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
- 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
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 mouthguard when participating in any sporting activity.
Mouthguards 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.