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Before and After | Surgical Orthodontics | What Braces Can Do For You | Two-Phase Treatment
WHY BRACES?
Your dentist may have discussed with you the benefits of having
healthy teeth and proper jaw alignment. Crooked and crowded teeth
are hard to clean and maintain. This can result in tooth decay,
worsen gum disease and lead to tooth loss. Other orthodontic problems
can contribute to abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, inefficient
chewing function, excessive stress on gum tissue and the bone
that supports the teeth, or misalignment of the jaw joints. These
can lead to chronic headaches and face or neck pain. Treatment
by an orthodontist can be less costly than the additional care
required to treat dental problems arising as a result of orthodontic
problems. For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious
benefit from orthodontics. After your braces come off, you'll
feel more self-confidence and social acceptance.
BRACES FOR ALL AGES
Kids
 It's
best for the orthodontist to see children by age 7 to advise if
orthodontic treatment is required and the best time for the patient
to be treated. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually
come in by that time and crossbites, crowding and other problems
can be evaluated. When treatment is begun early, the orthodontist
can guide the growth of the jaw and guide incoming permanent teeth.
Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower
dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid the need
for permanent tooth extractions and reduce likelihood of impacted
permanent teeth. Early treatment can help to stop thumb sucking
habits, and may eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems.
This early phase of treatment is called Phase I or early interceptive
treatment. Second phase treatment, or comprehensive treatment,
consists of finishing alignment and bite of the newly erupted
adult teeth. This occurs usually between the ages of 11 and 13.
After Phase II, the retention phase begins.
Adults
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults
especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. One of
every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over 21. Jaw surgery
may be required for adult orthodontic patients because their jaws
are not growing. Adults also may have experienced some breakdown
or loss of their teeth and bone that supports the teeth and may
require periodontal treatment before, during and /or after orthodontic
treatment. Bone loss can also limit the amount and direction of
tooth movement that is advisable.
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 in 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.
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