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Can you imagine sensors like this in each of your teeth? If all goes as planned, that is how the braces of the future will be like. The Institute of Microsystem Technology (IMTEK) at the University of Freiburg has been developing smart brackets to address the need for monitoring movement of teeth. Smart brackets are orthodontic brackets with a microchip fitted with stress sensors that measure the forces applied to the bracket. Researchers have been working on the size of the stress sensor chip and its wireless energy and data transmission capabilities so that it can applied to the patient.

Image from www.imtek.de

Eruption Guidance Appliances are molded polyurethane devices intended to guide teeth into the right positions as they erupt, typically in patients 8 to 12 years old. They can be effective in the short term for patients to whom they are recommended by orthodontists, when worn correctly. However, as the Australian Society of Orthodontists (ASO) warns, it is not yet clear whether these are effective in the long-term and that such appliances will not necessarily eliminate the need for braces later. The ASO says that Eruption Guidance Appliances cannot treat all orthodontic problems and that braces are still more effective.

When debris and bacteria are trapped between the crown of the wisdom tooth and the gum, the peridontal tissues become infected, leading to periconitis. This is evidenced by swelling and pain of the cheek and lymph nodes, fever and bad breath. Dental caries may also develop because of the plaque buildup in the area between the around the impacted tooth, which is difficult to clean. The root of the adjacent tooth may also be affected and cysts may also develop. If any of these occur, the impacted wisdom tooth should be pulled out before any orthodontic treatment, radiotherapy or jawbone reconstruction surgery. Extraction is usually surgical because of the position of the teeth. In many cases, all four wisdom teeth are removed. This may be done all at once, or by pairs, either the bottom and upper halves or by side.

Wisdom teeth, commonly called third molars, are the last of the permanent teeth to come out around one’s late teens or early 20s. They are at the back of the mouth, which is why they often become impacted. Impacted teeth are teeth that cannot be pushed out from the gums and are therefore do not emerge or in dental lingo, are unerupted. Because of overcrowding in the jaw, impacted teeth and become tilted and displaced, though it stays completely or partially embedded in the gums. Many people have impacted wisdom teeth, but are not aware of it when it does not cause pain.

Image from jamnagardentist.com

iBraces, developed by LingualCare, are invisible braces that are made of customized metal brackets placed behind the teeth, instead of in front of teeth as in regular braces. Each bracket is custom-made from impressions of your teeth, which are then scanned into a computer and CAD/CAM models are made. What’s great about iBraces are that they cannot be seen, do not get in the way of your speech, need fewer visits to your orthodontist and take a shorter treatment time. It’s also perfect for athletes and musicians who play wind instruments. Costs fall within the $8,000 to $10,000 range and can be prohibitive. Consult your orthodontist for the best options for you.

When Fantasia made an appearance on last week’s American Idol results show, she was still wearing braces. Did it matter? The American public has gotten used to seeing her with them. Celebrities have made wearing braces and retainers in the public eye acceptable. Braces have been seen on actors such as Tom Cruise, Alyssa Milano and Cameron Diaz, musicians such as Cher, Gwen Stefani and Sean Paul, royalty such as Prince Harry and Princess Eugenie, and athletes such as Serena Williams and Dwight Howard. Even child stars Dakota Fanning and Thomas Sangster have been spotted with tin grins. They might need to invest in their looks more than average citizens, but the idea that celebs are also working on their pearly whites is a lot to smile about.

Is the orthodontic headgear already a thing of the past? The face mask and headgear have become less common in recent years and we can expect cases requiring these to dwindle with the development of new orthodontic treatments. Miniscrew implants (MSIs) made of titanium allow the alignment of teeth and the jaw without the inconvenience and discomfort of straps and unsightly frames, all of which can be particularly embarrassing for youngsters as they attend school, given that they should ideally wear the headgear for most of the day. As advances in materials and technology continue, patients are faced with more options to allow them to live normally during treatment.

Dental crowns are a dental treatment that, when placed on the tooth, covers the part of the tooth that is above the gumline.  It’s a tooth shaped cap designed to cover an existing tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, or to enhance the tooth’s overall appearance.

Your dentist might prescribe a dental crown to fix a tooth that’s already broken down or worn severly; to protect a weak tooth to keep it from breaking, to keep together portions of a cracked or cracking tooth, to cover a tooth with a large filling when there’s no longer much of a tooth left, to cover a dental implant, and to hide severely misshapen or discolored teeth.

Preparing your teeth for a dental crown will take two visits to your dentist.  In the first visit, your dentist will examine your teeth and determine the need for a dental crown.  In the second visit, he or she will install the permanent crown.

Retainers is different from braces. Wearing retainers comes after wearing braces.  They are removable  It can be taken out when eating, brushing and flossing. meaning that you take them out when eating, brushing and flossing.  Being removable, they can be easily misplaced .  It is suggested that  your always carry your retainer’s case.  Whenever you’re not using your retainer, you can put it in the case  for it’s security and protection.  Never leave your retainer’s case on a table or a bench  but instead, always put it immediately in your backpack, purse or pocket.  How to clean and care for your specific type of retainer, your dentist can provide you the  information.   Make sure you don’t sit on, step on or otherwise damage this delicate and expensive piece of equipment, regardless of what type of retainer you are wearing.

One of the most popular orthodontic treatments today is commonly referred to as “instant orthodontics”. This is the application of porcelain veneers to your teeth to change your teeth’s color and shape, close the gaps between your teeth by slowly widening each tooth, hide small cracks and chips, hide minor crookedness, or lengthen your teeth. Porcelain veneers are as thick as a contact lens but don’t let that fool you - once bonded to your teeth, porcelain veneers are very strong and durable.

Porcelain veneers are the fastest way to fix minor orthodontic problems. Misaligned teeth and gaps that can only be fixed by braces can now have the illusion of being straight. It takes only a few visits over the span of three weeks for you to get your instant orthodontics.