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 is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics. After
your braces come off, you'll feel more self-confident.
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 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.
How
Orthodontic Treatment Works
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.
Duration
of Treatment
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.
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