Braces

Dental Orthodontic Insurance

2005-10-28T02:59:00.000-07:00

Dental Orthodontic Insurance - Why you need to get dental insurance or orthodontic insurance now

Dental Orthodontic Insurance helps to manage treatment costs involved in managing dental problems, tooth braces, root canal procedures, gum problems or gingivities and bad breath.

Dental or Orthodontic insurance provide for dental treatment that lays emphasis on preventive care. Increasing dental insurance companies are finding that by offering preventive care they save tons of money has preventive dental care is cheaper and easier for all concerned the patients, dentists and dental companies.

For full article on the subject click here Dental Orthodontic Insurance

Braces: Keep Smiling

2005-10-25T00:57:00.000-07:00

A happy, healthy smile can be the difference between getting a job and not getting it. Studies suggest that a smile is a major factor in the overall first impression a person makes on the interview. Most people would agree that a smile is an important social asset. There is much truth to the expression "million-dollar smile".

People who go to the dentist and make over their smile have shown that their income has gone up by as much as 27%. A bright, genuine smile exudes confidence, strength and a willingness to open up to others. On the other hand, if you are self-conscious about your smile, it might affect the way you communicate with others and could be detrimental to your job performance.

The truth is few people are born with perfect smiles. Those fabulous smiles you see on television and in magazines are the result of cosmetic dentistry.

Of course, you don't have to be rich and famous to have your own million-dollar smile. There are many options, from smile whitening toothpastes, and laser repairing, to invisible braces, and replacment teeth. Many procedures can be done in 2 or 3 visits to your dentist.

But finding the right and best dentist is a daunting task. It is important to choose a dentist who is trained in the procedure you are looking for and who keeps up with the changes in the field.

Nothing tells the story better than before-and-after pictures. So ask to see his work before you sign on for yours. And KEEP SMILING!

About the Author
I am always interested in health and healthy eating. Visit my websites: www.medicineestore.com www.phyllisrecipes.com www.happypettips.com

Invisible Braces

2005-10-21T03:31:00.000-07:00

Invisalign® Braces are the invisible way to straighten your teeth and a beautiful smile. The treatment with Invisalign® Braces starts within a few weeks of visiting your orthodontist or dentist.

1. First you visit an experienced orthodontist or dentist and an Invisalign® Certified Orthodontist or Dentist. You could check the Invisalign® website to find an Invisalign® Certified Orthodontist or Dentist near you.

The dentist will check your teeth and decide on a course of action that is best for you. Your doctor will also take some bite impressions of your teeth. These will be used by the Invisalign® team to make aligners or invisible dental braces for you.

2. The company Invisalign® uses advanced 3-D computer imaging technology and uses your bite-impressions to make a series of removable braces that will align your teeth and give you that perfect smile. On an average you will need to wear anywhere between 18 to 30 braces during your treatment period.

3. Within a few week of your dental visit you will receive the braces or aligners. A few additional sets of braces may also be provided for you to wear until your next visit.

4. You will need to wear the aligners day and night except during eating, brushing, drinking and flossing. You will need to meet your dentist only about once a month to see that you treatment is progressing well.

5. You will finish your treatment when you have worn all the aligners provided to you as part of the treatment.

BRUSHING TO KEEP BRACES CLEAN

2005-10-19T21:46:00.000-07:00

Brushing twice a day is one of the most important rituals that you can teach your children to do to keep their breath fresh and smile shining bright. With braces this is much more important.

Using fluoride toothpaste to brush is much better than ordinary toothpaste. Children less than 8 years old should use only a pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Also make sure that they spit the toothpaste out and rinse with water when done brushing.

A white sticky coating called plaque contains bacteria which cause permanent teeth stains, cavities and gum disease. This plaque needs to be removed every day. If your child is wearing braces it is that much more difficult to remove the plaque. The Brackets, bands and arch wires create nooks and crannies that are hard to reach. But you can not neglect your teeth during this critical period and even if it takes longer you should help your child with keeping their teeth and braces and brackets clean. Therefore cleaning is different and can take up to three times longer. Poor cleaning during orthodontic tooth movement can irreparable damage to your gums and the bone around your teeth leading to tooth loss.

Harsh brushing can also damage or abrade your teeth and cause gum recession. Use a gentle touch and a soft bristle toothbrush when cleaning your teeth. Using warm water to rinse your toothbrush will soften its bristles even more. The brush should be placed against the teeth at a forty five degree angle. The bristles should be gently pushed UNDER the wire and between the teeth.

Wiggle the brush and moved in small circles, a few teeth at a time. This should be done from above and below the main wire. Pay particular attention to the area between the braces and gums which is where maximum plaque collects. It is called the "danger zone".

Spend about 10 seconds brushing each tooth. After brushing the braces should be shiny, the gum margin should be distinct and the gum tissue should be firm and a light pink color.

