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What is Orthodontics?
What is an Orthodontist?
What are some possible benefits of Orthodontics?
What are some signs that braces may be needed?
When should my child first see an Orthodontist?
What is Phase I and Phase II treatment?
Would an adult patient benefit from Orthodontics?
How does orthodontic treatment work?
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
How much do braces cost?
Do braces hurt?
How often will I have appointments scheduled?
What is headgear?
What is an palatal expander?
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 dentist who specializes in braces for both
children and adults. Orthodontists have completed dental school,
just as your family dentist, but have also had additional training
(called a residency) for an additional 2 to 3 years. During their
residency the orthodontist learns not only about placing braces
on teeth but also studies the growth and development of the jaws.
From their background, orthodontists can determine developing
bite problems at very early ages.
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What are some possible benefits of Orthodontics?
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A more attractive smile
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Reduced appearance-consciousness during critical development
years
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Better function of the teeth
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Possible increase in self-confidence
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Increased ability to clean the teeth
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Improved force distribution and wear patterns of the teeth
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Better long term health of teeth and gums
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Guide permanent teeth into more favorable positions
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Reduce the risk of injury to protruded front teeth
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Aid in optimizing other dental treatment
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What are some signs that braces may be needed?
Below are some of the more common signs that orthodontics
may be needed:
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Upper front teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth,
or are bucked
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Upper front teeth cover the majority of the lower teeth
when biting together (deep bite)
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Upper front teeth are behind or inside the lower front teeth
(underbite)
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The upper and lower front teeth do not touch when biting
together (open bite)
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Crowded or overlapped teeth The center of the upper and
lower teeth do not line up
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Finger or thumb sucking habits which continue after 6 or
7 years old
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Difficulty chewing
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Teeth wearing unevenly or excessively
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The lower jaw shifts to one side or the other when biting
together
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Spaces between the teeth
When should my child first see an Orthodontist?
- The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every
child visit an orthodontist by age 7, or earlier if a problem
is detected by parents, family dentist or the child's physician.
Although only a few of the patients need treatment at this time,
the orthodontist can often improve improper growth and prevent
future problems. For some of these problems early intervention
is essential for a good result. Should your child not be ready
for treatment the orthodontist will monitor growth and development
on a regular basis.
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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 6 and 10. 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 11 and 13.
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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.
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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.
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How long does orthodontic treatment take?
- Treatment times vary on a case by case basis, but the average
time is from 1 to 2 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, keeping regular appointments and good elastic
wear are all important in keeping treatment time on schedule.
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How much do braces cost? -
Orthodontic fees will vary depending on the complexity of the
bite problem. Bites with more severe problems usually require
additional treatment time (and additional fees) than a less complicated
bite. Because of so many differences each case is evaluated independently.
Fees can usually be estimated at the initial visit. During the
consultation appointment our staff will go over fees in more detail
and devise a payment plan which best meets your needs.
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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 1 to 4 days. Your lips and cheeks may
need 1 to 2 weeks to get used to the braces on your teeth.
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How often will I have appointments scheduled?
- It may take several appointments at the beginning to get treatment
started. Once treatment is underway appointments are usually 4
to 6 weeks apart.
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What is headgear? - Headgear
is a type of orthodontic appliance that connects to the teeth
and is held in place with a strap behind the neck or the crown
of the head. Headgear is often used when the top jaw or top teeth
are too far forward relative to the bottom jaw or bottom teeth.
If a patient needs to wear headgear we usually request that it
be worn in the evening and during sleep time.
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What is a palatal expander?
- An expander is a type of orthodontic appliance that connects
to 2 to 4 of the top back teeth and will be placed over the roof
of the patient's mouth. An expander is used when the patient's
top jaw is narrow compared to its bottom jaw. The expander will
widen the top jaw to have it match properly with the bottom jaw.
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