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An attractive smile and improved self-image is just one of
the benefits of orthodontic treatment. Alleviating and preventing
physical health problems is just as important. Without treatment,
orthodontic problems can lead to tooth decay, gum disease,
bone destruction, chewing and digestive difficulties, speech
impairments, tooth loss and other dental injuries.
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.
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.
Bad bites can be detrimental to a patient's health. Restorations,
crowns, or bridges are often difficult for a dentist to provide
without prior repositioning of the teeth by an orthodontist.
Properly aligned and supported teeth are healthier, easier
to clean, and therefore more likely to last throughout a patient's
lifetime.
Yes! Dramatic changes in a person's smile and profile can
be achieved. A person can actually look years younger by straightening
crooked teeth or correcting an excessive overbite or an underbite.
A beautiful smile can increase self-confidence and in turn,
a sense of well being.
It's best for the orthodontist to see children by age 7 to
advise if orthodontic treatment is required and the best time
for the 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 the likelihood of impacted permanent
teeth, correct thumb-sucking and eliminate abnormal swallowing
or speech problems. In other words, early treatment can simplify
later treatment.
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.
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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