The concept of using gemstones like Tanzanite One in relation to braces might seem rather unusual at first glance. Tanzanite One is a well-known entity in the world of tanzanite, a precious gemstone with its own unique characteristics. But when it comes to covering braces, there are many aspects to consider, from the physical properties of the gemstone to practical and aesthetic considerations. In this article, we’ll explore this question in detail to understand if and how Tanzanite One could potentially be associated with covering braces.
Understanding Tanzanite One
What is Tanzanite One?
Tanzanite One is a significant player in the tanzanite mining and production industry. It has been involved in extracting and processing tanzanite gemstones from the mines in Tanzania, which is the sole source of this beautiful blue-violet colored gemstone in the world. The company has played a crucial role in bringing tanzanite to the global market and maintaining its reputation for quality.
They are responsible for ensuring that the tanzanite mined is of high enough quality to be used in various jewelry pieces, going through processes like sorting, cutting, and grading to make it suitable for consumers.
The Gemstone Tanzanite
Tanzanite itself is a mineral called zoisite that has been heat-treated to enhance its color. It has a unique chemical composition that gives it those mesmerizing blue and violet hues. It’s prized in the jewelry world for its rarity and the fact that it’s only found in a specific region near Mount Kilimanjaro.
Its hardness on the Mohs scale is around 6.5 to 7, which means it has a moderate level of durability compared to some other gemstones. For example, diamonds are a 10 on the Mohs scale, so tanzanite is softer than diamonds but still able to withstand normal wear in jewelry to an extent.
What Are Braces and Their Characteristics
Types of Braces
There are different types of braces commonly used in orthodontics. Traditional metal braces consist of brackets that are attached to the teeth and connected by wires. These brackets are usually made of metal alloys like stainless steel. Ceramic braces are another option, which are less visible as the brackets are made of tooth-colored materials, making them more aesthetically pleasing for some people.
Lingual braces are placed on the back of the teeth, hidden from view when you smile. Then there are clear aligner systems like Invisalign, which are removable and made of clear plastic, gradually shifting the teeth into the desired position over time.
Requirements for Covering Braces
When we talk about covering braces, there are several things to consider. Firstly, the material used for covering needs to be durable enough to withstand the forces exerted during chewing, talking, and the general movement of the mouth. It also has to be able to maintain its integrity over the months or years that braces are typically worn.
Aesthetics play a role too. If something is being used to cover braces, it should ideally look good and not be overly obtrusive or uncomfortable. Additionally, it needs to be hygienic and easy to clean so that it doesn’t contribute to tooth decay or gum problems.
Could Tanzanite One Gemstones Physically Cover Braces?
Size and Shape Considerations
Tanzanite gemstones from Tanzanite One come in various sizes and shapes depending on how they are cut. Smaller faceted tanzanite stones might seem like they could potentially be used to adorn or cover parts of braces if they were set in a suitable way. For example, round or square cut tanzanite stones could perhaps be incorporated into a design around the brackets of traditional braces if they were small enough not to interfere with the orthodontic function.
However, the irregular shape of some natural tanzanite crystals might make it more challenging to use them in a uniform manner to cover braces. And if the stones are too large, they would be impractical and could even cause discomfort or interfere with the movement and adjustment of the braces.
Durability and Wearability
As mentioned earlier, tanzanite has a moderate hardness. While it can handle normal wear in jewelry on the body, the environment inside the mouth is quite harsh. The constant grinding and pressure from chewing, as well as exposure to saliva and acids in the mouth, could potentially damage the tanzanite over time.
It might chip, crack, or lose its polish, which would not only affect its appearance but also could pose a risk of swallowing or inhaling small fragments. So from a durability perspective, using tanzanite to directly cover braces might not be the most practical option in the long run.
