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.
The benefits of a great smile are far reaching. The self-confidence that comes along with a great smile is priceless.
Children It's best for the orthodontist to see children by age 7. While most children do not need treatment at this age, the first permanent molars and incisors have usually erupted by that time and crossbites, crowding and other problems can be evaluated. There is considerable research that suggests that the most efficient time to treat most orthodontic problems is when the last of the permanent teeth are erupting. Our philosophy of orthodontic treatment is to do early treatment only if it accomplishes at least one of the following:
Corrects a traumatic bite or moves teeth out of a position of risk for trauma
Expansion of a narrow palate creating more space for permanent teeth to erupt later
Can modify growth more efficiently before all the permanent teeth have erupted (for example an underbite)
Improves a child’s self image by improving alignment of the anterior teeth
In other words, we feel early treatment is indicated only if we can accomplish something that cannot be accomplished at a time when all the permanent teeth have erupted.
Adults
You are never too old to reap the benefits of orthodontic treatment. Adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. One of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over 21. Adults may have experienced some breakdown or loss of teeth and bone that supports the teeth and may require periodontal treatment before, during and/or after orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic treatment may help reverse some of the damage done by loss of teeth and supporting structure and help return the patient to a better state of oral health.
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, this is especially true with Damon brackets.
Full orthodontic treatment time typically ranges from 18 to 24 months, 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, creating a range of treatment times. 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 4 months.
