About Orthodontics

Choose a topic:

- Why Orthodontics?
- Children
- Adults
- How Orthodontic Treatment Works
- Duration of Treatment
- Types of Braces

Why Orthodontics?

Orthodontic treatment is indicated for various problems: imbalance between the upper and lower jaws, crowding, spacing, impacted teeth, missing teeth, traumatic occlusion, protrusion and abnormal wear of teeth, to name a few. Left untreated, many of these problems become worse. Your dentist may have discussed with you the benefits of having a good bite and proper jaw alignment. When teeth are in the correct position they are easier to clean and maintain. Crowding and misalignment can make effective flossing and brushing difficult. This can lead to tooth decay and gum disease which can result in possible tooth loss. Investing in orthodontic treatment has life long rewards with a new and improved smile at the top of the list. Keep in mind that orthodontic fees can be less than the cost of the additional dental care needed as a result of an orthodontic problem.

Children

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children should see an orthodontist by the age of 7. By then the permanent 6-year molars and the incisors have usually erupted. The orthodontist will evaluate jaw position, potential crowding, tooth eruption, growth patterns and other dental problems. Some orthodontic problems are easier to correct if they are found early by taking advantage of growth in the young patient. Even though an early check-up is recommended, most orthodontic treatment is between the ages of nine and 14.

Adults

Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. It is never too late to improve your smile and dental health. Approximately 1/4 to 1/3 of our patients are over the age of 21. Because adults are highly motivated and compliant, treatment times are usually similar to a younger patient. This is a wonderful time to consider orthodontic treatment due to the many advancements in types of wires, brackets and, of course, Invisalign.

How Orthodontic Treatment Works

Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic or plastic. They may be removable, or they may be bonded to the teeth. The type of appliance that is best can vary and will depend on the specific problem and the recommendation of the orthodontist. Teeth are moved to their new position by using constant, gentle forces over a period of time. After a series of adjustments, the teeth will be in their corrected position. Innovations in wires, brackets and techniques make this a great time to consider orthodontic treatment.

Duration of Treatment

Treatment time typically ranges from one to three years, depending on factors such as growth of the patient's mouth and face, severity of the problem, and patient compliance. Patients grow at different rates and response to orthodontic treatment varies, so the time to case completion may differ from the original estimate. The patient's diligent use of any prescribed rubber bands or other extra-oral force system is an important factor in achieving the most efficient treatment. Interceptive, or early treatment procedures, may take as few as six months.

Types of Braces

Metal Braces: These are the most common types of braces and due to their improved, smaller size are more comfortable than ever. The ties that hold the wires on to the brackets can be gray or various colors. The ties are changed each visit so you will choose the color of your ties every time you come in.

Ceramic Braces: These consist of clear brackets which are made of a synthetic sapphire and are less visible than the metal brackets. By design for strength, the ceramic bracket is somewhat larger than the metal bracket. Often it is recommended that the smaller lower teeth use the metal bracket due to their smaller size.

Invisalign: These are clear aligners (resembling your dentist's bleaching trays) which fit over the teeth and are removable and invisible. The aligners are worn about 22 hours per day. They are removed for eating and brushing/flossing only. Each aligner has built in corrections and is worn for about three weeks before moving to the next aligner in the series.
Click here for more information on Invisalign.

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