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Ceramic Braces: It's Never Too Late To Get Braces as an Adult

Not so long ago, children usually had dental braces only if their family could afford them. Now adults are wearing dental braces in greater and greater numbers. And there's never been a better time to make this choice.

Dental braces are smaller, lighter, easier to clean and wear comfortably. A whole new world of orthodontic materials that work better and faster is available to us as adult braces . There are ceramic braces, invisible braces and many other choices for adults who want to improve their smile.

Ceramic braces offer a less-visible alternative to the more established metal braces. They blend in more with the natural color of teeth and may make the braces look more appealing. Ceramic braces may not be as strong metal and may require a longer treatment time.

Metal bands are only a memory. We use new plastics and bonding adhesives. Wire and brackets can be "super-glued" directly onto the teeth. There are some dental braces that seem "invisible."

Nitinol (thanks NASA!) is a new metal that retains its shape and is strong enough to withstand the force exerted by orthodontic appliances.

Moderate gaps can even be invisible with lingual braces glued to the back of the teeth.

If you think you need dental braces, or maybe you're interested in the visual appeal of ceramic braces, check out all your options, because there has never been a better time!

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

New Orthodontic Appliance Can Correct Overbite

Eleven-year-old Janet had a severe overbite and she was serious about improving her smile. "Her overbite was so obvious, I just knew something was wrong. I was afraid she would have problems with her mouth when she got older," recalled Janet's mother.

Most people think an overbite is caused when the upper teeth stick out. Actually, most overbite problems result from a short lower jaw. With modern techniques and a willing child, an orthodontist can help the short lower jaw grow in to line with the upper teeth. In the past the only solution to Janet's problem was headgear that would pull the upper teeth back to match the lower jaw. But Janet's new smile was shaped in just nine months without traditional braces or headgear.

She was one of a growing number of patients able to benefit from a device designed in Europe called a Bionator. Unlike traditional braces, the plastic and wire device is removable, but only for cleaning and eating. Patients must learn to wear it for more than 20 hours a day.

Orthodontic attention while a child is young can often straighten out crooked teeth before they have a chance to get worse. By redirecting the growth of the jaw, orthodontics can often enhance features in the middle and lower parts of the face. Results can be quite striking. In Janet's case, she became more enthusiastic and outgoing as her smile and self-image improved.

Other types of braces that are available today are invisible braces, clear braces, ceramic braces, and a procedure known as Invisalign® .

When children become aware of themselves and those around them, one of the first things they notice is the face. And nicknames like "Fang and "Buck Beaver" can leave a permanent mark on childhood memories. Unfortunately, children can be brutally cruel to each other because they are brutally honest. Correcting an overbite by controlling the source of the problem, jaw growth, orthodontics can help children face growing up with zeal and self confidence.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.