IN A PLANT’S DEFENSE Many trees and plants are beginning to bloom, which means that they will soon have to ward off various predators. Most animals have a fight-or-flight response when faced with a dangerous situation, but plants can’t run or physically fight the dangers they face on a daily basis. However, what they lack in claws and teeth, they make up for in chemical and mechanical defenses.
THE INTERESTING METHODS THEY USE TO FIGHT PREDATORS
defenses are not as obvious. Trees protect themselves with thick, hard-to-eat bark, which is comprised of a natural polymer called lignin. Leaves are often coated in a natural wax, which deters most insects and pathogens. Some leaves have trichomes, which are sharp, hair-like features that stab or prick insects’ legs as they try to land or walk on its surface. Trichomes often also release toxins that can cause irritation and inflammation. Some plants contain microscopic, sharp crystals that puncture and inject chemicals into an animal’s mouth once they’ve bitten it. INTERNAL DEFENSES When a plant’s external defense fails, its internal protection takes charge. A plant lacks an immune system; instead, each cell is programmed to defend against any foreign object that comes in contact with it. If an insect or disease attacks the plant, the plant will thicken its cell walls with waxy plating, close its leaf pores, and kill off sections of itself to preserve the whole plant. Plants also have unique chemicals that are deadly to insects and microbes, some of which we use today as seasonings, medicine, or drugs. In addition to toxic compounds, plants can release hormones into the air that warn neighboring plants or even attract other insects to kill would-be attackers.
EXTERNAL DEFENSES Many of us are familiar with thorns, prickles, and spines, which are all examples of a plant’s physical defense. But many other plants’ physical
If you’ve decided to plant a garden this year, take some time to find out which natural defenses your plants wield.
WHY INVISALIGN IS A SIMPLE, NONINVASIVE SOLUTION Teeth straightening options have improved immensely since the ancient Egyptians first experimented with cat-gut wire. Today, teeth straightening is easier than ever, thanks in part to clear liners that nudge your teeth into the proper place. Read on to find out why Invisalign is the user-friendly, less invasive teeth-straightening option for teens and adults. THE SKINNY ON STRAIGHTENING
Is There Something Different About You? It’s hard to be subtle with a mouth full of metal, and some people shy away from smiling because of the pain or lack of confidence that comes with braces. Instead, Invisalign is designed to cling to your teeth with a series of removable, clear plastic liners, which are similar to retainers. Because of the transparency, most people will hardly notice you’re wearing liners, and Invisalign does its work in the background, leaving you feeling confident and inconspicuous. Apples, Marshmallows, and Popcorn —Oh My! As orthodontic experts, we will never condone sticky sugars that could damage your teeth. But when you have braces, your favorite treats are (literally) off the table. Sticky substances, and even particles from crunchy foods, can get lodged into braces, where even proper cleaning and flossing can struggle to remove all the pieces. With Invisalign, you don’t have to worry about overhauling your diet, because you can simply remove your liners while
you eat. Do a quick brush and rinse after a scrumptious slice of s’mores pie, pop that liner back in, and sit back while Invisalign works its magic.
Well, That Was Easy. Enjoying a variety of foods and subtly straightening the teeth still may not be enough for people to commit to Invisalign, but these aren’t even the biggest perks. Because Invisalign is a simple, noninvasive plastic liner, the chance of injury, emergency, or broken pieces — like a wire or brace — is very low. Additionally, patients usually complete their treatment in a shorter amount of time than they would with braces. It’s easy, convenient, and fast. How many other treatments can claim that?
At TeamDemas Orthodontics, our goal is to give you a smile you can be proud of and a treatment plan that fits into your life. Learnmore by calling 860-276-0333.
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