Orthodontics

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 a 24-36 month advanced education program following dental school to learn the special skills required to manage tooth movement and guide facial development. Only about 3 out of every 100 dentists obtain this degree of specialization.

What are some possible benefits of orthodontics?

• A more attractive smile
• Better function of the teeth
• Increased self-confidence
• Increased ability to clean the teeth
• Improved force distribution and wear patterns of the teeth
• Improved long-term tooth and gum health
• Guide permanent teeth into more favorable positions
• Reduce the risk of injury to protruded front teeth
• Optimization of other dental treatment

What are some signs that braces may be needed?

• Upper front teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth (“bucked teeth”)
• Upper front teeth cover the majority of the lower teeth (deep bite)
• Upper front teeth are behind or inside the lower front teeth (underbite)
• The upper and lower front teeth do not touch (open bite)
• Crowded or overlapped teeth
• The center of the upper and lower teeth do not line up
• Finger or thumb sucking habits that continue after six or seven years old
• Difficulty chewing
• Uneven or excessive tooth wear
• The lower jaw shifts to one side
• 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. The child may need to be seen earlier if the parents, family dentist, or child's physician detects a problem.

What is Phase I and Phase II treatment?
Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e. palate 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 may be recommended to make more space for developing teeth, correction of crossbites, overbites, underbites, or harmful oral habits. Phase II treatment is also called comprehensive treatment because it involves full braces after all of the permanent teeth have erupted. This usually occurs 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 placed on the 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 the teeth, moving them to their new, more ideal positions.

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 the growth rate and severity of the correction necessary. Treatment length is also dependent on 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 continue to have regular dental check-ups while I have braces?
Yes, you should continue to have regular dental cleanings, comprehensive dental exams, and fluoride treatments every six months.