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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-confident.
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.
For more facts about orthodontic treatment for growing children,
click
here.
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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