About Braces – A Fastbraces® Overview

Old technology braces are usually square in shape and typically move the crown of the tooth in the first year, and the root of the tooth in the second year, thus requiring two years of braces treatment. The patented triangular design of the braces used at Fastbraces® gently allows for movement of the crown and root of the teeth at the same time, thus requiring typically one year of treatment instead of two.

Are the new technology patented braces more comfortable than the old braces?

It seems so. University research has shown “lower sensitivity” compared to the conventional braces tested and “the lowest frictional forces.” This may be because the patented braces used at Fastbraces® typically work with just one orthodontic wire, start to finish, whereas old technology braces usually require a series of wires and tightening procedures. In addition, the wire used at Fastbraces® is heat activated and, although it applies low forces, it uprights the root of the tooth from the beginning of treatment and thus helps move the tooth safely, quickly and comfortably.

Are there any risks at Fastbraces® compared to traditional braces?

No. There are no more risks of tooth or root problems than those associated with traditional braces. In fact, university research has shown very positive results. We believe this is due to the fact that at Fastbraces® we move teeth with the patented braces technology gently with low forces. A special square Nickel-Titanium wire is activated by the heat of the mouth. It uprights the whole tooth in the natural mouth temperature in one stage in about a year and in some cases in just a few months.

Orthodontics: Understanding the goals of your treatment

In orthodontics, an individual’s natural bite is classified into one of three categories.

• Class I bite occurs when, in the back teeth, the upper first (6-year) molar bites slightly behind the lower first molar. Generally, this results in a minimal overbite.

• Class II bite occurs when, in the back of the teeth, the upper first molar bites directly on top of or slightly in front of the lower first molar. Generally, this results in a bit of an overbite. In some severe cases, the overbite may be excessive.

• Class III bite occurs when, in the back of the teeth, the upper first molar bites behind the lower first molar. Generally, this results in an underbite.

The definitions of Class I, II or III are descriptive, morphologic definitions and are not one of disease. In other words, Class I, II or III simply describes how the teeth fit in a healthy individual and provide a measure of the overbite, not necessarily that the person has unhealthy teeth, or a dysfunctional bite if the teeth have compensated and adjusted to the bite. Of course, a Class I bite is preferable, as it provides for a minimal overbite and maximum intercuspation (“fit”) of the teeth. A Class II or a Class III bite, with the teeth adapted to the bite, and compensated for the way the first molars fit, may have good canine or group function of the teeth and the patient may elect to leave it as is. Therefore, the patient may choose not to change the natural bite unless he/she is interested in the complete change of the way the teeth fit. Another way to understand this is by comparing it to gum disease. When a dentist says that the teeth have periodontal disease, he or she will classify it as I, II or III. That is a measure of a disease. If one has a type III disease, one risks loosing the teeth. In orthodontics, this is not the case. If one has a class III bite, it simply means that there is a tendency for an underbite, not that one would loose teeth if the bite doesn’t change, as the teeth may have compensated and adjusted to this bite providing the patient with good functional occlusion. On the other hand, in some cases, a Class II severe overbite or a Class III skeletal underbite may need surgery for a substantial improvement. Sometimes in orthodontics, great emphasis is placed on changing the natural bite to the Class I relation without much regard to the patient’s chief concern for seeking orthodontic treatment or the existing functional occlusion. At Fastbraces®, we listen to the patient and then deliver the treatment necessary to create the desired results. We believe in preserving or improving the natural bite, but not changing it to satisfy an arbitrary ideal without the patient’s consent, especially if doing so would dictate the removal of permanent teeth, surgery or cumbersome treatment modalities with questionable long-term results for a particular patient (as long as the patient has good canine or group functional occlusion). We give our patients the information on the options available so they can make informed decisions about the level of treatment they want. At Fastbraces®, we continue to balance the dictates of tradition with a patient’s demands for non-invasive, tooth-saving treatment strategies.