The History of Dentistry
Questions You Might Have About Cosmetic Dentistry
Regina Carlson
Cosmetic dentistry can have many benefits for both adults and teens, as straight teeth can make you feel more confident when meeting people or speaking in public, whereas teeth that are not properly aligned might mean stiff muscles in the face and jaw, which then causes aches and pain all along the upper body. If you're thinking of cosmetic dentistry for yourself, or know your child will need to have his or her teeth straightened, note a few questions you might have about the processes available, and this might help you to know what to discuss with your dentist or with an orthodontist at offices like DI Dental Implant Centre.
Do clear aligners really work to straighten teeth?
Clear aligners will often straighten teeth, but won't work to correct problems with the actual shape of the jaw itself. If you have a severe overbite, as an example, this may be the result of the upper jaw protruding too far over the lower jaw. A clear aligner may not address this type of issue. Braces, on the other hand, work to move the jaw line into alignment, not just teeth, so they may still be needed for a severe misalignment of the teeth and jaw.
Can teenagers use clear aligners, or do they need braces?
Whether or not a teenager can use clear aligners versus standard metal braces will depend on why and how their teeth are misaligned. If a teenager has one tooth that is just a bit off-centre, or a few of their teeth sit back just slightly from the rest, clear aligners may be able to correct those issues. However, if their jaw line is not developing properly, they may need to rely on standard braces.
What cosmetic procedure is the most permanent?
If you're trying to find a procedure that will correct your misaligned teeth permanently, note that no procedure can guarantee lifetime results. Veneers and caps can chip or crack, and cosmetic bonding can eventually discolour or even fall off. After teeth are aligned with braces or other aligners, the shape of the jawbone may change as you age, and the teeth may then become misaligned again. You might even wear away the teeth because of grinding them at night. Whatever the case, only your orthodontist can recommend the best treatment for properly aligning your teeth, but always ask how long these procedures should last and when you should return for a follow-up exam, no matter your final choice of cosmetic procedure.
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Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved stories about the past. Whether the stories were about horses, wars, exploration or even dentistry, I loved to hear them. I find that knowing the history of something helps it to make sense and feel approachable. I know that some people have dental anxiety, and I too have suffered, but I also feel like the more you know about dental work and its history, the easier it is. This blog is dedicated to exploring the history of dentistry – What did ancient people use for fillings? How did early dentists numb their patients? Who was the first dentist? Those are just some of the questions I plan to answer here. Ready? Okay, let's dive into the history of dentistry together!