Month: June 2023

The hardest substance of the human body, tooth enamel, is a hard and shiny outer covering of our teeth. It is mainly made up of minerals which make it harder than a bone. The minerals strengthen the enamel, protecting teeth from damage and keeping them white, bright, and healthy.

Ceramics is a substance used to make braces, crowns, and veneers. One of its types, called porcelain, is used in dental procedures. Similarly, like enamel, these are also hard and suitable for dental fittings. It is artificial or man-made and somewhat similar to natural teeth. 

Though there are differences, the core objectives are to protect teeth from harmful substances. Enamel is naturally present in our teeth, and ceramic covers the broken enamel or bridges the gap between the teeth. It makes the teeth look similar to the natural teeth. Ceramics can be used as an alternative to the enamel. 

What Are The Advantages Of Enamel And Ceramic?

Tooth enamel works as a shield for the inner sensitive layer of teeth, and it is the first layer protecting teeth from harmful substances in foods and beverages. Some of the important advantages of having strong enamel are:

• Keeps teeth white and bright

It’s a hard layer that protects teeth from stains caused by acids present in some food and beverages. Remineralizing enamel can be done by brushing teeth with toothpaste and adding calcium to the diet. 

• Protects from tooth decay

When plaque buildup turns into sugar, it causes tooth decay. Enamel works as a protective layer that protects the tooth from cavities and decay.

• Prevent Gum Diseases

If plaque buildup becomes sticky and stiff, this can also cause disease in the gums. Keeping the enamel strong protects teeth and gums from harmful diseases. 

• Prevent Tooth Loss

When teeth come in contact with some harmful substance, it can cause loss of teeth. But if you have strong and healthy enamel, which can easily protect your teeth from these substances. 

Advantages Of Having Ceramic

Ceramics are similar to original teeth. But are used to replace damaged or broken tooth enamel. It is one of the most versatile options for changing teeth’ color, shape, and position. Some of the advantages of having ceramic crowns are:

• Highly Transparent

With properties similar to natural teeth, ceramic covers the damaged part, making it look identical to natural teeth. 

• Resist Stains 

They resist stains by making teeth look natural by mimicking the light-reflecting properties of the teeth. 

• Bridge The Gap In Between 

Ceramic crowns are also used to bridge the gap in your teeth. It also improves your smile and works as a false tooth to bridge the gap between two adjacent teeth. 

• Resistant To Temperature

Ceramics are designed to be temperature resistant. Hence, you are less likely to experience sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. 

How To Protect Enamel and Ceramic From Damage? 

Preventing enamel and ceramic from erosion is an important task. With oral care practices and a dental-friendly diet, it is easy to protect them from any harm. Some of the tips to prevent enamel erosion are: 

• Avoid excessive intake of sugar
• Limit acidic or citric food
• Rinse mouth after every meal
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Visit a dentist for checkups

Though ceramic is artificially made, it also requires proper care to protect it from damage. 

• Avoid sticky or hard food items.
• Brush and floss
• Use night guard
• Avoid nail-biting habit
• Maintain oral hygiene

Lastly, enamel and ceramic play equally in maintaining oral hygiene. However, it is essential to choose the option that suits your needs. Enamel, a naturally present substance on the teeth, requires much care to expand its lifespan. And Ceramics works well in that case as it also is a protective shield with more advantages. 

Orthodontics is that branch of dentistry that corrects crooked teeth and misaligned jaws. While doing so also solves improper bite issues such as underbite or overbite. Licensed orthodontists undergo additional two or more years of education after their dental school degree. Orthodontics or dental orthopedics can treat mild to severe degrees of malocclusion and also aids in curing other oral issues associated with misaligned teeth.

In the past two decades, we have seen unprecedented advancement in orthodontia. Earlier tooth extraction was frequently performed during an orthodontic treatment, involved appliances like big headsets, and provided one-size-fits-all brackets. Thankfully with the cutting-edge technologies of current times, it has become a lot easier to elevate your health by enhancing your oral condition.

Advanced orthodontics can be referred to as an upgraded version of odontology. Advanced odontology gives patients a three-sixty-degree treatment experience and focuses on the health of teeth, the comfort of treatment, and confidence in your smile.

So you might wonder what advanced orthodontics is and how it differs from normal orthodontia. You will get your answers in this article, so read ahead to learn the unique benefits of advanced dental orthopedics.

What is Advanced Orthodontics? 

These days we are pursuing upgrading everything in our lives, such as our devices, to the latest technologies. So why not upgrade our orthodontic treatments as well? 

