Orthodontics
We offer full orthodontic treatment for both children and
adults.
About 25 percent of all orthodontic treatment performed today is
on adult patients. And chances are that you can benefit from
orthodontic treatment, too.
Why Should I have Orthodontics Now?
There are a number of reasons for deciding to have orthodontic
treatment as an adult: Orthodontics can help you enjoy a straighter
smile, more even teeth and greater self-confidence in social and
business settings. Other benefits include easier brushing and
reduced chances of developing periodontal (gum) disease later on.
You may also notice greater ease in chewing and swallowing.
What Happens At My First Orthodontic Appointment?
First, your teeth, jaws, bite and profile will be evaluated.
Special X-rays, showing your head, face and jaws are taken to help
the doctor take specific measurements and plan your treatment.
Impressions are also taken to record the way your teeth and jaws
fit together. Sometimes the doctor takes regular photographs of
your face, teeth and profile. (Often the difference between
"before" and "after" is amazing!) From these diagnostic records the
doctor will determine the type of malocclusion (improper bite) you
have, as well as any other orthodontic problems.
Types of Malocclusions
There are three types or classes of malocclusions (improper
bites), depicted in the pictures below. Other common orthodontic
problems include an open bite, a closed bite, or a cross bite.
These conditions can be corrected to give you a smile that is as
functional and esthetic as possible.
How Teeth Are Moved
 Your
doctor will move your teeth into position using one or more
appliances (like braces or retainers). Braces work by gently
applying pressure to your teeth. This causes bone to be absorbed on
one side.
New bone then grows in and slowly hardens on the other side of
your teeth, holding teeth in position.
Treatment Considerations
A number of factors will determine the best method of treatment
for your individual case. Your doctor will consider the diagnosis
and the amount of time necessary to achieve the desired result.
Here are the most common of treatment considerations and terms you
should be familiar with. Be sure to discuss them with your doctor.
- Bands are metal braces attached to your teeth.
- Brackets are often bonded to your teeth, to hold special
archwires.
- Spacers are small pieces of wire or plastic worn between
your teeth for a week or two prior to getting your braces.
- Archwires are threaded through the brackets to connect the
teeth in each jaw.
- Headgear is sometimes prescribed by your orthodontist to
help the braces move your teeth.
- Elastics are tiny rubber bands used to apply pressure to
individual teeth, to help them move faster.
- Retainers are often used to hold your teeth in their correct
position after the braces come off.
- Clear Braces (often called "invisible braces") - for
esthetics.
Other Considerations
Proper home care and nutrition are more important than ever in
keeping your teeth and gums healthy during orthodontic treatment.
That's because the appliances in your mouth provide extra areas that
can easily catch and trap food particles. Ask your doctor for
special tips on how to brush and floss during treatment. You may
also want to consider purchasing an oral irrigation device to help
keep your smile sparkling.
It may be necessary to change your eating habits while wearing
braces. Although you can still enjoy most of your favorite foods,
there are some you should avoid. These include: sticky foods (such
as taffy, gum and caramels) and crunchy foods (such as popcorn, nuts
and corn chips) as they could break your arch wires. Hard foods are
okay, although you should cut them into bite-sized pieces.
(Otherwise they could snap your archwires.) And sweets should be
avoided because they contribute to tooth decay.
Tip: Even if you can't brush right after eating, rinsing with lots
of tepid water will help keep your appliances "squeaky" clean.
A Final Word...
Orthodontics is a personal decision and commitment that will
affect the rest of your life. Be sure to work as a partner with
your doctor to get the best possible esthetic result. You can do
this by wearing your removable appliances for the prescribed number
of hours, keeping your appointments and by having frequent checkups
with your general dentist or periodontist during orthodontic
treatment. Your smile is yours to keep for a lifetime. |
