A. JABBAR DENTAL CLINIC KARACHI

Sadia Khan

Trace the evolution of braces from the nerdy clique to the IT crowd with Meri Sehat. Explore the journey of orthodontic fashion.

Braces: From the Nerdy Clique To The IT Crowd

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Ismail Munir

Is Being Sensitive Always Good?

Introduction

&ldquo;She says I&rsquo;m not sensitive enough, Canny! Tell me what to do?&rdquo; shrieked Molar.

&nbsp;

&ldquo;It&rsquo;s not your job to become anything for her, let alone sensitive Mol&rsquo;, because if you change for her, there is something wrong with your roots,&rdquo; assured Canine.

&nbsp;

Canny was not so wrong. While being reasonably sensitive as a person is a basic human requirement, it&rsquo;s not the same with your teeth. They are hard structures and not built for weaknesses. Hence, if they cause any degree of discomfort, it must be addressed as soon as possible.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Sensitivity of the teeth, also known as dentin hypersensitivity, is essentially a brief, sharp sensation of pain you feel because of exposed dentin in response to an external stimulus.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Dentin is defined as the hard dense bony tissue which forms the bulk of a tooth lying under the enamel. The stimulus can be heat or cold, and even chemical in some occasions. Sensitivity of teeth can cause excruciating pain and become a hindrance in the daily routine. Hence, treating it becomes immensely important.

&nbsp;

Understanding Sensitive Teeth And Their Management

According to a dedicated study, the prevalence of dentin hypersensitivity was 12.3%, and each patient had an average of 3.5 hypersensitive teeth. This hypersensitivity was higher in the age group 18-44 years compared with the participants who were of 65 years or older. The results also showed that sensitivity was higher in women than in men.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Overall, it is safe to say that dentin hypersensitivity is a fairly common condition, with a reported prevalence between 4% - 69% in adults.&nbsp;Another research showed that the prevalence actually varied. However, an average of about 57% was reported. There are 40 million people in the U.S. that are affected with dentin hypersensitivity, 14.3% of which were dental patients. Around 8%-57% were from the adult dentate population, and up to 30% were adults who had sensitivity at some point during their lifetime.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Research indicates that among the periodontal patients, the prevalence is much higher, between 60% - 98%.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

To conclude, it is fair to state that dentin hypersensitivity occurs in two peaks - the 1st one reporting at 20-30 years of age, and then the 2nd peak later in the 50s<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>.

&nbsp;

Dentin hypersensitivity is not always because of some underlying pathology; some people quite naturally and easily develop more sensitive teeth than the rest because of a thinner enamel. Enamel is basically the outer layer of your tooth which protects the dental integrity.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

There are a number of reasons as to why the tooth&rsquo;s enamel could be torn down<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>:

<ul>
	<li>Brushing your teeth extremely hard and with great force.</li>
	<li>Brushes come in a variety. Hence, using a hard variant of toothbrush might harm the enamel.</li>
	<li>Grinding your teeth.</li>
	<li>Eating or drinking foods that are high in acidic content.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

Other medical conditions which cause tooth sensitivity include <a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/gerd-56">gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)</a>. The pathology is that when acid comes up from the stomach and oesophagus, it might splash on the teeth as well, causing them to wear down progressively.&nbsp;Conditions that induce frequent vomiting, like gastroparesis and bulimia nervosa, can also cause acid to wear down the enamel<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>.

&nbsp;

Nothing is a better diagnostic modality for all your dental problems other than a checkup with your dentist. Two visits in a year are recommended. Your dentist can have a look at the sensitivity during your routine dental cleaning, and do a visual exam as well. The use of dental instruments might bring up any undiscovered sensitivity. For example, an X-ray of your teeth helps rule out other causes like cavities.

&nbsp;

It is very important to treat sensitivity and relieve the patient of the immense pain they are in. Sensitivity has the potential to take away the joy you feel when you eat your favorite ice cream, or start your day with a hot cup of coffee.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Even though it is a sharp pain sensation, there are some ways you can tackle sensitivity<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>:&nbsp;&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Desensitising&nbsp;Toothpaste: Desensitising toothpaste can help block the pain caused by sensitive teeth. You can see the result after several applications. The most active component of a desensitising toothpaste is potassium nitrate, which is a compound that blocks pain signals going all the way from your nerve in your tooth to your brain.</li>
	<li>Fluoride: Your dentist may recommend you to apply fluoride to the sensitive areas of your teeth. Fluoride helps to strengthen the worn down tooth enamel, and consequently reduce the pain.</li>
	<li>Desensitising&nbsp;Or Bonding: Exposed root surfaces are what essentially cause sensitivity. However, it is treatable by applying bonding resin to the sensitive root surfaces. Your dentist might need to apply a local anaesthesia&nbsp;for this procedure.</li>
	<li>Surgical Gum Graft: Sensitivity can also occur if you somehow lose a part of your gum tissue. As a fix, a small amount of gum tissue can be taken from any other place in your mouth and attached to the affected site. This can help protect exposed roots, which in turn reduces sensitivity.</li>
	<li>Root Canal: Root canal is the definitive treatment, if no other modalities are proving beneficial for your sensitive teeth. Root canal, also known as RCT, is a procedure which is used to treat problems in the dental pulp. RCT is titled as the most successful technique for treating tooth sensitivity.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

