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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.
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