Getting Braces: When's the Best Time?
One of the questions orthodontists are most frequently asked is, "When should my child first be examined for braces?" There is not one right answer to this question. The best starting time for orthodontic appliances depends on the type of problem and its severity. Many orthodontists recommend that every child have an orthodontic evaluation at the time their permanent teeth are starting to erupt.
The timing of orthodontics treatment is important. Early examination allows an orthodontist to identify problems and determine when to treat them, for the best results with the least time and expense. For many patients, early treatment achieves results that may be impossible to attain once the face and jaws have completed their growth. In addition, early intervention makes the completion of treatment at a later age easier.
If no treatment is indicated at the initial examination, your orthodontist may simply want to check your child periodically while the permanent teeth erupt and the face and jaws continue to grow. At the initial exam the following will be evaluated: your child's facial growth (amount and direction), excess spacing between teeth, crowding, crooked teeth, extra or missing teeth, and habits that may affect growth and dental development such as tongue thrusting and thumb-sucking. These problems affect not only tooth alignment but facial appearance.
Finally, the importance of an attractive smile should not be underestimated no matter what your age. A pleasing appearance is a vital asset to one's self-confidence. A person's self-esteem often improves as treatment brings teeth, lips, and face into harmony, in this way, teeth straightening can be beneficial to social and career success and improve one's general attitude toward life.
+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.
Orthodontics and The Technology Behind Invisalign Braces
You may wonder what goes on with your Invisalign braces between the time that your orthodontist takes impressions of your teeth for your clear braces and when you receive your first set of aligners.
State-of-the-art computer technology plays a vital role in the process of creating your Invisalign braces. In fact, Invisalign's high-volume, customized orthodontics manufacturing process is the first of its kind in the world.
Below are some of the ways advanced computer technology in used in the manufacture of Invisalign invisible braces.
- To ensure a high degree of accuracy throughout the process, your orthodontists take impressions of your teeth.
- Your orthodontics professional then sends Invisalign your dental impressions which are used to make plaster models of your teeth.
- Using advanced imaging technology, Invisalign transforms the plaster models of your teeth into a highly accurate 3-D digital image.
- From your approved ClinCheck® file, Invisalign uses laser scanning to build a set of actual models that reflect each stage of your dental treatment plan.
- Using the Internet, your orthodontists review your ClinCheck® file - if necessary, adjustments to the depicted orthodontics plan are made.
- A computerized movie - called ClinCheck® - depicting the movement of your teeth from the beginning to the final position is created.
- Your customized set of aligners for your Invisalign clear braces are made from these models, sent to your orthodontist, and given to you. You wear each aligner for about two weeks.
- After wearing all of your orthodontics aligners in the series, your crooked teeth are gone and you've got the beautiful smile you've always wanted.
+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.