Give Yourself and Your Family the Gift of a Beautiful Smile.
Why Braces?
For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics. After your braces come off, you'll feel more self-confident. During your treatment, we want you to feel as comfortable as possible.
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.
For Children
It's best for the orthodontist to see children by age 7 to advise if orthodontic treatment is required and it is 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 dental arch, gain space for permanent teeth, potentially reduce the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, and correct thumb-sucking. In other words, early treatment can simplify later treatment.
For 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. Adults 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.
Treatment Time
The average time for full orthodontic treatment is usually 10 to 24 months. This varies from patient to patient, depending on such factors as difficulty of the existing problem, age of the patient, certain physiological characteristics of the patient, and most important: patient cooperation during treatment.
Cooperation
The success of orthodontic treatment is founded on cooperation. It is very important that all instructions be carefully and completely followed. The main areas of concern include:
• wearing certain auxiliaries such as elastics and headgear as instructed
• being present and on time for all appointments
• maintaining good oral hygiene
• minimizing appliance breakages
• immediate reporting of broken appliances.
Poor cooperation in any of these areas can markedly lengthen treatment time and may detract from the end result.
Cooperation with the Head Gear
Head gear must be worn as instructed and handled carefully when inserting or removing from the mouth. The bow should never be forced into or out of the tube as this may cause a band to become loose. The headgear must be brought with you to each appointment so that the tension can be adjusted to maintain and assure progress.
Cooperation with Elastics
Elastics are to be worn all the time especially during meals. Replace twice each day when brushing or as necessary due to breakage. Follow directions. Wearing them in the wrong positions may result in the teeth moving in the wrong direction. If you run out of the rubber bands, call our office for a new supply.
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