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 – Is That a Gap I See?
August 21st, 2010
The stronger wires that have been used in my upper braces are working their magic on the roots and sometimes the straightening of the roots results in the crowns shifting apart slightly. But getting the foundations right will be key to maintaining my new smile. In a panicked state over a gap between my teeth that was most definitely not there before I had a chat with Dr Levinson who of course gave me his assurance that this was indeed perfectly normal in my situation. Phew! Dr Levinson explained that we move the roots of the teeth into their corrected straightened ...
Adult Braces Journey – Relax!
January 13th, 2010
It’s been a hard day’s night I have known for a long time that I clench my jaw when I am a bit on edge and that I do tend to do this in my sleep – but if ever I needed proof this is it! A couple of times in the past month I have woken with my teeth feeling that just adjusted kind of bruised soreness. The kind that when you eat your toast makes you wish you cooked porridge instead! Luckily it lasts for the day, and seems to settle down again overnight – but I do have quite ...