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What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specialty branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Braces are appliances normally used to correct these problems.
What is a "malocclusion"?
"Malocclusion" literally means "bad bite."
What are the benefits of braces?
First, having straight teeth that fit together properly improves function. Your teeth and jaw joints can work more effectively, sometimes reducing inappropriate wear.
Second, having straight teeth often makes it easier for you and your dental team to keep them clean.
Third, should you ever need a filling, crown or bridge, your dentist can usually do better restoration if the teeth are aligned properly.
And fourth, the appearance of teeth and face is improved. Having a pleasing smile improves self-esteem, confidence and a feeling of acceptance in our daily activities.
For a vision of what braces can do, see our Before and After examples.
When should treatment begin?
There is no one answer to this question because it depends on the orthodontic problem. For this reason, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by age 7 or earlier if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist or the child's physician.
This may surprise you -- orthodontic treatment is usually associated with adolescence. An early evaluation, however, allows the orthodontist to determine when a child's particular problem should be treated for maximum improvement with the least amount of time and expense. In many patients, early treatment achieves results that are unattainable once the face and jaws have finished growing.
Another plus is that early intervention frequently makes the completion of treatment at a later age easier and less time-consuming.
What are some early warning signs of a bite problem?
There are several common symptoms:
- early or late loss of primary teeth
- difficulty in chewing or biting
- mouth breathing
- finger sucking or other oral habits beyond age 5
- overlapped, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
- protuding teeth
- biting the cheek or into the roof of the mouth
- teeth that meet in an abnormal manner or do not meet at all
- jaws that shift or make sounds
- jaws that protrude, retrude or contribute to facial imbalance
- speech difficulty
Will additional jaw growth allow for self correction of crowded teeth or other bite problems?
Usually not. The jaws grow in the back to allow for the eruption of 12-year molars and wisdom teeth, but not in the front. In most children, the available space decreases as larger permanent teeth erupt.
Either in a child or an adult, when left untreated, orthodontic problems usually become worse. Treatment by an orthodontist to correct bite problems is often less costly than the additional dental care required to treat the more serious problems that can develop later in life.
Can you be too old for braces?
No. Although there are advantages to treating young people while they are still growing, age is not a factor. About 25% of orthodontic patients in the United States are adults.
If you're an adult considering orthodontic work, you should know that treatments have changed a great deal in the last few years. Braces are more comfortable and more effective today. You can get braces in the traditional silver color, or with much less visible clear brackets. For a fashion statement, you can even decorate your braces with color-coordinated retaining bands!
What causes a malocclusion or facial irregularities?
Malocclusions are inherited (genetic) or acquired (resulting from events after birth).
Inherited problems include:
- a discrepancy between the size of the jaws and the size of the teeth, resulting in crowding or spacing
- extra or missing teeth
- jaw growth problems, like when one jaw grows more or less than the opposing jaw
- cleft palate and other jaw or face irregularities
Acquired problems include:
- premature loss of primary or permanent teeth
- dental disease
- thumb or finger sucking
- tongue thrusting
- breathing problems caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids
How do braces work?
Braces include brackets, which are bonded directly to the tooth or sometimes attached to a band placed on a molar tooth, and archwires that connect all the brackets. Unlike what most people think, it is the archwire that does all the work -- the brackets merely serve as handles! The wires use a steady, gentle pressure to move teeth into their proper positions. Much like moving a stick through sand, as the tooth moves, bone gives way on one side and fills in on the other side. It is truly amazing. Rubber bands are sometimes worn to help the wires do their job and align the upper teeth with the lower teeth.
Will braces correct TMJ or jaw joint problems?
Because there are so many factors that may be contributing to a jaw joint problem, braces may or may not improve the situation. When a significant problem exists, other conservative modalities are tried first to stabilize the situation and determine the actual problem or diagnosis. Braces are only sometimes used in TMJ treatment.
Do braces hurt?
During the first few days after you get your braces and after major adjustments, some discomfort can be expected, especially when chewing. Many patients describe the discomfort as an "ache" or a "bruise." Please see the First Aid section for helpful hints on how to adjust to these times.
The good news is that new techniques and materials used by orthodontists today have decreased the discomfort of wearing braces and have also decreased the frequency of visits and overall treatment time.
What can I eat with braces?
Real hard, crunchy and sticky foods can damage braces and should be avoided. Your orthodontist will give you a list of foods to be careful with; otherwise, most foods can be enjoyed just as before you received your braces. The key to giving up certain treats is to find substitutes you like just as much!
See the Braces section for more information about how to take care of your braces.
What are retainers?
Retainers do exactly what their name says: they retain or hold your teeth from moving out of alignment, usually after braces have been removed. Some retainers are fixed in place, but usually they are removable to make cleaning them and your teeth easier. Some removable appliances are specially designed to move teeth or align jaws and probably should not be called "retainers," although for convenience, they often are.
See the Retainers section for more information on how to take care of retainers.
How long does treatment take?
In general, active treatment time with orthodontic appliances ranges from one to three years. The actual treatment time depends on the severity of the problem, the growth of the face and jaws and the cooperation of the patient. Some problems may require less time. It is also important to remember that some individuals simply respond faster to treatment than others.
How important is cooperation?
Extremely important.
In order to achieve the very best orthodontic result, a real team effort on the part of the orthodontist, the family dentist and the patient is essential.
Proper oral hygiene is one of the patient's main responsibilities and is especially important during orthodontic treatment. Your orthodontist will provide you with techniques on tooth brushing and how to care for your teeth and braces. Patients who take care of the their braces by keeping their teeth clean; avoid hard, sticky foods; wear their rubber bands or other appliances as instructed; and keep their appointments usually finish treatment on time with good results.
Regular visits to the family dentist must continue during orthodontic treatment because good dental care and proper fluoride remain important.
How much does orthodontic treatment cost?
The actual cost of orthodontic treatment depends primarily on the severity of the problem. Your orthodontist will be glad to discuss fees with you before treatment begins.
Most orthodontists offer initial consultations for a minimal fee or no fee at all.
Most offices offer convenient financing in which monthly installments can be arranged. Also, many employer-provided insurance benefit plans now include orthodontics. This has helped many people offset cost of treatment. Please consult your employer's benefit office to see if this is currently offered or available to you.
When you consider the cost of orthodontic treatment, it is important to keep in mind the many benefits of having a lifetime of beautiful, healthy smiles.
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