Why do people need braces?

Why do people need braces, and why didn't evolution/natural selection eliminate the need for braces?

Orthodontic problems are built into your genes.

Back, 10,000 years ago, in the days of the cave men people had nearly perfect bites. No one needed braces. But then adult cave men were only four feet tall. Teenagers were two or three feet tall.

In the last 10,000 years, people got bigger. People's mouths got a little bigger but people's teeth got A LOT BIGGER. The result is that most peoples teeth no longer fit correctly in most people's mouths. Your orthodontist moves around your teeth and possibly stretches your mouth so everything fits correctly.

Look how big your front teeth are now. Would those teeth fit if you were only two or three feet tall? Chances are, probably not.

Braces Improve Your Health

You're wondering if you should get braces. This is the first in a series explaining why braces should be considered outside of the obvious reason of just having straight teeth.

Braces improve your health.

• You will be able to chew your food better.

  Chewing is the first step in digestion. If your teeth are not straight, you will not be able to chew your food correctly so partially unchewed food will go down to your stomach. That can give you an upset stomach
  

• You will avoid dental problems.

  If you do not get orthodontic treatment when you need it you will have problems with your teeth for years to come; your teeth will be hard to clean. Your gums will hurt. Your teeth will wear in ways that the should not. The effects are significant enough that many adults are now going back to the orthodontist for braces.
  

• You may avoid developing a breathing problem.

  As you get older the roof your mouth can sometimes partially block the air passages in your nose. That makes you snore loudly, and may contribute to a condition called "sleep apnea." If you get braces you can avoid this possibility.
  

Contest Sweepstakes Deadline Extended

About a month ago we announced our new $2,500 sweepstakes. The goal was to achieve 1,000 fans by May 15 and we would award some lucky patient with $2,500 to go toward an orthodontic treatment from Buckman Orthodontics.

Well, we're going to be hard pressed to achieve our lofty goal of 1,000, so Dr. Buckman has modified the goal and prize, and most importantly, extended the deadline.

The new information is as follows:

• 1,000 fans on Facebook
  
• $1,500 Grand Prize to winner
• June 15, 2010 deadline

Tell all your friends about our Facebook page and have them join so we can give away the $1,500 toward an orthodontic treatment in June.

Braces Installation at Buckman Orthodontics

Last week we showed the process for removing braces. Today, we show how it all starts -- installation. This "edited" version provides a good idea of the various steps involved from etching (the cool blue ink on your teeth) to curing the glue (the cool blue light), and everything in between.

Braces Removal

From the first day they go on, orthodontist patients with braces look forward to the day when they come off. Not only will their teeth be straight, they won't have to worry about special brushing and flossing procedures, and they can resume eating apples, chewing gum and other "hard" foods not allowed with braces.

Here's what the braces removal process looks like in :60 on that special day!

It's never too late for a great smile

About 4.5 million Americans wear braces or other dental appliances to straighten their teeth, according to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). Many more - an estimated 50 to 75 percent of the population - have some form of malocclusion or misaligned teeth and could benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Of the 4.5 million, it's certainly not all teenagers. What are many of the "older" patients opting for as a solution? Invisalign is a popular choice these days. This is a series of clear aligners that straightens teeth like metal braces and costs about the same, but is virtually invisible on your teeth.

Read more.

$2,500 toward an ortho treatment

We mentioned on Monday that today, April 1, we would be announcing a big new contest. Well, it's officially up on our Facebook page. We're going to give $2,500 toward an orthodontic treatment to one of our lucky fans.

First, we need to reach 1,000 fans by April 15. Once we achieve that, we'll then have a drawing out of the 1,000 fans for one person to receive the $2,500 grand prize to be used for an orthodontic treatment from Buckman Orthodontics.

We're very excited to be offering this great prize and hope all our patients will join in, invite their friends, and let someone they know enjoy the feeling of having a beautiful smile!