What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is the recognized specialty within dentistry that focuses on 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 knowledge and clinical skills required to manage tooth movement and guide facial development.

What are some possible benefits of orthodontics?

• A more attractive smile
• Better function of the teeth
• Reduced appearance-consciousness during critical development years
• Possible increase in self esteem and confidence from enhanced esthetics
• Improved 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
• Aids in optimizing other dental treatment

What are some signs that braces may be needed?

• Upper front teeth protrude excessively in front of the lower teeth, or are “bucked” (excess overjet)
• Upper front teeth cover the majority of the lower teeth vertically when biting together (deep bite)
• Upper front teeth are behind or inside the lower front teeth (underbite or crossbite)
• Upper back teeth fit inside the lower back teeth on one or both sides (posterior crossbite)
• The upper and lower front teeth do not touch when biting together (open bite)
• Crowded, rotated or overlapped teeth
• The center of the upper and lower front teeth do not line up
• Finger- or thumb-sucking habits which continue after six or seven years old
• Difficulty in chewing due to poor “bite” of the teeth
• Teeth wearing unevenly or excessively
• The lower jaw shifts to one side or the other when biting together
• Spaces between the teeth
• Excessively prominent teeth resulting in gum recession
• Baby teeth that are not loosening up and falling out or which are in the way of new adult 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 between ages 7 to 9, or even 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. One quarter to one-third of orthodontic patients today are adults (especially since the introduction. of Invisalign appliances). 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 must be slightly deformed to fit teeth that are not yet straight and therefore 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. After the teeth line up and the wires fit into the brackets more passively, the wires then serve as a track along which the teeth are moved.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average time is from one to three years depending on the complexity of the original problem (although most patients now finish their treatment in 18 months or less). Actual treatment time can be affected by rate of growth and severity of the needed correction. Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance. Maintaining good oral hygiene, following the orthodontic team’s instructions, being careful not to damage the appliances, and be present for all scheduled appointments are all important factors 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 up to seven days. This soreness can usually be easily managed with common non-prescrition pain relievers such as would be taken for a headache (e.g., Advil, Tylenol, Aleve, etc.). 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 lips, cheeks, teeth and gums by wearing a special orthodontic mouthguard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouthguards are available from the orthodontic office and 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?

Most definitely, you should continue to see your general dentist at least every six months for cleanings and dental checkups! If you tend to accumulate tartar and plaque quickly, or are prone to cavities or periodontal problems, more frequent visits to the general dentist are extremely beneficial and can be a good precaution to avoid further problems.