Braces are becoming less of a hassle and are getting smaller.
Fortunately for 12 year old Camryn Cassidy, being teased about her braces is only done in fun.
"My dad makes fun of me. He calls me metal mouth and brace face," she joked.
But the days of real taunting are pretty much behind us, due to advances in orthodontics.
Braces are now smaller, more durable, and treatment times are usually shorter.
"The braces are machined differently so the amount that is, the brace, which is glued onto the tooth is much smaller. There are also advances in technology in the wires which are used," explained Orthodontist Mark Johnston.
And braces are not just for kids. About one in five patients is now adult.
And though costly, they aren't strictly cosmetic. Well aligned teeth lower the risk of gum disease.
"When teeth are crooked, they're harder to keep clean. When they're on a straight row, they're easier to floss and brush their teeth," said Johnston.
According to Johnston, there is both myth and truth to the notion that braces make it hard to keep your teeth clean.
Patients just need a little initial instruction and then lots of brushing.
Camryn is looking forward to getting her braces off, so she can once again enjoy some of her favorite snacks.
"I'm probably going to go chew some gum," she said.
Followed by a good brushing, of course.
The typical cost of braces will be somewhere around $4,500 to $10,000 all together.
Fortunately for 12 year old Camryn Cassidy, being teased about her braces is only done in fun.
"My dad makes fun of me. He calls me metal mouth and brace face," she joked.
But the days of real taunting are pretty much behind us, due to advances in orthodontics.
Braces are now smaller, more durable, and treatment times are usually shorter.
"The braces are machined differently so the amount that is, the brace, which is glued onto the tooth is much smaller. There are also advances in technology in the wires which are used," explained Orthodontist Mark Johnston.
And braces are not just for kids. About one in five patients is now adult.
And though costly, they aren't strictly cosmetic. Well aligned teeth lower the risk of gum disease.
"When teeth are crooked, they're harder to keep clean. When they're on a straight row, they're easier to floss and brush their teeth," said Johnston.
According to Johnston, there is both myth and truth to the notion that braces make it hard to keep your teeth clean.
Patients just need a little initial instruction and then lots of brushing.
Camryn is looking forward to getting her braces off, so she can once again enjoy some of her favorite snacks.
"I'm probably going to go chew some gum," she said.
Followed by a good brushing, of course.
The typical cost of braces will be somewhere around $4,500 to $10,000 all together.