Researchers have now found definitive proof that the temperature sensor called the TRCP5 is responsible for transmitting cold sensations, and triggers the nerves. This creates pain and cold hypersensitivity. This sharp pain is considered as a warning alarm to protect a damaged tooth from further injury.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

It was explained in the research that as a response to the cold stimulus, the TRCP5 protein enables other molecules like calcium to interact with the cells. In a diseased state, the dental pulp is inflamed and the TRCP5 is overabundant, causing an increased electrical signalling.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

While the research team had a pharmacological target to minimise tooth sensitivity against the cold stimulus, it should be noted that clove oil has been used as a remedy for tooth pain for a very long time. Surprisingly, the active agent in clove oil was found to be eugenol, which is a chemical that has the potential to block TRCP5<a href="#accordion">[4]</a>.

&nbsp;

Conclusion

Aren’t you done with giving a mere pain such control of your life? How long before you actually have had enough? Passing down the sugary joy a chocolate molten lava cake brings? Avoiding the rush of a cup full of caffeine pumping through your body, energising the day? Ignoring the satisfaction of a blueberry slush on a sunny day? Why renounce the beauty of life when all you can do is visit your dentist and most likely get a prescribed toothpaste? It’s time you got back control of your food choices. And obviously, get rid of the pain.

Key Points

<ul>
	<li>Dentin hypersensitivity is essentially a brief, sharp sensation of pain you feel because of exposed dentin in response to an external stimulus.</li>
	<li>Dentin is defined as the hard dense bony tissue which forms the bulk of a tooth lying under the enamel.</li>
	<li>According to a dedicated study, the prevalence of dentin hypersensitivity was 12.3% and each patient had an average of 3.5 hypersensitive teeth.</li>
	<li>Dentin hypersensitivity is much more prevalent in women compared to men.</li>
	<li>Dentin hypersensitivity is a fairly common condition with a reported prevalence between 4% and 69% in adults. However, another study showed the prevalence to be at an average of about 57%.</li>
	<li>Research shows that among the periodontal patients, the prevalence is much higher, that is 60% &ndash; 98%.</li>
	<li>Dentin hypersensitivity occurs in 2 peaks - the 1st one reporting at 20 to 30 years of age, and then the 2nd peak later in the 50s.</li>
	<li>Enamel is basically the outer layer of your tooth which protects the dental integrity, and thinning of this structure can cause sensitivity.</li>
	<li>Brushing really hard, using a hard toothbrush, or grinding your teeth excessively causes sensitivity to occur.</li>
	<li>Other medical conditions which cause tooth sensitivity include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).</li>
	<li>Two visits annually are recommended so that your dentist can have a look at the sensitivity during your routine dental cleaning.</li>
	<li>They might also order an X-ray of your teeth to rule out other causes like cavities.</li>
	<li>Options like desensitising toothpaste, application of fluoride, desensitising, surgical gum graft, and root canal can help treat the sensitivity.</li>
	<li>RCT is titled as the most successful technique for treating tooth sensitivity.</li>
	<li>Researchers have now found definitive proof that the temperature sensor called the TRCP5 is responsible for transmitting cold sensation and triggers the nerves to fire.</li>
	<li>In a diseased state, the dental pulp is inflamed and the TRCP5 is overabundant, causing an increased electrical signalling.</li>
	<li>Pharmacological approaches are being designed to efficiently target TRCP5.</li>
	<li>Surprisingly, it has been discovered that the active agent in clove oil is eugenol, which is a chemical that has the potential to block TRCP5. Cloves have been used for a really long time without the knowledge of the interaction of eugenol with TRCP5.</li>
</ul>

[1] Kanehira, M., Ishihata, H., Saito, M. (2015). Dentin Hypersensitivity: Etiology, Prevalence and Treatment Modalities. In: Sasaki, K., Suzuki, O., Takahashi, N. (eds) Interface Oral Health Science 2014. Springer, Tokyo.

[2] Gotter A. Sensitive teeth: Causes, symptoms, treatments, and more. Healthline.

