Dental braces
From Wikipedia
Dental braces (also known as orthodontic braces) are a device used in orthodontics to align teeth and their position with regard to a person's bite. They are often used to correct malocclusions such as underbites, overbites, cross bites and open bites, or crooked teeth and various other flaws of teeth and jaws, whether cosmetic or structural. Orthodontic braces are often used in conjunction with other orthodontic appliances to widen the palate or jaws or otherwise shape the teeth and jaws. While they are mainly used on children and teenagers, adults can also use them.
[edit] History
In 500-300 BC, Ancient Greek scholars Hippocrates and Aristotle both ruminated about ways to straighten teeth and fix various dental conditions.[1]
In the mid-18th century the French physician Pierre Fauchard (credited as the father of modern dentistry) witnessed and treated several dental deformities very common among citizens of Paris in pre-revolutionary France. Historians believe that two different men deserve the title of being called "the Father of Orthodontics." one man was Norman W. Kingsley, a dentist, writer, artist, and sculptor, who wrote his "Treatise on Oral Deformities" in 1880. Kingsley's writings influenced dental science greatly. Also deserving credit is dentist J. N. Farrar, who wrote two volumes entitled "A treatise on the Irregularities of the teeth and their corrections". Farrar was very good at designing brace appliances, and he was the first to suggest the use of mild force at timed intervals to move teeth.
The American dentist Edward Angle is also widely regarded as a father of modern orthodontics. Practising in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, his eponymous classification of dental arch relationships is used worldwide. His textbook, "Treatment of Malocclusion of the Teeth" was first published in 1887. It went into seven much revised editions and laid the foundation of the modern specialty. After tenure as professor of orthodontics in two medical schools, he went on to found the School of Orthodontia in 1910. He designed several fixed orthodontic appliance systems including the ribbon arch and then the edgewise appliance. These have evolved into the sophisticated pre-adjusted and self-ligating systems used by the great majority of orthodontists today.
[edit] How braces work
Teeth move through the use of force. The force applied by the archwire pushes the tooth in a particular direction and a stress is created within the periodontal ligament. The modification of the periodontal blood supply[2] determines a biological response which leads to bone remodeling, where bone is created on one side by osteoblast cells and resorbed on the other side by osteoclasts.
Two different kinds of bone resorption are possible. Direct resorption, starting from the lining cells of the alveolar bone, and indirect or retrograde resorption, where osteoclasts start their activity in the neighbour bone marrow. Indirect resorption takes place when the periodontal ligament has become(necrosis or hyalinization), for an excessive amount and duration of compressive stress. In this case the quantity of bone resorbed is larger than the quantity of newly formed bone (negative balance). Bone resorption only occurs in the compressed periodontal ligament. Another important phenomenon associated with tooth movement is bone deposition. Bone deposition occurs in the distracted periodontal ligament. Without bone deposition, the tooth will loosen and voids will occur distal to the direction of tooth movement.
A tooth will usually move about a millimeter per month during orthodontic movement, but there is high individual variability. Orthodontic mechanics can vary in efficiency, which partly explains the wide range of response to orthodontic treatment.
[edit] Types of braces
Modern orthodontists can offer many types and varieties of braces:
- Traditional braces are stainless steel, sometimes in combination with nickel titanium, and are the most widely used. These include coventional braces, which require ties to hold the archwire in place, and newer self-tying (or self-ligating) brackets. Self-ligating brackets may reduce friction between the wire and the slot of the bracket, which in turn might be of therapeutic benefit.[3]
- "Clear" braces serve as a cosmetic alternative to traditional metal braces by blending in more with the natural color of the teeth. Typically, these brackets are made of ceramic or plastic materials and function in a similar manner to traditional metal brackets. Clear elastic ties and white metal ties are available to be used with these clear braces to help keep the appliances less conspicuous. Clear braces have a higher component of friction and tend to be more brittle than metal braces. This can make removing the appliances at the end of treatment more difficult and time consuming.[citation needed]
- Gold-plated stainless steel braces are often employed for patients allergic to nickel (a component of stainless steel), but may also be chosen because some people simply prefer the look of gold over the traditional silver-colored braces.
- Lingual braces are fitted behind the teeth, and are not visible with casual interaction. Lingual braces can be more difficult to adjust to, since they can hinder tongue movement.
- Progressive, clear removable aligners (one example of which is Invisalign) may be used to gradually move teeth into their final positions. Aligners are generally not used for complex orthodontic cases, such as when extractions, jaw surgery, or palate expansion are necessary.
- A new concept under development is the "smart bracket." The smart bracket contains a microchip capable of measuring the forces applied to the bracket/tooth interface. The goal of this successfully demonstrated concept [4] is to significantly reduce the duration of orthodontic therapy and to set the applied forces in non-harmful, optimal ranges.
