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.
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.
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.
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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