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What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the area of dentistry
that specializes in the diagnosis,
supervision, guidance and correction of
problems involving the alignment of the
teeth and jaws. The technical term for
these problems is “malocclusion,” which
means “bad bite.” The practice of
orthodontics requires professional skill
in the design, application and control
of corrective appliances, such as
braces, to bring teeth, lips and jaws
into proper alignment and to achieve
facial balance.1
What causes orthodontic problems
(malocclusions)?
Many malocclusions are inherited, which
means genetics plays a key role in their
appearance. Inherited problems include;
crowding of teeth, too much space
between teeth, or the improper alignment
of the teeth to each other. Another
cause of malocclusion is acquired
characteristics. This happens by trauma
(accidents), thumb; finger or pacifier
sucking causes some acquired
malocclusions. Whether inherited or
acquired, many of these problems affect
not only permanent alignment of the
teeth but facial development and
appearance as well.2
Is orthodontic treatment important?
Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to
clean and maintain. This may contribute
to conditions that cause not only future
tooth decay but also eventual
periodontal disease and potential tooth
loss. Orthodontic problems can also
contribute to abnormal wear of tooth
surfaces, inefficient chewing or
misalignment of the jaw joints, which
can result in chronic headaches or
facial pain. If left untreated, many
orthodontic problems may become worse.
Orthodontic treatment to correct the
problem, is often less costly than
dental care to treat the problems that
can develop in later years.3
At what age can people have orthodontic
treatment?
Children and adults can both benefit
from orthodontics, because healthy teeth
can be moved at almost any age. Because
monitoring growth and development is
crucial to managing some orthodontic
problems, the American Association of
Orthodontics recommends that all
children have an orthodontic screening
no later than age 7.4 Some
orthodontic problems may be easier to
correct if treated early. Waiting until
all the permanent teeth have come in, or
until facial growth is nearly complete,
may make correction of some orthodontic
problems more difficult. An orthodontic
evaluation at any age is advisable if a
parent, family dentist or the patient’s
physician has noted a problem.
How is treatment accomplished?
Custom-made appliances,
or braces, are prescribed and designed
by the orthodontist according to the
problem being treated. They may be
removable or fixed (cemented and/or
bonded to the teeth). They may be made
of metal, ceramic or plastic. By placing
a constant, gentle force in a carefully
controlled direction, braces can slowly
move teeth to a new desirable position.
Other orthodontic appliances use
carefully directed forces to guide the
growth and development of jaws in
children and /or teenagers. For example,
an upper jaw expansion appliance can
dramatically widen a narrow upper jaw in
a matter of months. Over the course of
orthodontic treatment, a headgear or
other appliance can dramatically reduce
the protrusion of upper anterior teeth
(the top four front teeth), while making
upper and lower jaw lengths more
compatible
How do braces feel?
Many people have some discomfort after
their braces are first put on their
teeth or when adjustments are made
during treatment. After braces are
placed or adjusted, teeth may become
sore and may be tender to biting
pressures for two to three days. The
orthodontist may recommend pain
medication commonly used for a headache.
The lips, cheeks and tongue may also
become irritated for two to three days
as they become accustomed to the surface
of the braces, and can be alleviated or
controlled by wax that your orthodontist
will provide and proper rinsing.
Overall, orthodontic discomfort is short-lived and
easily managed.6
Are there alternatives to metal braces?
Today’s braces are generally less
noticeable than those of the past when a
metal band with bracket (the part of the
braces that hold the wire) was placed
around each tooth. Now the front teeth
typically have only the bracket bonded
directly to the tooth, minimizing the
“tin grin”. Brackets can be metal, clear
or colored ceramic, depending on the
patient’s preference. In some case,
brackets may be bonded behind the teeth
(lingual or tongue side braces). Modern
wires are made of “space age” materials
that exert a steady, gentle pressure on
the teeth, so that the tooth-moving process
may be faster and more comfortable for
patients. Braces are typically smaller
and more efficient.77
Do teeth with braces need special care?
The orthodontist and staff will teach
patients how to best care for their
teeth, gums and braces during treatment.
The orthodontist will instruct patients
(and/or their parents) how to brush,
floss, and, if necessary, suggest other
cleaning aids that might help the
patient maintain good dental health.
Keeping the teeth and the braces clean
requires more precision and time than
normal cleaning, and must be done two to
three times every day if the teeth and
gums are to be remain healthy during
orthodontic treatment. Patients with
braces must be careful to avoid hard and
sticky foods. They must not chew on
pens, pencils or fingernails because
chewing on hard things can damage the
braces. Damaged braces will almost
always cause treatment to take longer,
and will require extra trips to the
orthodontist’s office. If the patient
plays contact sports the orthodontist
may recommend a special mouth guard to
protect the braces and the patient’s
lips, tongue and teeth. Braces usually
do not interfere with the playing of
musical instruments, but practice and a
period of adjustment may be necessary.
Talk to your dentist
about your questions and
concerns regarding
orthodontic treatment.
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