FAQs
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
- Guides permanent teeth into more favorable positions
- Reduces 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 of age
- Difficulty chewing
- Teeth wearing unevenly or excessively
- The lower jaw shifts to one side or the other when biting together
- Spaces between the 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 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?
About half of all children with crowding and bite problems benefit from a first phase of treatment focusing on growth guidance of the upper and lower jaws, achieving normal muscle balance on the teeth, nasal breathing at rest with lip competency (lips touching when relaxed), and normal tongue – lip interaction at rest and during swallowing of saliva (no tongue thrust).
The second phase of treatment focuses on completing the precise positioning of all teeth, as well as ideal smile improvement and final bite adjustments.
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. Using the latest materials helps move teeth faster with less discomfort to patients.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis but the average time is from one to four years. Actual treatment time can be affected by rate of growth and severity of the correction necessary. Patients grow at different rates and will respond variously to orthodontic treatment so the time to case completion may differ from the original estimate. Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance in the use of any appliances and maintaining good oral hygiene. Keeping regular appointments is also important in keeping treatment time on schedule.
Do braces hurt?
The placement of 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. However, it is recommended that patients protect their smiles by wearing a Mouth guard when participating in any sporting activity. Our office will be glad to provide you with a free mouth guard.
Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?
No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment.
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.