Also, gently brush your tongue, cheeks and roof of your mouth to reduce the germ level and improve breath freshness. A careful brushing should take 5 minutes and should be done within 10 minutes after eating. When brushing is complete, rinse your brush thoroughly to clean it and let it dry.

Braces - Things you should know before buying dental insurance plan

2005-10-18T04:03:00.000-07:00

Braces Dental Cover : "Prevention is better than cure: Most dental problems are better prevented than cured. So look for dental insurance plans that provide for preventive care. Preventive care, including regular checkups and cleanings, is very important to maintain good dental health. With regular visits to the dentist, problems can be diagnosed early and treated without extensive testing or elaborate and expensive procedures.
That is why dental care costs are much lower when compared "

For full article on Braces Dental Cover : please click on the link

'Dental insurance plans contributing to America's health.

2005-10-16T05:20:00.000-07:00

Dental Insurance Plans: "Dental Insurance - Better Oral Health In America
Dental Insurance : 'Dental insurance plans contributing to America's health.
More and more people in America are now covered by dental insurance plans. In fact the 10 fold increase in the number of American who are covered by dental insurance in the 80's is the single most effective reason why there is such a sharp drop "

For the complete article on dental health read on Dental Insurance

Orthodontics - What's that?

2005-10-14T05:31:00.000-07:00

Orthodontics is the field of dental specialty that deals with the problems of the oral health like the the development, prevention, and correction of irregularities of the teeth, bite, and jaws and treatment using braces.

Orthodontists also are trained to deal with problems of the jaw and undergo specialized training in facial abnormalities and disorders of the jaw.

Infact the American Dental Association recommends that every child should be seen by an orthodontic specialist and evaluated for any jaw and teeth problems by the age of seven when the child's jaw is still moldable.

Orthodontic treatment - What is the need for it?

Orthodontic problems are usually called malocclusion - over bite or under bite are the usual problems. Others include misaligned, crooked, or crowed teeth, misaligned or incorrect jaw position, missing teeth, extra teeth and a disorder of the jaw joint.

Leaving these problems could lead to many problems like not able to chew food properly, talking disorders and clicking teeth and most important of all - lack of good self-image.

Treatment can give people confidence and positive self-image and a million dollar smile too!

Types of Braces And When can braces be used?

2005-10-12T01:17:00.000-07:00

It is difficult to correct misalignment problems at an older age as by that time our teeth are already posistioned. Ideal age for correction of these problems is 10-14. But all ages will have some benefit if treatment is taken.

What are the different types of braces available?

Braces are of several types. The main types:

Brackets : This can be metal or plastic. Plastic brackets could be clear or tooth-colored.
Brackets can also be bonded to teeth.
Brackets that can go at the back of teeth and cannot be seen as they are hidden from view
Bands : They wrap around the teeth like metal bands

All the braces help in aligning the teeth to the required posistion.

How Do Braces Help?

2005-10-11T04:56:00.000-07:00

Braces help align teeth, they improve your smile and alos help improve the self-image of people who have misaligned or protruding teeth.

If treatment is given early most dental alignment problems can be corrected with lesser pain and easier correction. In fact the Dental professionals recommend that a child be checked for teeth problems at the age of 7 or 8. This is the time when the permanent tooth are making their appearance and the jaws are hardening in children and it is moldable stage.

Problems can be detected early and the child can wear braces for a shorter period when the problem is also easily corrected.

Recent advances have made dental correction possible at any age. More and more people who did not or could not get their dental problems corrected at younger age are now opting for them and smiling with confidence for the first time in their lives. Braces do help.

Overcome Your Fear of the Dentist

2005-10-09T20:28:00.000-07:00

A fear of the dentist is common

Millions of people suffer from dental phobia. Most people who find out that they are not alone are shocked to see how common this phobia really is.

The fear of the dentist is a strong fear but is actually quite harmless. Mature adults are often aware that there dental phobia is irrational, but this fear is often hard to overcome when just thinking about going to the dentist causes fear, anxiety, and panic attacks. Study show numbers as high as 25% of the population of North America suffers from fear of the dentist "A fear, or phobia, traditionally defined as an irrational and exaggerated fear of dentists and dental procedures. Some controversy exists with regards to whether the fear is "irrational", as dentist phobia is most commonly caused by previous bad experiences. Furthermore, there appear to be several subtypes of dental phobia, which to date have not been adequately described and categorized, for example "fear of dentists" versus "fear of specific dental procedures", needle phobia, and dental phobia resulting from previous, perhaps unrelated, abuse. Not all of these fears can be deemed irrational. Dentist phobia may better be defined as an extreme and persistent fear which results in the individual's avoidance of attending a dentist at all costs, unless possibly when a physical problem becomes overwhelming. " Source: wikipedia It is very common for people suffering from dental phobia to miss their dental appointments. They will come up with any reason to miss it, including mystery illnesses. The problem with this is that without proper dental treatment the problem with your teeth will only get worse. The fear of the dentist usually starts in childhood, often from a dentist who may have accidentally hurt the child, or from a visit to a dentist who is used to working with adults only. It should not be forgotten that a fear of the dentist plays in your mental and emotional states; it can affect your business and your social life. What you can do to minimize or eliminate a fear of the dentist

Look for dentists who specialize in treating people with anxiety disorders. These dentists often approach their practice from a physiological point of view. This may include relaxation or visualization exercises for the patient.

