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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
- 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
- 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 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
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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. Back to Top
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 mouth guard when participating in any sporting
activity. Mouth guards 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.
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