18/05/2012
Bullying and the benefits of Orthodontics
A recent study published in the Journal of Orthodontics found that:
- Being bullied is strongly associated with "sticking out teeth"
- Nearly 13% of adolescents between the ages of 10 - 13 examined for orthodontic treatment had been bullied
- Adolescents who are being bullied due to the presence of a malocclusion indicated a negative impact on self-esteem and Oral Health Related Quality of Life
The authors, who include 3 Orthodontists and a Psychologist, claim to show for the first time that there is an association between being bullied and having an orthodontic problem. They also reported on the negative impact on a a child's psychological and physiological well-being.
For further information, go to
https://sites.google.com/site/bullyingandorthodontics/
30/03/2012
I recently came across an article on robotic technology in medicine and dentistry. It featured the
da Vinci system for surgeons. One thing that they stress is the fact that the robot is driven by the Surgeon - in exactly the same way that
SureSmile insist that the treatment planning and wire design is driven by the Orthodontist.
Which goes to show how well they appreciate that modern IT can assist the clinician to do a better job but cannot replace the knowledge built up through years of education and practical experience.
16/03/2012
An interesting study for all wind-instrument musicians was recently published in the American Journal of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics. This study, carried out by Grammatopolous and coworkers in Birmingham, looked at a group of professional and semi-professional musicians who would be spending many hours per day playing their instruments. They found that playing a wind instrument does not generally cause any problems to the front teeth. However, those who played the larger cup-shaped instruments ( such as the tuba or trombone ) were more likely to have slightly increased risk of developing a crossbite on the back teeth. A crossbite is where the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth. However, they did go on to say that the difference with the tuba and trombone were so small that it could be due to chance. So, sorry wind instrument players, there is no excuse to stop practicing to save your teeth!
12/03/2012
Today sees the first addition to what is planned to be a library of videos, covering many aspects of orthodontics. Starting, in reverse order, with how to clean your retainers after the braces have been removed. These can be viewed at
http://www.youtube.com/user/crottyorthodontics.
Future videos will cover such topics as hygiene tips & techniques during treatment, using comfort wax, activating your removable brace, having your SureSmile scan etc. In time it will build up into a vast resource of information.
08/03/2012
I have now been using the internet conferencing facilities called GoToMeeting (
http://www.gotomeeting.com/fec/ ) for 2 months now and those patients who have availed of it are very pleased with it. It is a service provided by Citrix and allows me to show patients and parents what treatment is being prescribed, without them leaving the comfort of their own homes.
It is a free service to my patients and means that they can avoid travelling through the busy city streets, taking time off work or taking the children out of school early. Everyone finds it much more comfortable and inclusive, as all parties to the treatment can see what is involved and have the time & freedom to ask questions.
02/03/2012
This week sees the Annual SureSmile Users Meeting. This year it is being held in Dallas, Texas, where the company is based. There are over 600 registered for the meeting. Unfortunately, the time was not right for us to attend this year, but we hope to do so next year. The new version of the SureSmile software will be launched at the meeting and I am eagerly anticipating the changes it will give us.
The technology has been making waves in the media in the US over the last few months. Here is a link to some of the TV items.
http://www.suresmile.com/About-SureSmile/SureSmile-In-The-News
Also, I came across another interesting article about the importance of looking after teeth.
http://health.yahoo.net/experts/dayinhealth/surprising-key-long-life . Keep the brushing going.
22/02/2012
Here are 2 interesting articles to make you think a different way about your teeth and about the health of your mouth.
http://carrington.edu/cccblog/programs/dental-assisting/teeth-and-your-personality/
http://cda.org/library/press/Heart_Health.pdf
...and you thought your mouth was only for eating food!