Many dentists also help reduce patient fears through the use of drugs. This is great for people who can not seem to get over their fears. You simply go in sit down, take a pill and fall asleep. When you wake up your dental work is done, and although you may feel a little sleepy, you are ready to go home without any stressful memories.

Talk to your dentist about your fears, they may not know that you have them, there is nothing to be ashamed of. If this does not help you are always free to shop around. I used to be afraid of the dentist, and then I moved to a new city and found a new dentist who I talked to about my fears. This dentist had worked with many patients who have a fear of the dentist and he helped me to fear safe and relaxed and actually enjoy my trip to the dentist.

About the Author

Kerry Emrich

The author is a health writer and avid traveler. To learn how to overcome your fears and phobias visit our fear of the dentist site today

Buy Pmi Dental Insurance online - information on Pmi Dental Insurance

2005-10-08T03:09:00.000-07:00

PMI Dental Insurance - Why you need to get dental insurance now?

What does Pmi Dental Insurance do?
Pmi Dental Insurance helps protect you and your family from the expensive treatment involved in managing dental problems, braces, root canal work, gum problems and bad breath. Many dental disorders can be prevented from occurring. But when they do, Pmi Dental Insurance will be by your side, ready to help cushion your injury.
Most Pmi Dental Insurance programs provide for preventive care and thereby help keep the cost of treatment low. All you have to do is visit your dentist regularly, have routine checkups, get dental cleaning done and preventive treatment that your dentist provides which is covered by most Pmi Dental Insurance ">Buy Pmi Dental Insurance online - information on Pmi Dental Insurance: "Pmi Dental Insurance - Why you need to get dental insurance now

What does Pmi Dental Insurance do?
Pmi Dental Insurance helps protect you and your family from the expensive treatment involved in managing dental problems, braces, root canal work, gum problems and bad breath. Many dental disorders can be prevented from occurring. But when they do, Pmi Dental Insurance will be by your side, ready to help cushion your injury.
Most Pmi Dental Insurance programs provide for preventive care and thereby help keep the cost of treatment low. All you have to do is visit your dentist regularly, have routine checkups, get dental cleaning done and preventive treatment that your dentist provides which is covered by most Pmi Dental Insurance "

Braces - Picking A Dentist

2005-10-04T06:21:00.000-07:00

Dental Insurance Plans: "Picking a New Dentist on Your new Dental Plan
Most people you talk to dislike going to the dentist, it's definitely not one of life's most exciting moments! Finding a dentist that you like and feel comfortable with going too doesn't have to be difficult but it will require you to do some research. Below we are going to share some tips that will allow you to find a new dentist within your new dental plan, that you will feel at ease with.
Timing is Important
If you have a children and a hectic work schedule it's imperative for you to make sure that they will meet your scheduling needs. Are they open on Saturdays? Do they have late night or early hours allowing you go schedule your appointment either before or after work? Also how far is the office from your work or home? Is the Dentist available for emergencies after hours?"

Articles and Most Frequently Asked Questions Why you need dental insurance

2005-10-01T06:02:00.000-07:00

Dental Insurance Articles Links to Articles and Most Frequently Asked Questions
Why you need dental insurance?
Who chooses your dentist?
Who pays your dentist?
Three things you should know before you buy dental insurance
Dental insurance company - 2 points to consider when you buy your dental insurance plans
Dental insurance plans contributing to America's health.
Dental Plans - Why prevention is better than cure?
Benefits of having both Dental and Health Insurance
The Third Party In Your Individual Dental Plan

Dental Insurance Plans:

2005-09-22T23:21:00.000-07:00

Dental Insurance Plans: : "Dental Discount Plan - Why you need your discount dental insurance plan now?
What does Dental Discount Plan mean?
Dental Discount Plan are not dental insurance but the discounted fee structure helps you and your family to undergo the expensive treatment involved in managing dental problems like braces, root canal work, gum problems and bad breath. By reducing the fees you will pay for each of these procedures you save a chunk of money that you would otherwise paid your dentist. Only restriction is you will getting your treatment only from the dentists contracted with your discount dental plan provider.
Many dental disorders can be prevented from occurring and discount dental plans that provide preventable care are preferrable. Major dental problems can be prevented but when they do occur, Dental Discount Plans will help tide over your financial burden. "

