Tooth deposits

A clean tooth surface exposed to the oral environment rapidly accumulates an amorphous protein film called pellicle. This deposition has been attributed to the instability of salivary proteins, and to the surface characterics of apatite.

The pellicle is soon colonised by bacteria to form plaque. The initial microorganisms are mainly gram positive cocci. Some of these bacteria synthesise extra-cellular polysaccharides, which enable them to adhere to the pellicle and provide resistance to subsequent displacing forces.

Adult orthodontics

Wearing braces is no longer the metallic nightmare it used to be since clear plastic brackets can often be used instead of the more conspicuous metal ones. Treatment sometimes utilizes removable appliances.

Adults make up 25 to 30 per cent of those who seek the help of the orthodontist to straighten teeth, close gaps, or just improve their smiles. Usually taking six to twenty-four months, orthodontics is the slowest of the alternatives available, but it has the advantage of leaving the natural teeth intact while being closest to a permanent solutions. This is particularily important when normal-size teeth are involved since it might be necessary to include several teeth in the process to eliminate the gaps.

In spite of the time it takes, orthodontics should be viewed in relation to the other options.

In the long run, orthodontics is the best solution for most people. Even if full crowns will eventually be needed, tooth alignment should be corrected before crowning.

What causes the gap in your teeth?

The cause of the spaces between the teeth has a great bearing on the way the space can be corrected. Whether it was caused by a personal habit such as tongue thrusting or having an abnormal tongue or swallowing movements occasionally separate teeth by allowing the tongue to slip into the space between the teeth. Constant probing with the tongue, the strongest muscle in the body, can wedge teeth apart.

The loss of supporting bone under the gum tissue can also cause teeth to fan out. Sometimes teeth have to be extracted due to infection or decay, leaving an unattractive space. Separation can also be caused by the loss of back teeth. This can transfer the chewing activity forward and forces the teeth to spread. In case, it is important to analyze the cause of the spacing because, as in the case of gum disease, it must be controlled first before attempting to fill the spaces.

A missing tooth can spoil a pretty smile

Do not underestimate the value of each tooth in terms of beauty. The more teeth that are lost and not replaced, the greater the possible amount of facial collapse, wrinkles and lines. In order to avoid problems incurred by missing teeth, it is best to replace them with an implant or a bridge.