 What is
orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes
in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental
and facial irregularities.
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. Orthodontists
who have advanced education and skill are certified
by the American Board of Orthodontics, and Dr. Rose
is so certified.
What are some possible benefits of orthodontics?
- A more attractive smile
- Reduced appearance-consciousness during critical
development years
- Better function of the teeth
- 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
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
At what age should orthodontic treatment occur?
Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. Many
orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected
at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Early
treatment may mean that a patient can avoid surgery
and more serious complications. The American Association
of Orthodontists recommends that every child first
visit an orthodontist by age seven or earlier if a problem
is detected by parents, the family dentist or the child's
physician.
What is Phase I and Phase II treatment?
Phase I, or early interceptive 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,
overbites, 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.
Would an adult patient benefit from orthodontics?
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age.
Everyone wants a beautiful and healthy smile. Twenty
to twenty-five percent of orthodontic patients today
are adults.
How does orthodontic treatment work?
Braces use steady gentle pressure to gradually move
teeth into their proper positions. The brackets that
are placed on your teeth and the archwire that connects
them are the main components. When the archwire is
placed into the brackets, it tries to return to its
original shape. As it does so, it applies pressure
to move your teeth to their new, more ideal positions.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the
average time is from one to two years. Actual treatment
time can be affected by rate of growth and severity
of the correction necessary. Treatment length is also
dependent upon patient compliance. Maintaining good
oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments are important
in keeping treatment time on schedule.
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.
Will braces interfere with playing sports?
No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect
themselves by wearing a special orthodontic mouthguard
when participating in any sporting activity. Mouthguards
that are heated in water and bitten into should not
be used while wearing orthodontic appliances. Orthodontic
mouthguards are comfortable, and come in a variety
of colors, and are available for Dr. Rose's patients.
Will braces interfere with playing musical
instruments?
No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment.
Should I see my general dentist while I have
braces?
Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist
every four months for cleanings and dental checkups. |
