Dentists are among those professionals working with state of the art technologies to improve the health and wellbeing of their clients. From basic dentistry, to orthodontics, implants, teeth whitening and dentures, Dentists in Adelaide are giving their public the opportunity to smile with two rows of perfectly straightened teeth.
Orthodontic treatment was considered cosmetic up until it was proved that tooth alignment could prevent a lifetime of periodontal problems, tooth wear and premature tooth loss. Wearing braces has become almost a right of passage for the majority of children who grew up between the 1960s and the early 2000s. During that time we have seen great improvements in brace technologies.
The history of tooth alignment is a long one. Archaeologists discovered many mummified remains in and around the sites of Ancient Egyptian tombs, with what researchers believe could have been an early attempt to close gaps in teeth. These remains have a cord made from animal intestines (known as catgut) wrapped or run along the teeth in a very similar style to how modern orthodontists run orthodontic wire along the teeth in an effort to close off gaps. In other Ancient societies, like the Etruscans in Greece and the Ancient Romans also had methods for tooth alignment.
In more modern times the Surgeon Dentist, Pierre Fauchard, published a medical book in 1728. He documented numerous general dentistry topics, but what made the book stand out was a particular chapter devoted to orthodontics. The chapter explored various ways in which to straighten teeth, but focused mostly on a relatively new concept involving the Bandeau. The Bandeau being a dental device, much like a modern day plate, was shaped like a horseshoe and inserted into a patient‘s mouth to keep the natural arch of the teeth and mouth in place.
By the 20th century, dentists individually wrapped bands (materials varied) around each tooth. A wire connected the bands and could be adjusted to apply pressure to the teeth in hopes of slowly moving them into proper alignment. Many dentists used gold because it was an extremely flexible material. It could be easily shaped and moulded to wrap around teeth and was used for wires, bands, clasps, and spurs at up to and between 14K and 18K! Orthodontics in this manner proved enormously expensive. Orthodontic techniques stayed relatively the same until the 1970s when numerous breakthrough techniques were discovered. The biggest was the use of a dental adhesive to hold dental brackets to the teeth.
Invisalign is the invention of the 1990s and is the clear way to straighten your teeth. Invisalign treatment consists of a series of nearly invisible, removable aligners that an orthodontist will change every two weeks for a new pair. Unlike braces, invisalign aligners are clear. They are almost imperceptible to others, leaving embarrassment at the door. They can be removed at any time. You can take them out when you’re eating, drinking, brushing, flossing or just want to look extra good at a special event. Invisalign is just as effective as brace technology, providing the same effective results. Much like when you get braces, the orthodontist will take impressions of your teeth to create custom moulds.
For those of you who have had braces, you will remember all to well the horrible cuts and sores that you endured for the months and years you had braces. Some of you may still be able to feel the scares at the back of your mouth. If you are looking for a Dentist in Adelaide, call Total Dental & Denture Care on (08) 8377 5941. They offer a whole range of orthodontic and dental care solutions. To find out more visit their website http://tddc.com.au/.
Orthodontic treatment was considered cosmetic up until it was proved that tooth alignment could prevent a lifetime of periodontal problems, tooth wear and premature tooth loss. Wearing braces has become almost a right of passage for the majority of children who grew up between the 1960s and the early 2000s. During that time we have seen great improvements in brace technologies.
The history of tooth alignment is a long one. Archaeologists discovered many mummified remains in and around the sites of Ancient Egyptian tombs, with what researchers believe could have been an early attempt to close gaps in teeth. These remains have a cord made from animal intestines (known as catgut) wrapped or run along the teeth in a very similar style to how modern orthodontists run orthodontic wire along the teeth in an effort to close off gaps. In other Ancient societies, like the Etruscans in Greece and the Ancient Romans also had methods for tooth alignment.
In more modern times the Surgeon Dentist, Pierre Fauchard, published a medical book in 1728. He documented numerous general dentistry topics, but what made the book stand out was a particular chapter devoted to orthodontics. The chapter explored various ways in which to straighten teeth, but focused mostly on a relatively new concept involving the Bandeau. The Bandeau being a dental device, much like a modern day plate, was shaped like a horseshoe and inserted into a patient‘s mouth to keep the natural arch of the teeth and mouth in place.
By the 20th century, dentists individually wrapped bands (materials varied) around each tooth. A wire connected the bands and could be adjusted to apply pressure to the teeth in hopes of slowly moving them into proper alignment. Many dentists used gold because it was an extremely flexible material. It could be easily shaped and moulded to wrap around teeth and was used for wires, bands, clasps, and spurs at up to and between 14K and 18K! Orthodontics in this manner proved enormously expensive. Orthodontic techniques stayed relatively the same until the 1970s when numerous breakthrough techniques were discovered. The biggest was the use of a dental adhesive to hold dental brackets to the teeth.
Invisalign is the invention of the 1990s and is the clear way to straighten your teeth. Invisalign treatment consists of a series of nearly invisible, removable aligners that an orthodontist will change every two weeks for a new pair. Unlike braces, invisalign aligners are clear. They are almost imperceptible to others, leaving embarrassment at the door. They can be removed at any time. You can take them out when you’re eating, drinking, brushing, flossing or just want to look extra good at a special event. Invisalign is just as effective as brace technology, providing the same effective results. Much like when you get braces, the orthodontist will take impressions of your teeth to create custom moulds.
For those of you who have had braces, you will remember all to well the horrible cuts and sores that you endured for the months and years you had braces. Some of you may still be able to feel the scares at the back of your mouth. If you are looking for a Dentist in Adelaide, call Total Dental & Denture Care on (08) 8377 5941. They offer a whole range of orthodontic and dental care solutions. To find out more visit their website http://tddc.com.au/.
