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Your dentist may have discussed with you the benefits
of having healthy teeth and proper jaw alignment.
Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain.
This can result in tooth decay, worsen gum disease
and lead to tooth loss. Other orthodontic problems
can contribute to abnormal wear of tooth surfaces,
inefficient chewing function, excessive stress on
gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth,
or misalignment of the jaw joints. These can lead
to chronic headaches and face or neck pain. Treatment
by an orthodontist can be less costly than the additional
care required to treat dental problems arising as
a result of orthodontic problems. For most people,
a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of
orthodontics. After your braces come off, you'll
feel more self-confident.
Adults
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at
any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits
of a beautiful smile. One of every five patients
in orthodontic treatment is over 21. Jaw surgery
is more often required for adult orthodontic patients
because their jaws are not growing. Adults also may
have experienced some breakdown or loss of their
teeth and bone that supports the teeth and may require
periodontal treatment before, during and/or after
orthodontic treatment. Bone loss can also limit the
amount and direction of tooth movement that is advisable.
 Kids
It's best for the orthodontist to see children
by age 7 to advise if orthodontic treatment is required
and the best time for that patient to be treated.
The first permanent molars and incisors have usually
come in by that time and crossbites, crowding and
other problems can be evaluated. When treatment is
begun early, the orthodontist can guide the growth
of the jaw and guide incoming permanent teeth. Early
treatment can also regulate the width of the upper
and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent
teeth, avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions,
reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct
thumb-sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing
or speech problems. In other words, early treatment
can simplify later treatment.
Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic
or plastic. They may be removable or they may be
brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant,
gentle force in a carefully controlled direction,
braces slowly move teeth to a corrected position.
This is a great time to wear braces! Gone are the
days when a metal band with a bracket was placed
around each tooth. You can choose brackets that are
clear or metallic color. You can choose the color
of the ties that hold the wire in brackets. Wires
are also less noticeable than they used to be and
the latest materials move teeth faster with less
discomfort to patients.
Treatment time typically ranges from one to three
years, depending on the growth of the patient's mouth
and face and the severity of the problem. Patients
grow at different rates and will respond variously
to orthodontic treatment, so the time to case completion
may differ from the original estimate. The patient's
diligent use of any prescribed rubber bands or headgear
is an important factor in achieving the most efficient
treatment. Interceptive, or early treatment procedures,
may take as few as six months. |