• Orthodontia enhances the appearance of your teeth and smile and solves hoards of other health conditions. Misaligned teeth can lead to many oral problems ranging from chewing to speech problems, TMJ pain, gum diseases due to difficulty cleaning crooked teeth, incorrect bite, and many more.
• Advanced orthodontia takes orthodontics a few notches higher, focusing on the patient’s comfort, care, and confidence. 
• You get customized treatment plans with advanced odontology, which are highly effective and take much less time to give desired results.
• The procedures involve using clear aligners and ceramic braces, which are transparent and almost invisible to others. Hence, it does not impact appearance in any way.
• With advanced orthodontics, you get the complete package which starts with in-person doctor consultation and continues to evaluation, recommending a treatment plan, payment assistance, and post-treatment follow-ups.

The Many Advantages of Advanced Orthodontics

The field of advanced orthodontics is marked by many patient-friendly features, as discussed below:

• A variety of treatment options- It is no longer a one-size-fits-all approach in orthodontia. Earlier, everyone was advised of conspicuous metallic braces, which made us self-conscious until the treatment lasted. You now have many options to choose from, which are effective, customized, and much less noticeable. Today the braces are made to match the color of your teeth with materials like ceramic. Also, your quest for straight teeth does not end at braces, but you could go for Invisalign (clear trays), which do not affect your oral hygiene or eating habits.
• Flexible payment plans- Many people dread traditional braces because of the sheer cost of the treatment. But your budget concerns should not stop you from achieving a beautiful smile, and that’s where advanced orthodontics comes to the rescue. The progress in technology has made financing for orthodontic treatments flexible, and there is a wide range of options to choose from, so you can select the one that suits your budget.
• It is the whole package- Advanced odontology gives a complete package to patients where they do not feel rushed in their initial consult. Your orthodontist will answer all the questions you have, discuss the costs involved, and you could also understand the prognosis of the condition of your pearly whites. With modern image technology, you could even preview the impact of orthodontic treatment. During the treatment, you will get many follow-ups with your doctor to assess the progress of your therapy. After the treatment, you will also receive a qualified maintenance plan so that your teeth stay in their new proper positions.
• Your treatment is personalized- Each of us has our unique teeth setup; hence the treatment would also differ from person to person. In advanced orthodontics, you will receive highly customized treatment for your specific issues. For instance, you will get precise scanning to chart out a unique treatment plan which is highly effective. You no longer have to deal with messy teeth impressions, wires, brackets, etc. This branch of dentistry also utilizes 3D imaging to gain high-resolution images of your teeth and jaw to deliver faster and more accurate dental treatment.

Orthodontics takes care of the cosmetic parts of your teeth, but at the same time, patients get additional oral health benefits with this treatment. With the advancement in technology, odontology has also advanced, and now you have many options to choose from which are not cumbersome, highly effective, shorter in duration, and within budget.

In today’s world, appearances have gained a paramount role in our lives, and your smile is one of the essential factors in making you feel good about yourself. Straight teeth are everybody’s dream, and modern technology has greatly changed the face of orthodontics. 

Earlier, getting straight teeth meant having conspicuous and awkward metallic braces, which made people self-conscious for the duration of the treatment. But the advent of invisible aligners changed the whole game with their transparent trays that gelled completely with your natural teeth.

Invisalign is a set of clear trays that are custom-made to fit the shape and size of your teeth. Whether you are a teenager or an adult, you can choose these clear aligners at any age, as they are highly effective in treating orthodontic problems.

But there are a few rules around using Invisalign, such as the minimum number of hours to wear them. In this article, we will get information on all salient features of Invisalign, including the duration of the treatment.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a system of clear trays which are made of thermoplastic. 

• Your dentist would do a 3-D computer modeling of your teeth and then custom-design these trays to fit your teeth.
• The results of wearing these aligners are predictable if worn as prescribed.
• Every two weeks, you would need to switch to a new set of trays as each tray is designed considering the progressive change in your teeth’s positions.
• You should wear the aligners for at least twenty to twenty-two hours daily to finish your treatment within the stipulated time.
• One of the tremendous advantages of Invisalign is that you can take them out while eating or drinking.
• You would need to clean the trays after eating or drinking.

How Long Will My Treatment Last?

Invisalign treatment duration varies depending on the case. Simple cases might take as short as six months to finish. 

• Typically, the clear trays need twelve to eighteen months of treatment to straighten your teeth.
• The treatment duration could extend to twenty-four months or more if the case is complex, such as overcrowded teeth.
• Some crowding cases might be too complex, and Invisalign might not be suitable for such cases. Your dentist might advise you on traditional braces or a combination of orthodontic therapies.

Why Invisalign Treatment Duration Varies Greatly?

