just a few street away so I decided to wait here in my house. When I came back there after one and a half hour, it still wasn't my turn. So I waited another 45 minutes until my name was called. My dentist and her assistant dentist analyzed my case and told me stuffs. They told me that I only have to wear these brackets for five months (which I am very glad about, I have been waiting for this time to come). Told me that I had a Class II malocclusion (being a dental student, they assumed that I already know this one which yeah I did know these concepts) and that It will be corrected within that five months (mind you, there are a lot of anomalies when it comes to teeth alignment). By the way, I've had these brackets for almost two years now.

It gave me so much relief that I will be free of these in just five months. I mean, having brackets isn't easy. You have to regularly look in the mirror every after eating to check if some food gets stuck in between your teeth. And the fact that I can't eat foods I love to eat (mostly sticky foods) really bothers me.

Anyhow, I am still very fortunate that I was given the chance to have my teeth corrected. I love teeth and I'll be dealing with them soon, so I think I have to have the right set of teeth (or at least a nicely aligned one!).

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Braces: A Woman's Bestfriend?


People, most especially the teens, really dislike the idea of braces? Well for one, braces make you look weird, nerdy, and what have you. We seldom watch movies that feature teen girls who are being discriminated because of the shiny, metallic thingies on their teeth.

Okay. So it is a fact that braces can be irritating. For the first few weeks (or even months), you will find it hard to eat or even talk properly. What a hassle?! What is more is that with braces, you have to regularly go to your dentist for a regular check-up and try to fit your hectic schedule for this. And it doesn't stop here. Your teeth are more susceptible to retaining plaques if you don't maintain a good oral hygiene!

But did you know that braces can be a fashion trend? In a country where braces can be a form of luxury and fashion, having them installed in your mouth wouldn't mean all the negative things. What I have noticed here in the Philippines (where having braces means a lot!) is that many people are now wearing braces even those who do not need one. I believe that Filipinos have really nice teeth and having to put an appliance on your teeth isn't a must. But what can we do? Braces are definitely a growing fashion trend! It is no longer associated with glasses and books!

Here in the Philippines, women with braces look more attractive (in contrast to movie films where they are branded as geeks). What is more is that braces are really effective in putting your teeth in proper alignment. What braces does is that it pulls teeth together (or apart) in order to close up spaces (or open spaces so that there will be more room for proper adjustments) and TADA! You end up with a very pleasing, aligned teeth.

Now, why a woman's bestfriend? Because women are now fond of braces, they tend to over-wear this and what will result? A loose and weak teeth!

So for women who are really fond of wearing their braces for years, remember that overdoing things are actually not good (everyone knows this of course!).