Today's braces are something to smile about
Orthodontics have come a long way

If the word "braces" makes you think of "metal mouth" or "railroad tracks," you may be surprised just how far these teeth-moving appliances have come in the last few years. Today's braces are not only better looking than the traditional kind, but they perform more efficiently, too.

New materials and technology mean that those who want straighter teeth no longer need to grin and bear it. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, more than 5.5 million Americans wear braces. Although about 80 percent of them are children and teens, more adults than ever are beautifying their smiles due to an expanding variety of appliances.

Braces work by putting pressure on the teeth, gradually moving them over time. The two main parts are brackets, which attach to the teeth, and a wire that applies most of the pressure. Conventional braces are made of shiny metal. Today, patients can choose translucent ceramic braces. This material is designed to blend in with the teeth, making the braces far less noticeable.

Beyond looks, one of the biggest innovations is self-ligating braces. Unlike traditional braces, these selfligation (friction-free) systems do not need elastic bands (ligatures) to attach the wire to the brackets. Elastic ligatures can slow down the teeth-moving process by causing friction or resistance, much like driving a car with the emergency brake on. Eliminating elastic ligatures can help the braces do their job faster.

Advances in braces fashion and function started to take off in the 1990s. Although consumers could opt for less-noticeable or better performing braces, they couldn't have both. Only recently could aesthetics and more efficient treatment be found in a single appliance.

People typically wear conventional braces for 18 to 24 months, depending on the amount of work to be done and how well they follow the treatment plan.

In addition to faster overall treatment, self-ligating braces may also free up valuable time during treatment. With no elastics to change, most visits are quicker, and there are fewer appointments to fit in a busy schedule.

According to orthodontist Dr. Gary Weinberger in Plainview, N.Y., "With the newer technology of selfligation, I've found that the braces may need adjusting only every two or three months, substantially reducing the number of required appointments."

Another reason to consider self-ligating braces is a cleaner mouth. Cosmetically, the elastic bands used with conventional braces can discolor and stain, drawing unwanted attention to a person's mouth. On a more serious level, elastic bands can trap food and harbor bacteria, which promote tooth decay. They also make brushing more difficult, making clean braces, teeth and gums a challenge.

"Getting rid of the elastic ligatures is a huge plus for better oral hygiene," said Dr. Patrice Pellerin, an orthodontist in Quebec, Canada. "Selfligating braces help patients keep their braces and teeth cleaner than appliances that require elastic bands."

For adults considering braces for a child or themselves, this is an exciting time. There are more choices than ever, but many people may not realize there are many different types.

Conventional braces are still a good option, but patients may want to explore if newer types are right for them. Do some research to learn about what is available and discuss the findings with an orthodontist. Of course, treatment times and appointments will depend on the requirements of each orthodontic case.

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate Inc.