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 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.
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 and the percentage grows every year. The newer appliance systems such as Invisalign® and Lingual braces as well as the new esthetic braces available make it easier than ever for adults to enjoy the benefits of orthodontic treatment. Dr. Gary has provided beautiful results for patients of all ages, some starting treatment in their 70s.
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.
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.
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 variously 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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