Braces, Not Just a Luxury


I recently read a published article which considered orthodontic treatment a luxury that only a few should consider.  While most think that putting braces on their kids’ teeth or themselves is purely cosmetic, orthodontics treats much more.  The mouth is a very unstable place.  The misconception that teeth are held still in bone is far from the reality.  Teeth are in a dynamic relationship among themselves and the bone surrounding them.  The force of food being crushed between teeth during chewing creates movement which can affect their long term stability.  Having spaces between the teeth, whether they were there from birth or created from extractions, only increases the amount of movement that occurs naturally.  Similarly, having crowded or overlapping teeth creates areas in which food can get caught and that are hard to clean.  Food impaction can cause bone to recede leading to a higher rate of cavities and increases mobility. 

The job of an orthodontist is to create a stable environment for teeth.  The relationship between top, bottom and adjacent teeth is adjusted to the point where equilibrium is achieved.  Forces are balanced and areas of food and bacteria impaction are minimized.  Coincidentally, this equilibrium leads to a straight smile, because straight, stable roots are an orthodontist’s goal.

While teeth may not seem like a crucial part of the human body, teeth comprise a large percentage of the oral cavity.  Maintaining the health of teeth allows for better chewing, less pain and more comfort.  Straight teeth enhance this health further by promoting balance and better hygiene.  Having healthy teeth also promotes health in the rest of your body. Being able to eat a variety of foods without pain is something that a lot of people take for granted.  Not only that, but studies have shown that people with better smiles are happier with their lives and more successful too.  

Knowing this, the idea that braces are a “luxury” is irresponsible to promote.  This is more a matter of perspective; what is important to the individual.  

by Michael Saba D.M.D

Dr Saba is a graduate of Temple University School of Dentistry.  He is a Board member of the Union County Dental Society and is Invisalign certified.  He currently works at the Laser Dental Group in both Union and Westfield, NJ.    Temple University School of Dentistry 
Board Member of Union County Dental Society 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Introducing Dr Mike Saba

Image
We are pleased to welcome Dr Michael Saba to our staff at The Laser Dental Group.  In our effort to provide maximum service to our patients, he will be working Mondays and Tuesdays in Union and Thursdays and Fridays in Westfield.  He will also be available at least once a month on Saturdays in each office.  Dr. Michael Saba is a Union County native that graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Rutgers University in 2008. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in the historic city of Philadelphia at Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry.  You can read more about Dr Saba and our available hours at www.thelaserdentalgroup.com.
Read more

5 Ways to Maximize Your Dental Benefits Plan

Image
With terms like PPO, HMO, in-network, and out-of-network to describe dental benefits, it's no surprise that many don't understand how to make the most of their plan. This means you may be overlooking benefits that are critical to maintaining your oral health. Don't settle for just what you understand as part of your coverage. Read on for 5 simple tips to take advantage of everything your plan has to offer. Tip #1: Take Time to Understand Your Plan The best way to take advantage of your plan is to ensure you know the type of plan it is and its deductibles, copayments and annual maximums. There are two main types of dental plans: HMO Plans - with an HMO, you'll be required to choose a dentist in your primary network to handle most of your needs. You are charged a relatively low copayment for office visits, procedures etc. There is no coverage if you visit an out-of-network provider. HMO's typically have no deductible or maximum. PPO Plans - With a PPO, you
Read more

WE CAN’T BE CLOSED MOUTH ABOUT THIS ANY LONGER . . .

Image
The New Westfield Office under construction. New treatments, new technology -- there is always something new to ‘brush up’ on if a dentist is going to give his patients the excellence that they deserve. The Laser Dental Group dental professionals are always on top of the latest technology by attendance at many conferences and seminars in order to better serve their patients.   Apparently that knowledge has paid off with more and more people choosing The Laser Dental Group for their dental care needs. When we opened our first practice in Union, NJ at 1205 Coolidge Avenue in 1987 and then another office at 581 Westfield Avenue, Westfield in 2011 we were seeing an average number of patients per year.  I am grateful to our loyal patients for their ‘word of mouth’ marketing efforts! By reason of our many new patients and our wanting our old and new ‘family’ to feel comfortable, we are almost near completion of a brand new facility located at 301 Lenox Avenue in Westfield, NJ.
Read more