Curious Parents Family Health Resources

Dental Health

Advances in Orthodontics
By Kidane John Yohannes

Remember dreading your dentist visits? Wishing you could put off that appointment until next month, all because you didn’t want to hear that horrid word: braces. Well it seems that times have changed. In recent years, two new techniques have been revolutionizing Orthodontics, and the way we think of braces. With a technological influence, Orthodontists are now using new techniques to fit braces better and with more accuracy. This both shortens the length of time braces are worn and results in healthier teeth. In short, these aren’t your father’s braces anymore.   

Traditional braces work by slowly moving teeth into the desired position over time. This is done by running a metal wire, called an archwire, along the outside of the teeth. The archwire is held in place by small brackets that are bonded to each tooth. Elastic bands are also used to add pressure and move along the process. The two newest advances that are changing this outdated method are the OrthoCAD IQ system and self-ligating braces.

Developed by Cadent, Inc., the OrthoCAD IQ system is a 3-D digital program that allows Orthodontists to strategically place braces on the teeth. Because positioning by the human eye is not always 100 percent accurate, this computer program allows the brackets to be placed on the ideal location of each tooth. The first step it to take an impression of the teeth. Next, the OrthoCAD IQ creates a digital model. From here, the system calculates where the best location is for the brackets to be placed on each tooth.

“The technology is similar to the smart bomb technology used by the military,” says Diane Goochee, of Cadent Inc.

How accurate is the system? Braces can now be placed within a hundredth of a millimeter of the OrthoCAD’s computed plan.

“Where the braces are placed on the tooth determines how fast the braces can come off in the end,” Gooche says. The end result: fewer Orthodontist visits and an overall decreased time wearing braces.

The second change becoming more popular is called self-ligating braces. Dr. Todd Rowe says that “self-ligated braces differ from traditional braces in the way that the braces and the wires are held together.”

Traditionally, elastic or steel bands (called ligatures), are used to attach the archwire to the brackets on each tooth. Barry Grant of 3M Unitek, makers of self-ligating braces, explains the fault in using ligatures: “having the bands on the braces can cause friction…this is like driving your car with the emergency brake engaged.” 

These bands can also catch food particles, making it difficult to keep clean. However, self-ligating braces use special clips, similar to sliding doors, to secure the archwire in place without relying on elastic or steel ties. They even offer a bit of room, allowing the wire to slide back and forth slightly. 

“It may not sound like much of a difference,” says Dr. Rowe, “but it really changes the way braces work.” This, coupled with a new heat activated archwire, made of a NASA developed alloy, gently moves the teeth in the desired position. The alloy is flexible at room temperature, but when heat from the mouth warms it, the alloy gently contracts, applying constant pressure on the teeth. Best of all, self-ligating braces also come in a clear color, making them as aesthetically pleasing as they are comfortable.

The days of the “train track” braces are long gone, giving way to more discrete, sleeker looking ones. As advances in orthodontics continue to be made, braces will steadily improve. Over the years, they’ve become more comfortable, colorful, and popular with people of all ages. As for the future, it looks like the time we spend in braces will become a lot shorter, and our visits to the dentist more infrequent.

“Parents like that we generally only need to schedule appointments every other month rather than every month,” says Dr. Rowe.

ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT: ADVANTAGES GO FAR BEYOND COSMETICS

Your pediatric dentist can identify crowded or crooked teeth and actively intervene to guide the teeth as they come in the mouth. Not only will this improve the look of your child’s smile, but early orthodontic treatment can prevent more extensive treatment later.

The advantages of orthodontic care far surpass appearance. Pediatric orthodontics can straighten crooked teeth, guide teeth into position as they come in, correct bite problems, and even prevent the need for tooth extractions. Straight teeth not only look better, but are easier to keep clean and therefore less susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease.

Unlike the other treatment choices that start and finish in a shorter period of time, orthodontic treatment takes place over the years as your child’s mouth grows and changes. A commitment to regular dental visits and good home care is a must. Orthodontic treatment is a significant financial investment as well. However, since it offers important health benefits, it may be covered at least in part by dental insurance.

Kidane John Yohannes is an editorial assistant at Curious Parents.  Some information courtesy of The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.