Orthodontics

Why Braces?

For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics. At our office, we strongly believe that the key to self-confidence is feeling good about yourself. Your smile can reflect your confidence, but more importantly, it can build your confidence. A person who is happy with their smile will smile more, creating a positive image. It's no coincidence that the people we like to be around the most are happy and confident people. Orthodontics is the key to an attractive smile and self-confidence.

How Orthodontic Treatment Works

Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. They may be removable or they may be brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to a corrected position. This is a great time to wear braces! Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. You can choose brackets that are clear or metallic color. You can choose the color of the ties that hold the wire in brackets. Wires are also less noticeable than they used to be and the latest materials move teeth faster with less discomfort to patients.

Duration of Treatment

Treatment time typically ranges from one to three years, depending on the growth of the patient's mouth and face and the severity of the problem. Patients grow at different rates and will respond variously to orthodontic treatment, so the time to case completion may differ from the original estimate. The patient's diligent use of any prescribed rubber bands or headgear is an important factor in achieving the most efficient treatment. Interceptive, or early treatment procedures, may take as few as six months.

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

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

• Guides permanent teeth into more favorable positions

• Reduces 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 tenderness of your teeth for two to three days. Your lips and cheeks may need up to one week 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 comfortable and come in a variety of colors. We suggest the use of an over-the-counter mouthguard such as; Boil and Bite or equivalent.

Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?

No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment.

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.