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FAQ
What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.
What is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has completed an advanced education program following dental school, to learn the special skills required to manage tooth movement and guide facial development.
What are some possible benefits of orthodontics?
- A more attractive smile
- Better function of both the teeth and jaws
- Increase in self-confidence
- Increased ability for better oral hygiene and long term health of teeth and gums
- Reduced risk of injury to protruded front teeth
- Aid in optimizing other forms of dental treatment
What are some signs that braces may be needed?
- Upper-front teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth ("buck-teeth")
- 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
- The centers (midlines) of the upper and lower front teeth do not line up
- Finger- or thumb-sucking habits which continue after five or six years old
- Difficulty chewing
- Teeth wearing unevenly or excessively
- The lower jaw shifts to one side or the other when biting together
- Spaces between the teeth
At what age should orthodontic treatment occur?
Orthodontic treatment may begin at almost any age, depending on the individual case. Many orthodontic problems are much easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw growth has decreased too much. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid jaw surgery and/or dental extractions, or more serious complications. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by at least age seven - or even earlier if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist or the child's physician.
What is Phase I and Phase II treatment?
Phase I treatment, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e. an expander, partial braces, etc.) used before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment usually takes place between the ages of six and ten, but may even be used in some cases as early as age three. This form of treatment is sometimes recommended to make more space for developing teeth, to correct crossbite relationships, overbites, underbites, or harmful oral habits, etc. Phase II treatment is considered comprehensive treatment, because it involves the use of complete braces. During phase II, braces are placed on all of the permanent teeth, and treatment usually occurs between the ages of eleven and fifteen. Most patients who have completed Phase I may still require Phase II to refine dental alignment and ideally correct the bite.
Would an adult patient benefit from orthodontics?
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. Everyone deserves a beautiful and healthy smile. Twenty to twenty-five percent of orthodontic patients today are adults.
How does orthodontic treatment work?
Braces used to create steady, gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. The brackets that are placed on your teeth and the archwire that connects them are the main components. When the archwire is placed in 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.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average time is anywhere from one to two years. Actual treatment time can be affected by rate of growth and severity of the correction necessary. Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance. Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments are also important in keeping treatment time on schedule.
Do braces hurt?
The placement of bands and brackets on your teeth generally does not hurt. Once your braces are placed and the archwires are placed, you may have some soreness of your teeth for up to several days. Your lips, and the insides of your cheeks may be irritated by the braces initially also. You may need as much as one to two weeks for your lips and cheeks to get used to having braces on your teeth.
Will braces interfere with playing sports?
No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouth-guard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouth-guards are inexpensive, reasonably comfortable, and come in a variety of colors. It is a small price to pay for protecting your teeth and the insides of your lips and cheeks from potential injury.
Will braces interfere with playing musical wind instruments?
Not for long. There is usually an initial period of adjustment required. In addition, brace covers ("lip protectors") can be provided to limit discomfort and help the transition to playing well with braces in place.
Should I see my general dentist while I have braces?
Yes! You should continue to see your general dentist at least every three to four months for cleanings and dental checkups.
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