Dental Insurance Plans: September 2004 Archives

2005-09-21T10:06:00.000-07:00

Dental Insurance Plans: September 2004 Archives: "Dental Insurance Plans - Can braces help me?
According to the American Association of Orthodontists braces can help 3 out of 4 people. Braces can be used at any age as long as the teeth are healthy and strong. People as young as 3-4 year olds to 50 and 60 year olds use braces these days.
You are not too old to seek dental treatment. Use our dental insurance today and make transform your life for ever, improve your self image and laugh out like you have never done before.
Posted by blogger at 02:51 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack Dental Insurance Plans
Dental Insurance Plans - Can braces help me?
According to the American Association of Orthodontists braces can help 3 out of 4 people. Braces can be used at any age as long as the teeth are healthy and strong. People as young as 3-4 year olds to 50 and 60 year olds use braces these days.
You are not too old to seek dental treatment. Use our dental insurance today and make transform your life for ever, improve your self image and laugh out like you have never done before."

Discount Dental Insurance online - Your information guide to Discount Dental Insurance

2005-09-19T10:34:00.000-07:00

Discount Dental Insurance online - Your information guide to Discount Dental Insurance: "Looking for Discount Dental Insurance - The best deals on Discount Dental Insurance can be found here.

Are you overwhelmed by the number and variety of Discount Dental Insurance plans available on the web today?
Are you having trouble comparing one discount dental plan with the rest and are ready to tear your hair out.
Don't despair. This site tries to make the process of choosing the best Discount Dental Insurance that is suited for your needs, simpler and easier for you.
All you need to do is know your zip code. Enter your zip code and instantly you are presented with list of Discount Dental Insurance in your area.
Before you choose here are some points to consider - find out if all the procedures that you may require are covered? Is preventive check-ups covered? Are the discounted fares truly discounted? If you need complex procedures, or braces will the plan provider cover it? Check out who will pay the dentist? Read the fine print!
Now, choose a plan best suited to you needs. Also check out the list of dentists who serve your area and are contracted by the dental insurance company plan chosen by you.
You may be wondering as to why you can't go to any dentist? Your Discount Dental Insurance provider contracts with only a preferred panel of dentists. As a result you get the dental plan benefits only if you go the dentist who has contracted with your Discount Dental Insurance provider. "

Dental Braces Insurance online - information and tips to buy Dental Braces Insurance

2005-09-15T23:23:00.000-07:00

Dental Braces Insurance online - information and tips to buy Dental Braces Insurance: "How will you benefit with Dental Braces Insurance do?
With Dental Braces Insurance you can save money when your family members have to undergo expensive treatment involved in managing dental problems like braces, root canal work, gum problems and bad breath.
Most teenagers require braces these days to correct underbite, overbite, proper teeth alignment, to improve the smile, for cosmetic reasons. Even adults are going for braces to correct their teeth problems that they have lived with for years. So going for dental insurance for braces is a good idea.
Check out if dental plan you are buying covers braces and the related treatment costs, if so how much can you expect to save by going for braces dental braces insurance. This will give you an idea of the advantages of going with dental insurance with braces cover.
Most Dental Braces Insurance programs provide for preventive care and thereby help keep the cost of treatment low. All you have to do is visit your dentist regularly, have routine checkups, get dental cleaning done and preventive treatment that your dentist provides which is covered by most Dental Braces Insurance "

What does Dental Discount Plan mean?

2005-09-14T19:15:00.000-07:00

What does Dental Discount Plan mean?

Dental Discount Plan are not dental insurance but the discounted fee structure helps you and your family to undergo the expensive treatment involved in managing dental problems like braces, root canal work, gum problems and bad breath. By reducing the fees you will pay for each of these procedures you save a chunk of money that you would otherwise paid your dentist. Only restriction is you will getting your treatment only from the dentists contracted with your discount dental plan provider.

Many dental disorders can be prevented from occurring and discount dental plans that provide preventable care are preferrable. Major dental problems can be prevented but when they do occur, Dental Discount Plans will help tide over your financial burden.

Most Dental Discount Plan programs are focussed on preventive care so your the cost of treatment costs are low. Make it a point to visit your dentist regularly, have routine checkups, get dental cleaning done and preventive treatment that your dentist provides which is covered by most Dental Discount Plan

Terrible Twos, Terrible Teens/Dr. Bill Gallagher, DC

2005-09-12T00:47:00.000-07:00

Someone once told me that being a teenager is a second chance to learn what you missed when you were two. At first it sounded like a stretch but, after taking a closer look, it was right on target.

Growing up is a challenging process that does not end after passing those teen years. Hopefully, it will continue right on through adulthood and, for that matter, for as long as you live. For now let's take a closer look at that most difficult time of growth, both physically and emotionally.