[edit] Procedure
Orthodontic services may be provided by any licensed dentist trained in orthodontics. In North America most orthodontic treatment is done by orthodontists, dentists in diagnosis and treatment of malocclusions—malalignments of the teeth, jaws, or both. A dentist must complete 2–3 years of additional post-doctoral training to earn a specialty certificate in orthodontics. There are many general practitioners who also provide orthodontic services.
The first step is to determine if braces are suitable for the patient. The doctor consults with the patient and inspects the teeth visually. If braces are appropriate, a records appointment is set up where X-rays, molds, and impressions are made. These records are analyzed to determine the problems and proper course of action. Typical treatment times vary from six months to two and a half years depending on the complexity and types of problems. Orthognathic surgery may be required in extreme cases.
Teeth to be braced will have an applied to help the cement bond to the surface of the tooth. In most cases the teeth will be banded and then brackets will be added. A bracket will be applied with dental cement, and then cured with light until hardened. This process usually takes a few seconds per tooth. If required, orthodontic spacers may be inserted between the molars to make room for molar bands to be placed at a later date. Molar bands are required to ensure brackets will stick. Bands are also utilized when dental fillings or other dental work make securing a bracket to a tooth infeasible.
An archwire will be threaded between the brackets and affixed with elastic or metal ligatures. Elastics are available in a wide variety of colors. Archwires are bent, shaped, and tightened frequently to achieve the desired results. Brackets with hooks can be placed, or hooks can be created and affixed to the archwire to affix the elastic to. The placement and configuration of the elastics will depend on the course of treatment and the individual patient. Elastics are made in different diameters, colors, sizes, and strengths.
Modern orthodontics makes frequent use of nickel-titanium archwires and temperature-sensitive materials. When cold, the archwire is limp and flexible, easily threaded between brackets of any configuration. once heated to body temperature, the archwire will stiffen and seek to retain its shape, creating constant light force on the teeth.
In many cases there is insufficient space in the mouth for all the teeth to fit properly. There are two main procedures to make room in these cases. one is extraction: teeth are removed to create more space. The second is expansion: the palate or arch is made larger by using a palatal expander. Expanders can be used with both children and adults. Since the bones of adults are already fused, expanding the palate is not possible without surgery to unfuse them. An expander can be used on an adult without surgery, but to expand the dental arch, and not the palate.
Each month or two, the braces must be adjusted. This helps shift the teeth into the correct position. When they get adjusted the orthodontist takes off the colored rubber bands keeping the wire in place. The wire is then taken out, and may be replaced or modified. When the wire has been placed back into the mouth, the patient may choose a color for the new rubber bands, which are then fixed to the metal brackets. The adjusting process may cause some discomfort, which is normal.
[edit] Post-treatment
In order to avoid the teeth moving back to their original position, retainers may be worn once the treatment with braces is complete.
Patients may need post-orthodontic surgery, such as a fiberotomy or alternatively a gum lift, to prepare their teeth for retainer use and improve the gumline contours after the braces come off.
In 2004, Malvern Orthodontic surgery was sued £1.8 million after a girl died from choking on her retainer mold while the staff sat and drank coffee; it lead to new laws of braces.[citation needed]
[edit] Retainers
Retainers are required to be worn once treatment with braces is complete. The orthodontist will recommend a retainer based on the patient's needs. If a patient does not wear the retainer as recommended, the teeth will move towards their original position (relapse).
A Hawley retainer is made of metal hooks that surround the teeth and are enclosed by an acrylic plate shaped to fit the patient's palate. An Essix retainer is similar to an Invisalign tray. It is a clear plastic tray form-fitted to the teeth and stays in place by suction. A bonded retainer is a wire permanently bonded to the lingual side of the teeth (usually the lower teeth only).
Some retainers get glued into the patient's mouth and are left in there for the rest of their life.
[edit] Pre-finisher
If a person's teeth are not ready for a proper retainer, the orthodontist may prescribe the use of a pre-finisher. This rubber appliance similar to a mouthguard fixes gaps between the teeth, small spaces between the upper and lower jaw, and other minor problems that could worsen. These problems are small matters that dental braces cannot fix.
The pre-finisher is molded to the patient's teeth by use of severe pressure to the appliance by the person's jaw. The pre-finisher is then worn for the prescribed time, with the user applying force to the pre-finisher in their mouth for ten to fifteen seconds at a time. The goal is increasing the "exercise" time, time spent applying force to the appliance. Like the retainer, the pre-finisher is not a permanent addition to one's mouth, and can be moved in and out of the mouth.
[edit] Surgery
[edit] Complications and risks
Plaque forms easily when food is retained in and around braces. It is important to maintain proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing thoroughly when wearing braces to prevent tooth decay, decalcification, or unpleasant color changes to the teeth.