Since each patient is different, your orthodontist must chart the treatment course based on their specific requirements and oral condition. Some of the salient factors that have a significant effect on your treatment duration are:

• How much do your teeth need to move to achieve your desired smile? Treatment would be longer if your teeth need to move a greater distance.
• The pace at which teeth move differs from person to person.
• How compliant you are in wearing the clear trays for at least twenty to twenty-two hours a day. Treatment would be less effective and take longer if you do not wear your aligners for the prescribed duration.
• How complex is your teeth situation? The more complex a case, the longer the duration.

Your orthodontist can give you an idea about the duration of your treatment during your initial consultation. If you wear your aligners for the prescribed duration, your treatment will finish as per your orthodontist’s estimate.

What If I Leave My Invisalign Out For A Day?

Since you have the advantage of removing Invisalign as per your need, it enables you to enjoy food without restrictions. But if you take out your trays for a whole day, then it might have some downfalls, as outlined below:

• Progress is reversed – This is the most significant risk of leaving your trays out for a long time, where your teeth might return to the incorrect position. You will hurt your progress, and the amount of progress you lose varies. Fortunately, you can still get back on track with your treatment if you follow your dentist’s recommendations.
• Alters treatment plan – If you skip only one day of wearing your aligners, it may not impact the outcome of your therapy to a great extent. But if you skip them more often, it can alter your treatment plan and increase the duration of therapy.
• Next trays might not fit – All the aligners are custom-designed to adjust and fit your teeth as your teeth shift. If you skip wearing your aligners too often, the next set of trays might not fit you, and you might have to pay for the next set of aligners.

Invisalign treatment has become famous for people to straighten their teeth with these clear and removable trays. The treatment is effective if you wear them as recommended by your orthodontist. The duration of treatment varies significantly from patient to patient, and more complex cases might need more than twenty-four months.

By providing a discreet, comfortable, and convenient way to straighten teeth, Invisalign has revolutionized orthodontics. As opposed to metal braces, Invisalign or clear braces are virtually invisible and can be removed for cleaning and eating. 

However, the question of who should provide Invisalign treatment is a matter of debate among dental professionals and patients alike. Some people believe that only orthodontists should perform this treatment, while others are comfortable getting it from a general dentist. 

So, is it okay to get clear braces from a general dentist? Let’s explore the pros and cons.

Pros of Getting Invisalign from a General Dentist

Here are some pros of getting clear braces from a general dental practitioner: 

Convenience: One of the most significant advantages of getting Invisalign from a general dentist is convenience. Most people visit their dental care professional for routine check-ups and cleanings, and getting aligner treatment from the same person can be more convenient. You don’t have to go to a different location for orthodontic treatment, which can save time and money.

Cost: Another advantage is the cost. In general, orthodontists tend to charge more for Invisalign treatment than general dentists, and this is because orthodontists have more specialized training and expertise in treating complex orthodontic cases. However, if your case is relatively straightforward, a general oral surgeon may be able to provide clear braces treatment at a lower cost.

Familiarity: Getting Invisalign from a general dental professional you know and trust can also be comforting because you already have an established relationship with them. Your general oral care provider knows your dental history, habits, and concerns. They can tailor the treatment plan to your specific needs and ensure you are comfortable throughout the process.

Cons of Getting Invisalign from a General Dentist

Here are a few cons that you must know of while getting clear braces fixed by a general dental professional:

Expertise: The main disadvantage of getting Invisalign from a general dentist is that they may not have the same experience as an orthodontist. While general dental practitioners are trained to provide essential orthodontic treatment, they do not have the same depth of knowledge as orthodontists. Orthodontists undergo specialized training in diagnosing and treating complex orthodontic cases, including bite problems, jaw abnormalities, and severe crowding.

The complexity of Cases: Another potential downside of getting clear braces/aligners from a general dentist is that they may only be comfortable treating simple cases. If you have a complex orthodontic issue that requires more advanced treatment, such as braces or jaw surgery, you may need to see an orthodontist. An orthodontist can assess your case and determine the best course of treatment to achieve optimal results.

Monitoring and Follow-up: Invisalign treatment requires regular monitoring and follow-up appointments to ensure the aligners fit correctly and the teeth move as planned. While general dentists can provide this follow-up care, orthodontists have more experience managing aligner treatments and can identify and address any issues that arise more quickly.

So, is it okay to get your aligners fixed by a general dentist? The answer is it depends. It may be a convenient and cost-effective option if your case is relatively simple and your general dental professional has experience providing that same treatment.

However, if you have a more complex tooth problem or are concerned about the level of expertise and monitoring, you should see an orthodontist. Ultimately, the essential factor in choosing a provider for clear brace treatment is their level of training, experience, and expertise. 

Whether you choose a general dentist or an aligners expert orthodontist, ensure they have a good track record of successful cases and that you feel comfortable with their approach to treatment. You can also ask for referrals from friends if you don’t know where to go!