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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 (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, 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. |
