What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in
the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial
irregularities.
What is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a specialist who has completed an advanced
education program following dental school to learn the special
skills required to manage tooth movement and guide facial development.
What are some possible benefits of orthodontics?
- A more attractive smile
- Reduced appearance-consciousness during critical development
years
- Better function of the teeth
- Possible increase in self-confidence
- Increased ability to clean the teeth
- Improved force distribution and wear patterns of the teeth
- Better long term health of teeth and gums
- Guide permanent teeth into more favorable positions
- Reduce the risk of injury to protruded front teeth
- Aids in optimizing other dental treatment
What are some signs that braces may be needed?
- Upper front teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth,
or are bucked
- Upper front teeth cover the majority of the lower teeth
when biting together (deep bite)
- Upper front teeth are behind or inside the lower front
teeth (underbite)
- The upper and lower front teeth do not touch when biting
together (open bite)
- Crowded or overlapped teeth
- The center of the upper and lower teeth do not line up
- Finger or thumb sucking habits which continue after six
or seven years old
- Difficulty chewing
- Teeth wearing unevenly or excessively
- The lower jaw shifts to one side or the other when biting
together
- Spaces between the teeth
At what age should orthodontic treatment occur?
Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. Many orthodontic
problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age
before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean that
a patient can avoid surgery and more serious complications.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every
child first visit an orthodontist by age 7 or earlier if a
problem is detected by parents, the family dentist, or the
child's physician.
What is Phase I and Phase II treatment?
Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic
treatment (i.e. expander or partial braces) before all of the
permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment can occur between
the ages of six and ten. This treatment is sometimes recommended
to make more space for developing teeth, correction of crossbites,
overbites, and underbites, or harmful oral habits. Phase II
treatment is also called comprehensive treatment because it
involves full braces when all of the permanent teeth have erupted,
usually between the ages of eleven and thirteen. |
Would an adult patient benefit from orthodontics?
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. Everyone
wants a beautiful and healthy smile. Twenty to twenty five
percent of orthodontic patients today are adults.
How does orthodontic treatment work?
Braces use steady gentle pressure to gradually move teeth
into their proper positions. The brackets that are placed on
your teeth and the archwire that connects them are the main
components. When the archwire is placed into the brackets,
it tries to return to its original shape. As it does so, it
applies pressure to move your teeth to their new, more ideal
positions.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average
time is from one to two years. Actual treatment time can be
affected by rate of growth and severity of the correction necessary.
Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments
are important in keeping treatment time on schedule.
Do braces hurt?
The placement of bands and brackets on your teeth does not
hurt. Once your braces are placed and connected with the archwires
you may feel some soreness of your teeth for one to four days.
Your lips and cheeks may need one to two weeks to get used
to the braces on your teeth.
Will braces interfere with playing sports?
No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their
smiles by wearing a mouth guard when participating in any sporting
activity. Mouth guards are inexpensive, comfortable, and come
in a variety of colors and patterns.
Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?
No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment.
In addition, brace covers can be provided to prevent discomfort.
Should I see my general dentist while I have braces?
Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist every
six months for cleanings and dental checkups. |