[3] Treatments for sensitive teeth. Mayo Clinic.

[4] Henderson Rby E. Researchers identify new targets for minimizing tooth sensitivity to cold. Medical Net News.

Arbaz Ansari

So you have watched every single teen movie of the late 90s/early 2000s. And this is probably why when someone asks you to visualize a nerd, you imagine a person with the biggest and Harry Potter inspired&nbsp;frame<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>, with pulled-up socks, a turtleneck, and a heavy stack of books clutched tightly to their chests.

&nbsp;

But what is another cinematic and stereotypical accessory that completes the nerdy and geeky vibe? Classic braces, of course!<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>

&nbsp;

Those who have been victims of the orthodontically administered metal devices&nbsp;would not even fathom calling them or remotely associating them with fashion<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>. But the world is a mysteriously unique place where the most bizarre trends sprout the fastest. In a world of fantasy-influenced vampire facials<a href="#accordion">[4]</a>, a reboot of the controversial low-rise jeans<a href="#accordion">[5]</a>, and the questionable consumption and promotion of tide pods<a href="#accordion">[6]</a>, we have been puzzled by the rekindled spirits for the nostalgic torture devices.

&nbsp;

It caused an uproar due to the conventionally high standards of Asian teenagers; nevertheless, the industry for braces skyrocketed exponentially in countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand<a href="#accordion">[7]</a>.

&nbsp;

Similar to most fad trends, braces are having quite a celebrity moment: their prices have skyrocketed; they&#39;ve received multiple endorsements from prominent Eastern celebrities and influencers; and they have all our attention. An all-out metal mouth is currently viewed as a paragon of opulence, wealth, luxury, and style. It can easily be compared to possessing a coveted Birkin bag or adorning a vintage Prada dress. A few teenagers have been so beguiled by the trend that they are purchasing metal-and-plastic mouthpieces with cutesy animated cartoons and designs to enhance the vibe of the previously distasteful braces. 
&nbsp;

Understanding Dental Braces

The renewed popularity of braces allows people who suffer from irregular teeth alignment to rejoice. What seems puzzling is how a certain demographic has taken a liking to braces &ndash; a historically detested instrument &ndash; and made it something trendy.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Several people who have not been diagnosed with any oral problems, such as receding gums, loose teeth, crooked teeth, or weak teeth have persuaded their guardians or even paid from their own pockets to get fashion braces<a href="#accordion">[10]</a>.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

To answer the question whether these decorative and perfunctory braces are worth the hype &ndash; they are not. Not only do they force their recipient to tolerate and numb their senses to unbearable (and otherwise avoidable) physical pain<a href="#accordion">[10]</a>, but they have, as expected, been linked to several other problems.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Enthusiastic and socially-driven adolescents who were desperate to jump on the bandwagon and try these luxury items, have reported difficulties in pronouncing certain syllables and words. Some expressed how the braces affected their sense of taste, and others reduced the number of meals they had because the braces were a hindrance<a href="#accordion">[10]</a>.

<div>&nbsp;</div>

If TikTok can be credited for something, it is its influence and sheer dynamics that compel millennials to participate in all the trends that have been promoted by Gen Z<a href="#accordion">[8]</a>. Perhaps, it&rsquo;s an attempt to remain more relevant. Anyways, orthodontics, especially in Pakistan, have observed a shift in their client demographics. A majority of dentists, orthodontics, and dental clinics claim that the introduction of invisible aligners or clear braces is a plausible reason for the sudden interest exhibited by adults opting for this trend<a href="#accordion">[9]</a>.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Very much like dental aesthetics internationally, this orthodontic choice is outwardly invisible or transparent and is an adult&#39;s first preference in Pakistan to get a perfectly aligned smile.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Popular as invisible aligners but vernacularly known as invisible braces, these new and trendy orthodontic supports are becoming a cult favorite. They are transparent, plastic plate-like figures that are arranged cozily over your teeth. The idea relies on the concept of pressure to tenderly move your teeth into the correct positions and set your smile<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The orthodontist may likewise put connections that resemble the shade of your teeth onto your teeth to hold the aligners in their original positions<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>. In this manner, they are camouflaged and remain invisible.