There is a small chance of allergic reaction to the pudding filled elastics or to the metal used in braces. In even rarer cases, latex allergy may result in anaphylaxis. Latex-free elastics and alternative metals can be used instead. It is important for those who believe that they are allergic to their braces to notify the orthodontist immediately.
Mouth sores may be triggered by irritation from components of the braces. Many products can increase comfort, including oral rinses, dental wax or dental silicone, and products to help heal sores.
Braces can also be damaged if proper care is not taken. It is important to wear a mouthguard to prevent breakage and/or mouth injury when playing sports. Chewing gum and certain sticky or hard foods such as taffy, raw carrots, large hard pretzels, and toffee should be avoided because they can damage braces. Frequent damage to braces can prolong treatment.
In the course of treatment orthodontic brackets may pop off due to the forces involved, or due to cement weakening over time. The orthodontist should be contacted immediately for advice if this occurs. In most cases the bracket is replaced.
When teeth move, the end of the arch wire may become displaced, causing it to poke the back of the patient's cheek. Dental wax can be applied to cushion the protruding wire. The orthodontist must be called immediately to have it clipped, or a painful mouth ulcer may form. If the wire is causing severe pain, it may be necessary to carefully bend the edge of the wire in with a spoon or other piece of equipment (e.g. tweezers) until the wire can be clipped by an orthodontist.
Patients with periodontal disease usually must obtain periodontal treatment before getting braces. A deep cleaning is performed, and further treatment may be required before beginning orthodontic treatment. Bone loss due to periodontal disease may lead to tooth loss during treatment.
In some cases, teeth may be loose for a prolonged period of time. one may be able to wriggle one's teeth for a year or two after treatment or longer.
The dental displacement obtained with the orthodontic appliance determines in most cases some degree of root resorption. only in a few cases is this side effect large enough to be considered real clinical damage to the tooth. In rare cases, the teeth may fall out or have to be extracted due to root resorption.[5][6]
Pain and discomfort are common after adjustment and may cause difficulty eating for a time, often a couple days. During this period, eating soft foods can help avoid additional pressure on teeth.
The metallic look may not be desirable to some people, although transparent varieties are available. According to a survey published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, dental braces with no visible metal were considered the most attractive. Braces that combine clear ceramic brackets with thin metal or clear wires were a less desirable option, and braces with metal brackets and metal wires were rated as the least aesthetic combination.[7]
[edit] Treatment time and cost
Typical treatment time is from six months to six years, depending on the severity of the case, location, age, etc., although research has shown that the average duration is 28.6 months (2 years and 4 months).[citation needed] Treatment can be accelerated using novel planning and positioning techniques.
The typical cost of braces ranges widely in various regions. The cost depends on whether both arches are being treated and the length of treatment. Typical orthodontic treatment comprises metal braces on both arches for 12 to 24 months. The 2007 orthodontic practice study done by the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics showed the national average cost of braces for comprehensive orthodontic treatment to be $4,941 for children and $5,354 for adults.[citation needed] Some cases in the United Kingdom cost £3,500, although they can much of the time be provided free on the NHS, providing the patient is under 18, a student up to 19, a pregnant woman, a nursing mother or living on a low income.[8]
In some European countries (e.g. Norway, Finland, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia, Germany, Croatia or Denmark) orthodontic treatment is available without charge to patients under 18 (or for treatment to start at 16, such as Ireland and the UK) as benefits for orthodontic treatment are provided under government-run health care systems. In some countries (e.g. Ireland), adults can also get treatment at a discounted rate, or claim tax relief after paying a full cost with a private practitioner.
[edit] References
- ^ History of Dentistry Ancient Origins
- ^ Ren Y, Maltha JC, Stokroos I, Liem RS, Kuijpers-Jagtman AM (May 2008). "Effect of duration of force application on blood vessels in young and adult rats". Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 133 (5): 752–7. doi: . PMID 18456151.
- ^ Henao SP, Kusy RP (Apr 2004). "Evaluation of the frictional resistance of conventional and self-ligating bracket designs using standardized archwires and dental typodonts". Angle Orthod 74 (2): 202–11. PMID 15132446. http://journals.allenpress.com/jrnlserv/?request=get-abstract&issn=0003-3219&volume=74&page=202.
- ^ Bartholomeyczik J, Haefner J, Joos J, Schubert F, Ruther P, Paul O, Lapatki B (Oct-Nov 2005). "Novel concept for the multidimensional measurement of forces and torques in orthodontic smart brackets". Sensors, 2005 IEEE (Piscataway, NJ: IEEE): 4. doi: . ISBN 0-7803-9056-3. http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/freeabs_all.jsp?arnumber=1597873.
