| 1. |
Q: |
What
is orthodontics? |
|
A: |
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes
in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and
facial irregularities. |
| 2. |
Q: |
What
is an orthodontist? |
|
A: |
 An
orthodontist is a specialist who has completed an advanced
education program following dental school, to learn the special
skills required to manage tooth movement and guide facial
development.
|
| 3. |
Q: |
What
are some possible benefits of orthodontics? |
|
A: |
- A more attractive smile
- Reduced appearance-consciousness during critical development
years
- Better function of the teeth
- Possible increase in self-confidence
- Increased ability to clean the teeth
- Improved force distribution and wear patterns of the teeth
- Better long term health of teeth and gums
- Guide permanent teeth into more favorable positions
- Reduce the risk of injury to protruded front teeth
- Aid in optimizing other dental treatment
|
| 4. |
Q: |
What
are some signs that braces may be needed? |
|
A: |
- Upper front teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth,
or are bucked
- Upper front teeth cover the majority of the lower teeth
when biting together (deep bite)
- Upper front teeth are behind or inside the lower front
teeth (underbite)
- The upper and lower front teeth do not touch when biting
together (open bite)
- Crowded or overlapped teeth The center of the upper and
lower teeth do not line up
- Finger or thumb sucking habits which continue after six
or seven years old
- Difficulty chewing
- Teeth wearing unevenly or excessively
- The lower jaw shifts to one side or the other when biting
together
- Spaces between the teeth
|
| 5. |
Q: |
At
what age should orthodontic treatment occur? |
|
A: |
Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. Many orthodontic problems are
easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed.
Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid surgery and more serious
complications. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that
every child first visit an orthodontist by age 7 or earlier if a problem
is detected by parents, the family dentist or the child's physician.
|
| 6. |
Q: |
What
is Phase I and Phase II treatment? |
|
A: |
Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e.
expander or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted.
Such treatment can occur between the ages of six and ten. This treatment
is sometimes recommended to make more space for developing teeth, correction
of crossbites, overbites, underbites, or harmful oral habits. Phase II treatment
is also called comprehensive treatment, because it involves full braces when
all of the permanent teeth have erupted, usually between the ages of eleven
and thirteen.
|
| 7. |
Q: |
Would
an adult patient benefit from orthodontics? |
|
A: |
 Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. Everyone wants a beautiful
and healthy smile. