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 Life With Braces | Braces in Action | Braces Diagram | Oral Care Video  Why Braces?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 and the self-confidence that comes with it is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics. Braces for All Ages 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 sometimes required for adult orthodontic patients because their jaws are not growing. However, new force systems, which allow tooth supporting bone to remodel (reshape), have dramatically reduced the need for surgery to achieve good results in the majority of adult cases. 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. Again, much lighter forces allow us more latitude in treatment planning cases compromised by previous periodontal disease as long as the teeth and bone are maintained in a state of health. Kids It's best for the orthodontist to see children by age 7 or 8 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. Most cases today can be started later, when most of the permanent are in place, due to the advances in orthopedics and brace systems. However, if the problem warrants it, treatment can be started 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 reduce or eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early treatment when needed can simplify later treatment. How Orthodontic Treatment Works Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic, acrylic composites, or a combination of metal and composite. They may be removable or they may be brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a consistently light force in a carefully controlled direction, modern braces gently 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. Gone are the days of heavy forces and excessive extraction of permanent teeth. Modern braces are much smaller, reduce friction and are more aesthetic. Combined with space age titanium alloy wires, which reduce force, teeth move faster and with less discomfort. Duration of Treatment Treatment time typically ranges from one to three years for full braces, depending on the growth of the patient's mouth and face and the severity of the problem, which may require several stages of treatment. 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, avoiding breakage, and good oral hygiene are important factors in achieving the most efficient treatment. Interceptive, or early treatment procedures, may take as few as six months. Back to Top |
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