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What Braces Can Do
Why Braces
Braces for All Ages
How
Orthodontic Treatment Works
Duration of
Treatment
 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-confidence and social acceptance.
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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