- ^ Artun J, Smale I, Behbehani F, Doppel D, Van't Hof M, Kuijpers-Jagtman AM (Nov 2005). "Apical root resorption six and 12 months after initiation of fixed orthodontic appliance therapy". Angle Orthod 75 (6): 919–26. PMID 16448232. http://journals.allenpress.com/jrnlserv/?request=get-abstract&issn=0003-3219&volume=75&page=919.
- ^ Mavragani M, Vergari A, Selliseth NJ, Bøe OE, Wisth PL (Dec 2000). "A radiographic comparison of apical root resorption after orthodontic treatment with a standard edgewise and a straight-wire edgewise technique". Eur J Orthod 22 (6): 665–74. doi: . PMID 11212602. http://ejo.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=11212602.
- ^ Survey: Most Effective Dental Braces Are Least Attractive Newswise, Retrieved on July 9, 2008.
- ^ Orthodontic treatment (braces)
|
------------------------------
Many teens are advised to wear dental braces for oral health. Unfortunately there are myths and rumours surrounding dental braces that can be off putting. If you are thinking of wearing dental braces but are unsure of the facts, then read on for answers to frequently asked questions about dental braces.
What Are Dental Braces?
Dental braces are a type of orthodontic treatment, or treatment that corrects abnormalities of the teeth and surrounding areas (for example, the jaws). Dental braces themselves are simply small devices fitted onto the teeth that pull individual teeth or jaws in a desired direction.
Why Are Dental Braces Needed?
Dental braces serve a variety of purposes. Most commonly dental braces are used to straighten teeth that have grown in crooked and/or align the upper and lower jaws. For some people this may be a strictly cosmetic procedure (they just want to have nice straight teeth), but others may get more medical relief. For example, sometimes when teeth are straightened and the jaws are aligned pressure is taken off of the joints that are located in the mouth and the wearer feels much more comfortable. The health of teeth and gums can also be improved when teeth and jaws are realigned to make better cleaning possible.
Who Can Wear Dental Braces?
Dental braces are available to both children and adults, though evidence suggests that they work better in younger people. There is no specific age at which a child can begin orthodontic treatment, but there must be enough adult teeth available to work with before dental braces can be fitted.
How Are Dental Braces Fitted?
Either a dentist or orthodontist fits dental braces for patients. These professionals carry out a full dental examination, take X-rays and then make plaster moulds of the teeth. once it is decided that dental braces are the best option, treatment can begin as soon as there are enough permanent or adult teeth available. Sometimes there may be too many teeth present, which means that teeth must be pulled out before treatment can begin. The devices themselves are made according to the moulds taken, and then individual brackets are fitted to each tooth. Small wires, and sometimes elastics, hook between the brackets to keep them all in line.
What Kind of Dental Braces Are Available?
Most of the dental braces fitted on the NHS are made of metal brackets (the little devices that attach to the teeth). Plastic and ceramic brackets are also available, and many people prefer these because they are less visible. “Invisible braces” or clear plastic moulds that fit around the teeth may also be offered, though usually privately.
Do Dental Braces Hurt?
Immediately after dental braces are fitted there may be some discomfort. Shifting teeth and jaws as well as alien brackets can all cause discomfort, but there should be no real pain. Patients who experience any discomfort should report to their dentist or orthodontist immediately as adjustments may be able to be made.
How Long Do Dental Braces Usually Stay on?
Most patients wear dental braces for one or two years. Some may only need to wear them for a few months, and others may need to wear them for longer than two years. Throughout this time, visits to the dentist or orthodontist will need to be carried out every four to six weeks for adjustments.
How Much Do Dental Braces Cost?
Free orthodontic treatment is available on the NHS for children up to the age of 18, or students up to the age of 19 as long as there is a clinical need. If, however, a dentist or orthodontic believes that the need is only cosmetic then free treatment will not be available. The cost of private treatment will vary according to the type of treatment needed and the kind of dental braces selected. A dentist or orthodontist will be able to estimate these costs before beginning treatment.
What Happens After Dental Braces?
When dental braces are removed, patients should continue to carry out a regular regime of tooth brushing, flossing and regular dental check ups. Throughout time, teeth may shift slightly but usually not to the point that further orthodontic treatment is needed. To combat this natural slide, patients may be advised to wear a retainer. These devices simply hold teeth in line while the mouth settles into these new positions. Retainers may be fixed or removable, and some patients may only need to wear them at night.
Dental braces are a specific type of orthodontic treatment that can leave teeth and jaws straight and healthy when used correctly. For more information about your specific case, visit your dentist today and ask about the availability of dental braces in your future.
'연구하는 인생 > 西醫學 Medicine' 카테고리의 다른 글
Helicobacter (0) | 2009.07.06 |
---|---|
高脂血症 [Hypercholesterolemia] (0) | 2009.06.18 |
전립선 비대 (0) | 2009.03.01 |
Prostate gland (0) | 2009.03.01 |
inflammation 의 종류 (0) | 2009.02.19 |