This is a time when your body goes through a tremendous growth spurt. In a relatively short span of your life your body grows to almost twice the size of what it use to be. Arms and legs seem to have a mind of their own as you try to coordinate their movement. Muscle mass increases to help you run faster and jump higher. Everything changes so fast that when you pass a mirror you may not be sure who that is looking back at you.

It is a time of considerable learning. Information pours in at such a pace and on a daily basis that it is amazing anyone could process it all. Even so, you manage to catalog most of it somewhere in your brain for future use. Then, each time one of those stored bits of information shows up again, everyone else in the room can see your lights turning on. All that information will also be used to help you make decisions as to what is right and what is wrong. You learn more and more to avoid the things that hurt and go toward those that bring you pleasure. Hopefully, you also learn which are good choices.

It is a time when communication is probably the biggest issue. Yes, you have a vocabulary that allows you to get what you need but, in order to function, you need to learn more words and how to use them more eloquently. Not being able to do so can lead to insurmountable frustration, where you don't know whether to be upset with yourself or your parents, who simply don't understand you.

It is a time when, for some unknown reason, you have a need to test the limits. When you are trying to convince your parents that you are old enough to do what you want to do and responsible enough to make your own decisions. When you are not always understood. When the words fail and you know you are not being heard, and the frustration leads you to simply have a fit.

Such is the plight of a two-year old, or was that a teenager? The only real differences are braces and acne.

Both have to learn how to maneuver in a body that is growing faster than they are. Both have so much to learn. At two, it is counting to ten; as a teen, it is algebra and calculus. For each, it is just as much of a challenge. Both need to explore their ever expanding world. At two, that is rarely out of a parent's sight; for a teen, the limits drop as the whole world is opened up. Decisions and responsibilities expand too, from learning hot and cold, to more complex issues of life and interpersonal relationships.

Then there is communication. At two, the vocabulary may be limited but it is quite sufficient to convey one's basic needs. With practice, single word commands expand into three word sentences that make it easier to deal with parents and others. Teens are no different. They have more words, but need to develop a greater command of the language in order to get their more complex ideas across to others.

Both go through the frustration of all these issues and of not being understood and, when that boils over, there is little difference between a tantrum on the living room floor and stomping off to your bedroom and slamming the door. The lessons are basically the same, only the scale changes.

Oddly enough, the lesson here is probably best given to the parents or those teens who will be parents: The "Terrible Twos" are not really that terrible, especially once you get past them and, for that matter, neither are those teenage years. Just remember that both are growing and need to be understood. You, no doubt, recall being a teenager yourself more than you do having been two. As a parent, you have the advantage of seeing both stages in your child. The moral of this story is they are no different than a one-year old who learned how to walk. No matter how many times they fell they got back up and tried again because you were there to support them. Dr Bill Gallagher is the director of Run Drugs Out of Town Run, Inc. http://rundrugsoutoftownrun.org

MORE INFO HERE: http://joanbramsch.com/counseling eens.shtml

About the Author
JOAN BRAMSCH is a family person, educator, writer and E-publisher. Her articles appear internationally in print and online. Six of her best-selling adult novels - near one million copies - have worldwide distribution. Her Empowered Parenting Ezine serves 1000 parents around the globe. http://www.JoanBramsch.com mailto:hijoan@joanbramsch.com

5 Important Facts Adults Need to Know Before Getting Braces

2005-09-11T00:43:00.000-07:00

Adult orthodontia is big business. More 40-something year old parents have finally gotten all their children out of braces and now it's their turn. Some middle-agers are just now becoming metal mouths because they are at a point in their life when they can finally afford it. Still others opt for the wires because after starting over after a divorce they are finally ready to get that gorgeous straight smile!

If you're considering taking the plunge yourself, here are a few bits of information you should know before making a decision. There are basically three types of braces moms and dads are opting for: standard metal, clear brackets and invisible. The standard ones are the most cost effective and you can even change the color of your rubber bands like all the hip, cool kids are doing. Clear brackets are a bit larger in size than the metal ones. Depending on your bite you may not have enough room to get the clear ones on your lower teeth, at least not initially. The wires are still metal and you can see the braces on your teeth, they're just not as noticeable. Drawbacks are they are slightly more expensive than the metal brackets and when it comes time to take them off, it's takes a bit more effort and is consequently a little more uncomfortable. Lastly there are the invisible braces which go behind your teeth, not on the front like most. It takes a while longer to correct your smile and is the most expensive type.

Speaking of expensive, you should on plan on spending about $4,000 for your braces. Clearly you will find some orthodontists who will do it for less, and some for more. It really depends also on the length and severity of treatment. If you have orthodontia insurance coverage, some plans cover up to 50% of the total costs. Most orthodontists will allow you to make monthly payments. You'll be required to put a down payment on your new beautiful smile.

