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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
- Aid 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 (under bite)
- 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.
Back to
Top 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 cross bites, overbites,
under bites, 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 arch wire
that connects them are the main components. When the arch wire
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 arch wires 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.
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