At the orthodontic congress in Sydney earlier this year, I learned how the use of orthodontic appliances actually creates permanent tooth movement through a process of bone remodeling. The whole principle of moving teeth relies on the constant pressure of the tooth surface against the membrane that surrounds your tooth, not a lot of force is needed, just enough to feel some pressure. Not to get too technical I am going to attempt a most basic explanation. There are 2 types of cells responsible for bone remodeling. Osteoblasts and osteoclasts…the ‘clasts’ break down and the ‘blasts’ build up.  When the positioning devices ...
Adult Braces Journey – Fantastic Elastics
October 27th, 2010
I have seen other people using their elastics, with fun animal names like Bear, Impala, Monkey, Penguin, Kangaroo… and now it is my turn! This visit I needed a lower wire change, upper remains the same, and hooray my buttons were removed! They really didn’t bother me from a discomfort point of view – my tongue has long since adjusted to their presence – it was just the food getting stuck around them that was particularly annoying, so I was well pleased to be rid of them, even if it did mean having a whirring drill bit thing in my mouth… After ...
Another new toothbrush?
October 25th, 2010
Something that I am sure people don’t realize is that braces are the mortal enemy of the toothbrush. I go from shiny new toothbrush to shaggy dog in about 3 weeks. The problem with trying to brush with a mashed up brush head is that you lose the ability to direct the bristles into the spaces between the gum and braces effectively which means that you miss out on a really good brush into some of the areas that need the attention to ensure you don’t get plaque buildup. The other thing to be aware of is that many of the new, ...