1.What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Braces are appliances or devices used to make these corrections. An orthodontist is a dentist who has an advanced degree specializing in this field.
Orthodontics, often called dentofacial orthopedics, is a special branch of dentistry that deals with straightening teeth and altering bone growth. The orthodontist uses specially fitted appliances - including bands, brackets, wires, headgear, elastics, and expanders – to place pressure on the teeth. This pressure gently and gradually guides the teeth into their proper positions. Well-aligned teeth require less care, place less strain on the surrounding gums and bone, and provide you with an attractive smile!
2. Why should I have my teeth straightened?
Poorly aligned teeth can wear excessively or trap food particles that cause tooth decay and gum disease. What’s more, they can interfere with your ability to chew, which can prevent you from digesting your food properly. Sometimes a poor bite may cause speech problems. Fortunately, orthodontic treatment will solve most of these problems.
3. When is the best time to schedule an initial consultation?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial consultation no later than age 7. By age 7, sufficient permanent teeth have erupted and sufficient jaw growth has occurred that allows problems to be identified. Early consultation allows the orthodontist to determine the optimum time for treatment to begin.
4. What causes crooked teeth?
You may have inherited it. For example, if one parent has large teeth and the other a small jaw, you would possibly inherit a jaw that is too small to support large teeth. Damaging habits such as fingernail biting, tongue thrusting (pushing the tongue against the teeth), thumb sucking or mouth breathing can also cause a poor bite or malocclusion. These habits may apply a steady pressure on the teeth and jaws and gradually move them out of alignment. Teeth and jaws are not as motionless as you might think.
5. How long will I need braces?
The length of time that you’ll need to wear braces depends on the severity and extent of your orthodontic problem. After the braces are removed, you’ll wear a retainer while your teeth become stable in their new positions. Maintaining great oral hygiene and taking good care of your braces will help keep your treatment on schedule. Orthodontic tooth movement involves a gradual biological process – your final result with proper retainer wear will be a beautiful smile forever!
6. What is a Malocclusion?
There are different types of malocclusions. A skeletal malocclusion is where one jaw has not developed in proper alignment with the other. Dental malocclusions occur when the teeth are out of alignment, turned, crowded or spread out. The types of malocclusions you have are a factor in determining the optimum time to begin orthodontic treatment.
7. What can I expect at my first appointment?
Dr. Carr will examine your teeth, evaluate your bite problem and suggest a plan for your specific problem. We will review the basics of your orthodontic treatment and show you the different types of brackets available. You may choose either metal or ceramic brackets. If you will benefit from additional growth and development, you may be placed on an “Observation Program” during which time we will see you at four- to six-month intervals. During “observation”, changes in growth and development will be monitored.
8. How do teeth move?
When pressure is placed on teeth via the orthodontic brackets and archwires, the bone surrounding the roots will change in texture allowing the teeth to move and align. The bone will regenerate and strengthen and support the teeth in their new position.
9. Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
Yes, once treatment begins, we will provide you with complete instructions and a list of foods to avoid. Foods to avoid will include ice, hard candy, raw vegetables and all sticky, gummy candies. You will be able to avoid most emergency appointments for the repair of broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.
10. How much will braces cost? Are financing options available? How does my insurance work?
During your complimentary initial examination appointment, we will discuss the exact cost and financial options available to you. We have many financing options available to accommodate your needs, and we will review these with you. We will also review your insurance policy, help maximize your benefit, and file your claims on your behalf.
11. How often will I have appointments?
Appointments are scheduled according to each patient’s needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every four weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.
12. Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?
Yes! Regular check-ups with your family dentist are extremely important while in braces. Your family dentist will determine the intervals between cleaning appointments while you are in braces.
13. Do braces hurt?
Generally, braces do not “hurt”. After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, over the counter analgesics ease the discomfort; however, after most visits, patients do not feel any soreness at all.
14. What is Phase One (early) Treatment?
Phase One treatment, if necessary, is usually indicated for children between the ages of 8 and 10. Phase One treatment usually lasts about 12-18 months. The primary objective for Phase One treatment is to address significant growth related problems. Most common conditions treated during Phase One are severely crowded teeth, severe overbites with significant protrusion of upper teeth, as well as narrow jaws and open bites. The goal of the first phase is to reduce or eliminate crooked front teeth and align the jaws for better growth and development. With Phase One treatment, we are able to change a difficult orthodontic problem into a more manageable one by improving the size, shape, and position of the underlying jaws for better growth and facial development. This helps reduce the need for extractions or jaw surgery later in life and delivers long term, beneficial results.
15. Does everyone that has Phase I Treatment need Phase II Treatment?
Not necessarily. Some young people will not need Phase II treatment if their remaining teeth erupt well aligned and their parents are happy with the results. We review your options at the proper age, and let you make the decision. Phase II will vary from patient to patient depending on each individual needs. Some patients will require a short Phase II or none at all. Others may require comprehensive (full) treatment for the resolution of their dental needs. Not all patients require a second phase after Phase I treatment. Once most permanent teeth have erupted, the determination will be made based on each individual’s needs.
16. 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 comfortable, and come in a variety of colors.
17. Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?
No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment. In addition, wax brace covers can be provided to prevent discomfort.
18. What are some possible benefits of orthodontics?
- A more attractive smile
- Better function of the teeth
- Increase in self-confidence
- Increased ability to clean the teeth
- Improved force distribution and wear patterns of the teeth
- Better long-term health of teeth and gums
- Reduce the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
- Guide the growth of the jaws
19. Why is a retainer needed?
Once the active period of alignment is completed, the braces are removed and retainers are made to hold teeth in the new positions while the gums, bones, etc. settle into “their new positions”. As children continue to grow, their facial structure may also change. If so, a retainer may be able to keep the teeth in alignment during this growth period. For adults, their dental structures also change as they age, and a retainer may be worn to maintain proper tooth alignment.