It has become something of a tired cliché to characterize most Americans as hard workers who are always in a hurry to get somewhere, like the impatient White Rabbit in “Alice in Wonderland.”

In fact, there is much truth to this characterization. Americans work longer days and weeks than their counterparts around the world, take fewer and shorter vacations, and spend an average of 42 minutes on their lunch “hour.” We’re always in a rush, with little time to spare.

That’s why a new development in the field of orthodontic dentistry is drawing so much attention. It’s called In-Ovation-R, and it is being hailed as the solution to a problem many Americans face: they know wearing braces can result in an improved smile and a healthier mouth, but they simply can’t afford the time it takes for examinations, fittings, adjustments and endless visits to the orthodontist.

According to the American Association of Orthodontics, about three out of four people in this country could benefit from orthodontic care, though only about 5 million people in the United States and Canada wear braces. Of these, one in five is over 18, and some are in their ‘40s, ‘50s or older.

Health professionals agree that orthodontic treatment is important at any age because crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. This may contribute to conditions that cause not only tooth decay but also eventual gum disease and tooth loss.

And don’t underestimate the social value of an attractive smile. A pleasing appearance is a vital asset to one’s self-confidence. As treatment brings teeth, lips and face into proportion, a person’s self-esteem often improves. In this way, orthodontic treatment can benefit social and career success, as well as improve one’s general attitude toward life. And those are good things!

By virtually eliminating the need for ligation, or tightening, the wire each month, In-Ovation-R from GAC Dentsply is encouraging many busy Americans to get the orthodontic attention they need. This “self-ligating” bracket system significantly reduces the number of visits the orthodontist’s office, and even shortens the length of each visit. It’s estimated that, on average, a patient fitted with this system spends more than 400 percent less time with his orthodontist than he or she normally would! And who wouldn’t rather use that extra time playing tennis, catching up on the latest best sellers, or spending some quality time with family and friends?

“We are using In-Ovation brackets and have found them to be the appliance (brace) of choice for 100 percent of our patients who live a distance from our office,” notes Dr. John Griffiths of Las Vegas, “It’s difficult for college students or patients who live in outlying communities, or who travel to work, to be seen as regularly as conventional appliances require… we are able to treat patients in a timely fashion who are unable to visit us on a monthly basis.”

And there is no compromise on overall performance or quality. Patients and orthodontists alike have given In-Ovation-R high marks for comfort and results.

“I didn’t think it was possible to improve my smile in such an easy, comfortable way,” comments a happy patient. From a professional point of view, orthodontists like the degree of control this system gives them between visits.

For more information about this time-saving product that is fast changing the way many Americans — even impatient White Rabbits — are thinking about their teeth, visit www.gacinovation.com.

(Editor’s Note: Courtesy of ARA Content).