3M Unitek Introduces Revolutionary New Braces With Beauty And Brains

20 May, 2009 (08:09) | Braces | By: B. Slade

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Combining the latest in braces technology and fashion, 3M Unitek Corp. introduces Clarity SL braces, a clear, self-ligating braces system. Made from translucent ceramic, Clarity SL braces are designed to blend in with teeth, help teeth move faster, and make braces easier to clean, while eliminating the less desirable appearance and hygiene issues of ordinary braces. Clarity SL braces are now available nationwide.

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The Orthodontic Evaluation

14 April, 2009 (11:37) | Orthodontics Evaluation | By: B. Slade

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If you are a candidate for orthodontics, you will likely be referred by your general dentist to an orthodontist for evaluation of your bite. During your first orthodontic visit, your orthodontist may use several methods to develop an individualized treatment plan, including:

  • Oral, facial and functional evaluation (examination).
  • Intraoral and facial photographs.
  • Panoramic and cephalometric X-rays.
  • Impressions for models of the teeth and bite.

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Yakima gives go-ahead to new dental facility

10 March, 2009 (08:14) | News | By: B. Slade

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A new dental facility has received environmental approval from the city of Yakima.Thompson Development received the environmental go-ahead to build a 25,000-square-foot facility for Apple Valley Dental & Orthodontics at the former Country Drive-In Theatre on Nob Hill Boulevard between 42nd and 44th avenues.The approval is contingent on several mitigations that include making frontage improvements and obtaining the necessary permits from the state Department of Ecology.

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Preventing dental mishaps

28 February, 2009 (11:57) | General Info, Orthodontics Evaluation, Safety and Care | By: editor

Perhaps one of the most lasting and damaging physical wounds are injuries to the teeth. Dental injuries are usually complicated and hard and / or expensive to repair. Which is why the saying prevention is better than is very appropriate is this case. Here are some tips to avoid dental injuries:

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1. Wear a mouth guard when participating in any sport, especially in very physical ones. Sports are very dynamic, and you never know what can happen, so it’s important to always play it safe.

2. Don’t chew on hard foods. Chewing or biting hard foods like ice or hard candy can damage teeth through cracking it. The cracks may start off to be minuscule, but microscopic bacteria can get inside them, resulting in cavities over time.

3. Don;t bit of wrappers with your teeth. It’s more convenient – not to mention more hygienic, to use a pair of scissors.

Beautiful Smile? Nope!

4 January, 2009 (10:23) | Q&A, Smile Makeover | By: B. Slade

cosmdentAs more and more cosmetic dental procedures are being devised, more and more people are getting onto the perfect smile bandwagon. Industry experts are however raising the alarm that any underlying problems should first be addressed to prevent complications that can leave patients with more problems in the future. Cosmetic dentistry has always been, as the name says, concerned with giving people that perfect smile they’ve always wanted.
Having a good dentist who balances the need for beauty and pre-treatment, explains the what’s and how’s of a procedure is your best defense against later problems for with appliances such as veneers and ceramic inlays, they tend to hide underlying tooth/teeth that if not properly prepped will eventually lead to the demise of the erring tooth. Though cosmetically acceptable, it would only last till it falls out of your gums for which no other option would be available but for implants and crowns.

Permanent or Removable?

15 December, 2008 (07:47) | Braces, General Info | By: editor

Orthodontics appliances come in two forms, permanent and removable ones that each have their own pros and cons. Removable ones are preferred by some who want the option of having them taken out when they need it like with formal affairs and other social events. Though they might seem convenient, they run the risk of getting flushed down the toilet or lost in some other place. These removable types are also limited to certain cases that are considered to be moderate meaning not too much movement is needed for the process to attain the desired outcome.
Permanent appliances are ones that are anchored directly to the tooth and cannot be removed making them unsightly and sometimes darned painful. They are used for more extensive cases which through the use of springs, wires, rubber bands and other materials that exert a certain amount of force that corrects the bite or overall alignment of teeth. They have shrunk considerably during the past years as the technology has been refined making them smaller and less obtrusive but can still be quite embarrassing say when you get a huge chunk of steak caught in between the many parts. Whichever case or type of appliance, it is up to the orthodontist to decide which is better and with the fast paced development of newer and better dental technology we will be seeing them more and more as more of us want that perfect smile.

Who Needs Orthodontics? II

29 November, 2008 (05:21) | General Info | By: B. Slade

Image Source:floridaorthodontic.com

An open bite is the space between the biting surfaces of the front and /or side teeth, when the back teeth bite together. You have a misplaced mid line when the center of your upper front teeth does not line up with the center of your lower front teeth. Spacing are gaps between the teeth due to missing teeth or teeth that do not fill up the mouth. If there are more teeth than the dental ridge could handle, the condition is called crowding.There are various kinds of tools either removable or fixed, used to aid in moving teeth, retrain muscles and affect the growth of the jaws. these utensils bear down on the teeth and the jaws. The gravity of your condition will tell you the best orthodontic treatment most suitable for you.

Faster Sure Smile

8 October, 2008 (15:43) | General Info | By: B. Slade

Image Source: img.dailymail.co.uk

Sure Smile is a new technology straightens teeth faster and better than before, unlike with conventional technique have to manually bend wires, which can lead to small amounts of under- or over-correction and extend treatment time. Average treatment time for braces is between 20 and 24 months. It uses computer and robotic manipulation of the archwire to increase accuracy in planning to speed up treatment times. It uses Shap Memory Alloy also known as smart alloy that remembers its target position and permanently retains its customized prescription using body heat. SureSmile average length of treatment is less 40% time than conventional techniques. Treatments estimated to take two years with traditional orthodontics may take only 12 to 15 months using SureSmile. It uses digital imaging with OraScanner to create 3-D model of the exact tooth position. A software is used in the computer to allow the orthodontist to manipulate the digital model of your teeth. Robotic hands bend the archwire to shorten treatment time.

Latest Trends in Children’s Orthodontics

15 August, 2008 (12:49) | Braces, General Info, News | By: B. Slade


Image Source: www.timberlanedental.com

When a child needed braces twenty years ago; orthodontists had to use a typical appliance system. This involved the installation of stainless steel wires and brackets with basic elastics. These looked ill at ease and uncomfortable to the point they earned the nickname ‘railroad track’ braces. Today, these are becoming far more favorable. In fact, many movies and television shows now feature some of these appliances. Children’s orthodontics is now a chance for kids to have a say in their treatment and make a personal and unique statement.

The elastics for braces are now available in almost any color you can imagine of. This means kids can select their own colors. Their teeth now sport their favorite colors or color schemes that match a favorite sports team, school colors, or a seasonal color palette. With the arrival of composites, these treatments can have particular themes and shapes. Some of the most popular include shapes such as flowers, stars, and sports themes. This means kids no longer have a reason to hide their braces.

Why Straighten Teeth

2 July, 2008 (06:05) | Braces | By: B. Slade

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Straight teeth help an individual to effectively bite, chew and speak.� Straight teeth contribute to healthy teeth and gums.� Properly aligned teeth and jaws may alleviate or prevent physical health problems.� Teeth that work better also tend to look better.� An attractive smile is a pleasant �side effect� of orthodontic treatment.An attractive smile is a wonderful asset.� It contributes to self-esteem, self-confidence and self-image�important qualities at every age.� A pleasing appearance is a vital component of self-confidence. A person’s self-esteem often improves as orthodontic treatment brings teeth, lips and face into proportion. In this way, orthodontic treatment can benefit social and career success, as well as improve a person�s general attitude toward life.

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