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 for treating 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.
Children
It's best for the orthodontist to see children by age
seven 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.
How Orthodontic Treatment Works
Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic
or acrylic. 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
was placed around each tooth. You can choose brackets
that are clear or metallic color. 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 nine months.