&nbsp;

You have the luxury to detach the aligners when you want to carry out necessary routine activities. For instance, the presence of aligners may hinder consumption of food or maintaining oral hygiene and can now be easily removed to avoid hindrances<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

However, you should not remove them for prolonged periods or without purpose as they need to be applied for at least 22 hours every day in order to function effectively.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

While the resurgence of braces, in general, has been welcomed and appreciated, there is no denying it is because of invisible aligners that their popularity is gaining momentum.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The triumph of the successor to the millennial torture device can be attributed to 2 reasons<a href="#accordion">[9]</a>:

&nbsp;

1. Lowered Insecurity Scale

What prevented a great many people from getting the run-of-the-mill metal braces is that they were loud and noticeable from afar. They brought uncalled attention from other people. So, even though they were &ndash; and still are &ndash; extremely helpful at drawing out the adjusted grins, individuals try not to get them due to their appearance, because at the end of the day, beauty triumphs over health.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

However, with the societal acceptance of invisible aligners, individuals who were once afraid to highlight their insecurities find no hesitance scheduling an appointment with an orthodontist to get these aids.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Moreover, some individuals are expected to abide by a specific clothing handbook and dress code in their corporate or professional environment. Wearing braces, to them, is a casual disregard for workplace rules. While some teenagers these days might even do it intentionally for a bit of mischief or to act rebellious, adults prefer to remain neutral. Enter the invisible aligners, and even the adults will not fret about the tediousness of wearing them and taking them off as a constant issue.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Many patients who mustered the courage to settle for invisible aligners swear by their transparency, claiming that they can go anyplace without any individual noticing that they are wearing textured medical equipment on their teeth. 
&nbsp;

2. Health Trends&nbsp;

And while looking your best matters and is prioritized by many, at the end of the day people look for convenience and ease. Till date, one of the most common objections raised by patients is that metal braces are irritating because food particles frequently get stuck between them.

&nbsp;

And, even though there are specific braces that are not as robust and can be adjusted appropriately around wires, cleaning teeth with metal braces is hard and tedious. All the food particles that remain stuck are bound to disintegrate and cause bad breath in&nbsp; individuals with braces.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

But that is not the only displeasure people with braces face. While their sense of smell is irked due to the overpowering odor, their appearance is also affected as white spots materialize around the accumulation and build-up.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

With the magical invisible aligners, this ceases to be an issue. They can be taken out without any problem. Without any orthodontic dissidents, individuals find it easier to brush and floss effortlessly. There&rsquo;s no odor, no particles stuck in braces, and, most importantly, no hideous metal thing sticking out of their mouths; the person not only looks good, they feel good as well. The flexibility to remove the invisible aligners have made it so practical for day-to-day&nbsp;activities. 
&nbsp;

Have you caught yourself occasionally contemplating this trend? Have invisible braces charmed you with their secretive nature? Do you question the opposition you once put forward as a child towards braces? Well, then you are in luck. Because, like all other millennials spread across the globe, you too can be a part of this trend with the help of professional dental practitioners to achieve the best outcomes<a href="#accordion">[9]</a>.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

This might be a dream come true. However, before you commit to this decision, make sure you know what is in store during the teeth-fixing process<a href="#accordion">[9]</a>:

<ul>
	<li>Most licensed practitioners will invest their time and due diligence by completing an underlying dental test.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Your dental specialist would decide whether or not these trendy braces are the proper dental treatment for oral health and designing a perfect smile. If it is, they will guide you about the length of the treatment. In addition, they would respond to any queries you have.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The primary examination is followed by a consultation with one of the dental specialists who will take the advanced impression of your teeth to visualize a more accurate picture and assess the situation accordingly. Moreover, photos and X-rays could be taken. After careful deliberation, they will make a preferential model of your teeth structure. The model will be then shipped off to the designated lab where your invisible aligners will be planned.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>After the lab transports the customized and personal set of aligners to the dentist&#39;s office, you will be notified and called in for the placement of braces.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The changes are carried out methodically like clockwork. As you complete the treatment, your teeth move into a more adjusted shape.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Occasionally, your orthodontist would request that you visit them to guarantee that your therapy is on time and as expected. Toward the end of the course, if no complications arise, you can expect to boast a perfectly adjusted grin. The dental specialist would plan a modified clear retainer guaranteed to last forever. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

With all said and done, there is no reason as to why anyone should deprive themselves of oral <a href="https://merisehat.pk/article/baby-hygiene">hygiene</a>, prioritization of safe practices, and a healthy desire to align their teeth with braces. If Angelina Jolie can dazzle and charm swarms of crowds at the Golden Globes<a href="#accordion">[7]</a>&nbsp;with a pair of the oh-so horrible braces then these orthodontically supported instruments should be adequate for everybody.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The braces would easily assist with turning a flawed grin into a wonderful smile by reducing unnecessary crowding, fixing teeth, or altering an asymmetrical bite. The best part of this new trend is the individual gets the opportunity to personalize and own their style. Braces are currently a mutually beneficial and socially approved arrangement for everybody.

<div>&nbsp;</div>