One thing you may not hear during your initial consultation, yet other adults who have gone before you will testify to is that when you initially get your braces put on your teeth - it hurts! It hurts a lot and for along time! With children they tell them it may be a little uncomfortable for two or three days and to take Ibuprophin as needed for pain. That's not the case with adults, although they may give you the same instructions. Think about it. Children who get braces have their permanent teeth for generally three months or three years. Those big teeth haven't become too accustomed to hanging out in their current location.

Adults, on the other hand, have had those permanent teeth affixed in their mouth for 20-35 years prior to getting braces. They don't move as easily or as willingly. One mother shared that she was glad she had left over heavy duty pain meds from her c-section five years prior. She lamented that she felt like an elephant was sitting on her head for 10-days straight. Further, she continued she'd rather go through another 52 hours of labor than to get braces put on again.

This is not to frighten you. It does get much easier and you even forget you have them on. When you get adjustments every eight weeks or so, you're normally a little tender for 24-36 hours, and aspirin does help. The severe pain is just initially when you first get them on. Ask for pain meds. Do not let them tell you to take a few Tylenol and you'll be fine in three days. You're in for a rude awakening if you believe that.

But in no time at all, average 18-24 months you will have a Hollywood smile and it will have all been worth it! Open wide - who's next?

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.

About the Author
Emily Clark is editor at Lifestyle Health News and Medical Health News where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on many medical, health and lifestyle topics.

The Miracle of Invisible Braces Digitally Mastered Just for You

2005-09-10T00:50:00.000-07:00

Of all the high-tech advances making life better for the esthetically-challenged smile, none does more for crooked teeth than the invisible braces system called Invisalign.

The Over Bite. The Under Bite. The Cross Bite. The Crowded Mouth. The Wide-Spaced Mouth. The Malocclusion Mouth. All are no match for the regimen of clear plastic trays digitally mastered from a three-dimensional model to uncross an incorrigible jaw or reign in far-flung teeth. The trays--known as aligners--are worn for about two weeks at a time to slowly, methodically, invisibly, get teeth moving to a better place.

"It's a dream come true for our adult patients who wore metal braces as children, but the results didn't last," says Dr. Marc D. Doctors, at the Washington Center for Dentistry, in Washington, DC. "Now they have a workable way to do it all again--without any one knowing!"

Dr. Doctors notes that at least half of his patients seeking straighter teeth have "relapsed" since their first go at braces in their teens. "Kids back then were told to wear their retainers for a few years, and that was it," he says. "So their teeth moved back, leaving appearance problems in adulthood."

And with today's emphasis on appearance--especially young-looking smiles--patients are signing up for Invisalign in growing numbers. And dentists are hearing the call.

"I am amazed that so many patients are coming in to treat problems with crooked or crowded teeth," says Dr. Bernard W. Lynch, also of the Washington Center for Dentistry. "They are happy there is an adult-friendly way to improve their smiles, and in a relatively short period of time."

In fact, how long it will take is one of the first questions patients ask, says Dr. Lynch. The typical one-year treatment period works well for patients. That's the average time it takes the average patient to wear each set of upper and lower plastic trays, for about two weeks. The doctor checks progress about once a month or two, and every few visits, patients get new aligners to continue treatment.

And the treatment gets off to an exciting start, when impressions and photos of the mouth go to Invisalign for processing. A special 3-D computer scanner produces a three-dimensional, digital model of the teeth. The software diagrams each small step the teeth will move during treatment. And the process transforms the impressions of the bite into precise molds of the teeth at each stage of treatment. Finally, a set of clear, custom trays are made from the molds. The set includes about 18 to 30 trays.

Each set of trays--which stay in the mouth day and night for about two weeks--come out only to allow eating, drinking, brushing and flossing. The trays are even okay to wear during sports. Patients also report weight loss, since there's less time for snacking!

There's also that rush of motivation when it's time for the next round of trays, signaling another step closer to that winning smile.

"And they love the flexibility of being able to take out the trays for special occasions," says Dr. Lynch. "It's a very manageable way to get this done."

About the Author
For more information about cosmetic dentistry options in Washington DC including Invisalign, please click here.

Cosmetic Surgery - Vanity or Healthy Choice?

2005-09-09T00:41:00.000-07:00

Cosmetic and plastic surgery has long been associated with vanity, but mounting evidence suggests that in many cases cosmetic surgery can offer substantial health benefits. Nose jobs can offer real health benefits in addition to improving the symmetry of the face. Face lifts have been shown to increase life expectancy. And eyelid surgery can create significant vision benefits for some people. All of these examples show the lines between aesthetics and real health benefits can blur when examining plastic surgery procedures.

