Minnesota Orthodontist Touts Benefits of Self-Ligating Brackets
Monday, May 4, 2009- ST. PAUL AND MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – It seems that we live in a society where our physical appearance means everything and we want instant results when it comes to correcting flaws.
While few options deliver immediate results, technology continues to address this demand for fast-acting products when it comes to the orthodontic field, said Minnesota orthodontist Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth.
Eisenhuth introduced self-ligating brackets to her practice about five years ago and Clarity SL self-ligating brackets nearly two years ago. Patients who choose that option are happy with the speed in which treatment can be completed, she said. The brackets also are made from a translucent ceramic, which makes them less noticeable. This option appeals to patients who want others to notice their smiles, not their braces.
“Patients can typically expect to complete their treatment in 14 to 18 months,” said the Minneapolis, Minnesota orthodontist.
They also require fewer appointments. Patients typically come in for an adjustment once every two to three months.
Traditional braces typically are worn for 18 to 24 months and need to be adjusted by the orthodontist every four to six weeks. At each appointment, the archwire and the rubber bands that hold the archwire in place must be replaced.
Self-ligating brackets such as Clarity SL- which was designed by 3M Unitek- are equipped with a mechanism that clips onto the archwire and eliminates the need for rubber bands to hold the wires in place. This set-up also allows the archwire to slide more freely through such brackets, which makes tooth movement easier during the alignment process.
Another feature of the brackets is the ability to keep active forces on the archwire and a reduction in friction. Friction on the archwire can slow down the alignment process, while self-ligating brackets actually achieve proper alignment faster.
“In my opinion, the biggest advantage to these brackets is the low friction combined with an aesthetic bracket,” Eisenhuth said.
Low friction brackets are especially useful in patients who require tooth removal for ideal correction. Patients whose mouths are overly crowded or who didn’t undergo Phase 1 treatment as children sometimes must have teeth removed to make permanent alignment more successful, she said.
Self-ligating brackets also are useful for patients who require a large correction of the bite. This is because the teeth move more quickly using the self-ligating bracket system, while elastics work more quickly in lower friction systems, Eisenhuth said.
Adults with a crowded mouth and are undergoing orthodontic treatment with traditional brackets can be in treatment as long as 30 months, she said. However, the Clarity SL lower friction system can finish the case in closer to 24 months.
There also are oral hygiene benefits to self-ligating brackets, Eisenhuth said. The elastic bands used in conjunction with traditional braces can stain and become discolored with wear, creating a less than perfect appearance when the wearer smiles. They also can cause food to become trapped and they have been known to harbor bacteria, which can lead to tooth decay.
Self-ligating brackets are increasing in popularity, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. The association recently released information stating that the market for self-ligation increased 40 percent between 2005 to 2006 ( http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/87797.php ).
Learn More
If you would like to learn more about the orthodontics practice of Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth or you would like to schedule a consultation with her, please call: (651) 406-8100 or visit her Web site: www.doctorjennifer.com.
About Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth
Dr. Eisenhuth attended the University of Minnesota Dental School and graduated in the top of her class. She earned the Minnesota Association of Orthodontic Achievement Award and several academic achievement awards. She entered her orthodontic residency at the University of Minnesota and earned a certificate in orthodontics and a Master of Science degree.
Dr. Eisenhuth is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.
She takes pride in caring for the orthodontic needs of residents in the Twin Cities- St. Paul and Minneapolis, and their surrounding regions, including Mendota Heights, Inver Grove Heights, Burnsville, Apple Valley and Eagan, Minnesota.
Her office is located at 3340 Sherman Court, Eagan, Minn., 55121.
© 2009 Sinai Dental Marketing and Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this article is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.
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