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 Why Braces?
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 to treat 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 have stopped growing.
Adults may also 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.
Kids
It's best for the orthodontist to see children by age 7
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 plastic. 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
with a bracket was placed around each tooth. You can choose
brackets that are clear or metallic color. You can choose
the color of the ties that hold the wire in brackets. 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 in various ways 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 six months.
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