We answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
General
To become an orthodontist, a dentist must return to school to attend a 2-3 year full time residency program of advanced education in orthodontics accredited by the American Dental Association.
- A more attractive smile
- Better function of the teeth
- Reduced appearance-consciousness / Possible 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
- Aids in optimizing other dental treatment
- Upper front teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth (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
- Spaces between the 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
When
Early treatment may mean that a patient can reduce time and complexity of later treatment and perhaps avoid more serious complications or even surgery.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child first visit an orthodontist by age 7 for a routine screening.
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.
How
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. With removable appliances, the plastic or wire will rest on the teeth and apply mild pressure to produce the movement.
However, it is very important that we work together with your family dentist to achieve our goals. We will need to ensure that you have had a recent exam and cleaning and that all necessary dental work is up to date, before any braces are placed or other treatment is started.
You can have a significant impact on how long your treatment takes by avoiding breakage of your braces, following our instructions carefully, and attending all of your appointments.
A great way to minimize this discomfort is to take ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin are two popular examples) about an hour or so before placement of separators, braces, or wire changes. Usually, any discomfort is short lived. Your lips and cheeks may need one to two weeks to get used to the braces as well.
Care
- ALWAYS remember to brush your teeth after every meal and floss at least once a day.
- Make sure to use fluoridated toothpaste and ask your orthodontist or family dentist if you need a fluoride rinse. This will help prevent cavities!
- If you take out your retainer to eat, brush your teeth, and floss, then remember to keep it safe in its container so that it does not get lost or broken.
- Keep your retainer clean, too, by brushing it gently with a toothbrush and toothpaste. You may also use denture cleaner once a week. Do not use hot, boiling water or the dishwasher.
- During your treatment, try to avoid foods with a lot of sugar (sugar increases the amount of bacteria that grows in your mouth causing more plaque and possibly cavities).
- Avoid sticky and chewy foods (caramel, chewing gum, gummy bears), hard foods (hard candy, nuts, ice cubes) or any foods that could possibly get stuck in your braces (corn on the cob, soft bagels, ribs, taffy, etc). Be sure to schedule your routine checkups with your family dentist. It is recommended that you continue to visit the dentist every six months.