Rhinoplasty, or nose jobs have health benefits beyond the aesthetic appeals of the procedure. In many cases, rhinoplasty can substantially improve breathing difficulties. In cases where people have broken their nose, the cartilage can become constricted, creating breathing problems. Rhinoplasty can alleviate this, along with snoring problems associated with constricted nasal passages. Many people who have persistent sinus problems have remedied the issue with rhinoplasty.

Face lifts have long been considered a purely cosmetic procedure for people to fight the effects of aging. However, evidence shows that face lifts actually can have health benefits. A study performed at the Mayo clinic reviewed data from 250 women who had undergone face lifts in the '70s. The data showed that on average, women who received face lifts outlived their counterparts in the general population by 10 years. The self esteem factors attributed to looking and feeling younger as a result of the face lift are cited as possible reasons why these patients lived longer.

Eyelid surgery known as blepharoplasty is a procedure to remove fat--usually along with excess skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. While the procedure does have cosmetic benefits, it can also provide real health benefits to those who have vision problems caused by excess skin around the eyelids.

Gastric Bypass surgery, while not often considered "cosmetic surgery" can be viewed as a surgery to improve appearances. Like liposuction, it reduces an individual's weight through surgical means. However, the health benefits of losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight are well documented and accepted. Losing weight is a perfect example of how health benefits and aesthetic benefits can both result from the same surgical procedures.

Most who have significant dental problems will view fixing those problems as a mandatory concern. Braces were once considered strange, but now are commonplace. People who lose teeth in accidents don't think twice about the vanity associated with replacing those teeth. Indeed, they argue that replacing broken or lost teeth is necessary for healthy eating function, as well as restoring appearance. Improving speech through dentistry has been long accepted for its benefits, and without the taboos associated with many cosmetic surgery procedures.

Cosmetic surgery is not just for vain people who want to improve their aesthetic appeal. In many cases, the real benefits of cosmetic surgery make the aesthetic improvements just an added bonus when compared to the health benefits the procedures can provide. As cosmetic surgery becomes more common, the lines between purely cosmetic and self esteem benefits and real measurable health benefits will increasingly blur. As the health benefits of cosmetic surgery become more apparent and documented, the acceptance of the procedures by the public at large will continue to climb.

About the Author
Rex Ryan maintains a website on cosmetic surgery procedures:

http://www.aboutcosmeticsurgery.info

Braces: Invisalign braces

2005-09-08T21:09:00.000-07:00

Dental Cost is a big consideration in any kind of dental treatment. Dental costs vary depending on your type of dental problem, the dental treatment you require and various other factors like where you live, your dentist and the amount of time it takes to fix you up.

Invisalign Braces are not much different from traditional braces in terms of costs. Costs can start from three thousand five hundered dollars and go up from there. The national average for invisalign braces is around $5,000.

If you have a dental insurance plan that covers your orthodontic treatment costs then Invisalign braces or ordinary braces should also be covered by it. Other methods of covering for dental treatment costs include the treattment being funded through the Flexible Spending Account(FSA) or something like CreditCare. There are several other options too. You need to explore them.

Dental Coverage Now Saves Big Money Later

2005-09-07T23:46:00.000-07:00

Simply put, if you don't go to the dentist regularly now, you will later, and it will cost you thousands of dollars more.

Many families end up forking out over $8,000 for dental procedures and repairs in later years. This is because they couldn't afford regular, twice a year dental check-ups in the early years of their marriages and families.

I have always known going to the dentist mattered more than whether I had dental coverage or not. Yet if ever there was a person with a good excuse not go to the dentist regularly, it was me.

At the age of 8, my dentist was having trouble freezing my mouth. After 45 minutes without success, he drilled into my cheek.

Later that week, my mother sat me down and told me that this particular dentist had snapped, killing his ex wife, her boyfriend and himself.

No kidding, I thought at the time. That memory still sends shivers down my back, even nearly 30 years later.

Yet despite this, I have always made myself go to the dentist. That has been particularly true for the last 12 years as a parent of two girls.

Dental Associations recommend that you have a dental cleaning and check-up every six months. Without dental coverage, regular dental visits will cost about $100 to $140 a year for two visits. Brushing is vital, as is flossing. Children are supposed to floss daily.

Earlier on, I waited too long to go to the dentist about two problem teeth. By the time they were looked at, I was facing a $1,000 bill for root canals if I wanted them saved. There was no way I could afford that, so I had the teeth pulled.

For that same amount of money, $100 per month, I could have provided my family nine years of dental coverage.

Dental coverage options today include dental insurance, offered as part of company benefits packages through employers.

For many, many people though, this is not an available option due to growing unemployment, downsizing, or reduced company benefits.

As a result, people have started looking online to explore their dental benefit options.

The most popular question being asked is what is the difference between Dental Insurance and Discount Dental Plans.