Hygiene and Cleaning
Keeping braces clean is essential for maintaining good oral health. If tanzanite were used to cover braces, it would need to be able to be cleaned thoroughly without being damaged. However, the settings and any crevices around the gemstones could trap food particles and bacteria, making it difficult to ensure proper hygiene.
Cleaning agents used for oral hygiene might also react with the tanzanite or its settings, potentially affecting its color or integrity. For instance, some acidic mouthwashes could etch the surface of the gemstone if it’s in direct contact with them regularly.
Aesthetic Possibilities and Limitations
Visual Appeal
From an aesthetic point of view, tanzanite’s beautiful blue-violet color could add a unique and luxurious touch to braces. For someone who wants to make their orthodontic treatment a bit more stylish, having tanzanite accents on their braces could be an interesting concept. It could give a glamorous look compared to the plain metal or ceramic options usually seen.
In a design where small tanzanite stones are carefully placed around the brackets or along the wires of braces, it could create a sparkly and eye-catching effect when light hits them. However, this would likely be more suitable for special occasions or short-term use rather than the entire duration of wearing braces due to the durability concerns.
Customization and Design
Tanzanite One could potentially offer customized options if there was a demand for using tanzanite with braces. Jewelers could work with orthodontists to create unique designs that incorporate the gemstone in a way that doesn’t interfere with the function of the braces. For example, they could create small removable covers with tanzanite settings that could be attached to the braces for specific events or photoshoots.
But this would require a lot of precision and coordination between different professionals, and the cost of such custom designs would likely be quite high, making it less accessible for most people undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Practical and Safety Concerns
Discomfort and Functionality
Placing tanzanite on or around braces could potentially cause discomfort. The added bulk or rough edges of the gemstone settings might irritate the lips, cheeks, or tongue. It could also interfere with the proper movement and adjustment of the braces, which is crucial for the success of orthodontic treatment.
For example, if the tanzanite-covered parts were to catch on food or get bumped during normal activities, it could disrupt the alignment process or even damage the braces themselves, leading to additional costs and delays in treatment.
Safety Risks
There are safety risks associated with having gemstones near the mouth. As mentioned earlier, there’s a possibility of the tanzanite chipping or breaking, and if small pieces were to come loose, they could be swallowed or inhaled, which would be a serious health concern.
Also, if the settings holding the tanzanite were to become loose over time, they could pose a choking hazard or cause injury to the soft tissues inside the mouth.
Alternatives to Using Tanzanite One Gemstones for Covering Braces
Decorative Orthodontic Accessories
Instead of using actual gemstones, there are many decorative orthodontic accessories available on the market. These include colorful rubber bands that can be attached to the brackets of traditional braces, giving a fun and personalized look. There are also stickers or decals that can be applied to the braces to add some style without the risks and practical issues associated with gemstones.
Some companies even make small charm-like attachments that can be added to the wires of braces in a safe and removable way, allowing patients to change their look from time to time during treatment.
Customized Orthodontic Appliances
For those who really want a unique and luxurious look, there are options to have customized orthodontic appliances made. For example, clear aligners like Invisalign can sometimes be personalized with designs or even have small faux gemstone accents printed or embedded in a way that doesn’t affect their functionality.
Or, for patients with removable retainers, they can have them custom-designed with decorative elements that mimic the look of gemstones but are made of materials that are safe and durable for oral use.
Conclusion
While the idea of using gems from Tanzanite One to cover braces might seem appealing from an aesthetic standpoint, there are numerous practical, durability, hygiene, and safety concerns that make it a rather challenging concept. The unique properties of tanzanite, combined with the demanding environment of the mouth and the requirements of orthodontic treatment, mean that it’s not a straightforward or advisable option for covering braces.
However, there are alternative ways to add a touch of style and personality to braces that can satisfy the desire for a more unique look during orthodontic treatment without sacrificing functionality or safety. Whether it’s through decorative accessories or customized orthodontic appliances, patients have options to make their braces-wearing experience a bit more enjoyable and fashionable.
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