Children and adults can both benefit from orthodontics. It is recommended that every child receive an orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Treatment may take a little longer for adults. Because an adult's facial bones are no longer growing, certain corrections may not be accomplished with braces alone. The average treatment time is about 24 months and varies with individual patients. Usually, adult treatment takes a little longer than a child's treatment.
Why is orthodontic treatment important?
Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. This may contribute to conditions that can cause not only tooth decay but also gum disease and tooth loss. Abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, excess stress on supporting bone and gum tissue, or misalignment of the jaw joints resulting in chronic headaches or pain in the face or neck may also occur.
When should treatment begin?
There is no answer to this problem because each orthodontic problem determines it own best starting time. Your child's dentist and or orthodontist should determine when treatment should begin.
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Can I be too old for orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. A quarter of all orthodontic patients are adults. The health of an individual's teeth, gums and supporting bone is what is most important in determining the prospects for improving a person's smile and dental health.
Today, more adults are undergoing orthodontic treatment for a variety of reasons. Some people just want to improve the appearance of their teeth and face. Others have experienced crowding which has worsened as their grow older. In some cases gum disease has caused teeth to move. Prior to beginning bridgework, teeth may have to be moved or up righted in order to achieve a more acceptable result. Orthodontic treatment may be needed in order to correct a bad bite.
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How are orthodontic problems corrected?
First, pretreatment records are made. These records are important tools for the dentist to use in making an accurate diagnosis. They include medical/dental history, clinical examination, plaster study models of teeth, photos of your face and teeth and x-rays of your mouth and head. This information will be used to decide on the best treatment.
Your orthodontist will outline a custom treatment plan. Your orthodontist will construct the best treatment appliance to correct your orthodontic problem. There are a variety of different orthodontic appliances that may be used.
When the orthodontic appliances are in place, this is considered the "active treatment" phase. Your orthodontist will adjust the appliance periodically so that the teeth are moved correctly and efficiently. The time required for orthodontic treatment varies from person to person. An important factor in how long a patient wears braces is how well the patient cooperates during treatment — for example, by following instructions to wear rubber bands or headgear.
After active treatment is completed, the "retention" phase begins. A patient will need to wear a retainer so that the teeth stay in their new positions. For severe orthodontic problems, surgery may be recommended.
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Are there less noticeable braces?
Today's braces are generally less noticeable than those of the past. Brackets, the part of the braces that hold the wires, are bonded to the front of the teeth. These brackets can be metal, clear, or tooth-colored. Wires that are used for braces today are also less noticeable. In some cases, brackets may be put on the back of the teeth (lingual appliances). Modern wires are also less noticeable than their predecessors. Today's wires are made of "space age" materials that exert a steady, gentle pressure on the teeth, making the tooth-moving process faster and more comfortable for patients.
What is Invisalign®?
The Invisalign® system is the virtually invisible way to straighten your teeth and achieve the dazzling smile you've always dreamed of. Using advanced 3-D computer-imaging technology, Invisalign depicts your complete treatment plan, from the initial position of your teeth to the final desired position. Then a series of clear aligners are custom-made for your teeth – and your teeth only – to move them little by little. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks before being replaced by the next in the series, until the final position of your teeth is achieved. Your Invisalign treatment time will be determined by your doctor, based on your specific needs. Click on the following for more information:
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How long will treatment take?
Although the average treatment time is about 24 months, this varies with individual patients. Usually, adult treatment takes a little longer than a child's treatment. Other things to keep in mind are the severity of the problem, the health of the teeth, gums and supporting bone and how closely the patient follows instructions. While orthodontic treatment requires a time commitment, most people feel the benefits are well worth the time invested.
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