Dental insurance is utilized by large groups and businesses to cover their employee's dental care. Monthly premiums are paid for defined coverage. Premiums for dental insurance may be as much as $30 per month for individuals and over $100 per month for family plans.

Dental insurance is not readily accessible to individuals and families. There are annual spending maximums, deductibles, waiting periods for certain procedures, and limitations and exclusions on care. Dental coverage will include the cost of preventive services (such as cleanings and exams) at 100% after deductibles are met.

For millions of North Americans, discount dental plans are an ideal form of dental coverage when benefits are not available through their work. The plans are designed to provide consumers access to dental networks at reduced rates.

The big plus is the plans are affordable to join and are the most widely available dental programs for individuals and families.

The plans work differently than insurance but offer real and substantive cost savings on dental procedures. Dental coverage includes secured discounts on most dental services, such as dental exams, routine cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals, dentures, crowns, and braces.

Most discount dental plans provide a fee schedule with the discounted fees listed out in the membership materials.

In some cases, dental insurance and discount dental plans can be used together in certain situations to maximize savings.

For years, my wife and I used dental plans. In recent years, we now both have dental insurance through our employers.

While the type and level of our dental coverage has varied through the years, we have always made ongoing dental health a priority.

by Drew Harris, 2005
http://tinyurl.com/53wlk

You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as the bylines and resource box are included. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated. Email bears@island.net

About The Author

Drew Harris
Dental-coverage.net is a huge web portal resource for dental plans, dental coverage and dental insurance. Featuring hundreds of pages of resources, reviews, referrals and ideas. One stop source for your dental coverage needs. http://tinyurl.com/53wlk

bears@island.net

5 Important Facts Adults Need to Know Before Getting Braces

2005-09-05T20:21:00.000-07:00

Adult orthodontia is big business. More 40-something year old
parents have finally gotten all their children out of braces and
now it’s their turn. Some middle-agers are just now becoming
metal mouths because they are at a point in their life when they
can finally afford it. Still others opt for the wires because
after starting over after a divorce they are finally ready to get
that gorgeous straight smile!

If you’re considering taking the plunge yourself, here are a few
bits of information you should know before making a decision.
There are basically three types of braces moms and dads are
opting for: standard metal, clear brackets and invisible. The
standard ones are the most cost effective and you can even change
the color of your rubber bands like all the hip, cool kids are
doing. Clear brackets are a bit larger in size than the metal
ones. Depending on your bite you may not have enough room to get
the clear ones on your lower teeth, at least not initially. The
wires are still metal and you can see the braces on your teeth,
they’re just not as noticeable. Drawbacks are they are slightly
more expensive than the metal brackets and when it comes time to
take them off, it’s takes a bit more effort and is consequently a
little more uncomfortable. Lastly there are the invisible braces
which go behind your teeth, not on the front like most. It takes
a while longer to correct your smile and is the most expensive
type.

Speaking of expensive, you should on plan on spending about
$4,000 for your braces. Clearly you will find some orthodontists
who will do it for less, and some for more. It really depends
also on the length and severity of treatment. If you have
orthodontia insurance coverage, some plans cover up to 50% of the
total costs. Most orthodontists will allow you to make monthly
payments. You’ll be required to put a down payment on your new
beautiful smile.

One thing you may not hear during your initial consultation, yet
other adults who have gone before you will testify to is that
when you initially get your braces put on your teeth – it hurts!
It hurts a lot and for along time! With children they tell them
it may be a little uncomfortable for two or three days and to
take Ibuprophin as needed for pain. That’s not the case with
adults, although they may give you the same instructions. Think
about it. Children who get braces have their permanent teeth for
generally three months or three years. Those big teeth haven’t
become too accustomed to hanging out in their current location.

Adults, on the other hand, have had those permanent teeth affixed
in their mouth for 20-35 years prior to getting braces. They
don’t move as easily or as willingly. One mother shared that she
was glad she had left over heavy duty pain meds from her
c-section five years prior. She lamented that she felt like an
elephant was sitting on her head for 10-days straight. Further,
she continued she’d rather go through another 52 hours of labor
than to get braces put on again.

This is not to frighten you. It does get much easier and you
even forget you have them on. When you get adjustments every
eight weeks or so, you’re normally a little tender for 24-36
hours, and aspirin does help. The severe pain is just initially
when you first get them on. Ask for pain meds. Do not let them
tell you to take a few Tylenol and you’ll be fine in three days.
You’re in for a rude awakening if you believe that.

But in no time at all, average 18-24 months you will have a
Hollywood smile and it will have all been worth it! Open wide –
who’s next?

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes
only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any
disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any
health care program.

About the Author
Emily Clark is editor at Lifestyle Health News and Medical Health News
where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on
many medical, health and lifestyle topics.