What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

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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.

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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
• Guide permanent teeth into more favorable positions
• Reduce the risk of injury to protruded front teeth
• Aid in optimizing other dental treatment

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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 old
• Difficulty chewing
• Teeth wearing unevenly or excessively
• The lower jaw shifts to one side or the other when biting together
• Spaces between the teeth

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At what age should orthodontic treatment occur?
Research has shown that many patients can be most efficiently treated when the last permanent teeth are erupting, which is usually around age 12. On the other hand there are some problems that should be addressed at an earlier age. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by age 7. Although we do identify any problems that need to be addressed, the majority of children will not require any active treatment at this age.

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What is Phase I and Phase II treatment?
Phase I, or early treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e. 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 is sometimes recommended to make more space for developing teeth, correction of crossbites, underbites, or harmful oral habits. Phase II treatment is also called comprehensive treatment, because it involves full braces when all of the permanent teeth have erupted, usually between the ages of eleven and thirteen.

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Would an adult patient benefit from orthodontics?
You are never too old to benefit from orthodontic treatment. Everyone wants a beautiful and healthy smile. Twenty to twenty-five percent of orthodontic patients today are adults.

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How does orthodontic treatment work?
Braces use steady gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. Brackets are attached to your teeth. When an archwire is placed into the brackets, it applies gentle pressure to move the teeth to their new more ideal positions.

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How long does orthodontic treatment take?
The time for full orthodontic treatment is usually 18 to 24 months. This varies from patient to patient, depending on such factors as difficulty of the existing problem, growth, age of the patient, certain physiological characteristics of the patient, and probably most important, patient cooperation during treatment.

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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.

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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.

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Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?
No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment. You may need to cover the braces with soft wax until your lips and cheeks adapt to having braces.

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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.

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Is there anything I can do to speed up my treatment?
Cooperation is extremely important. Good hygiene, use of fluoride as directed, keeping all appointments and following instructions regarding elastic wear can make treatment smoother and faster. The single factor that extends treatment time the most is non-compliance with rubber band wear.

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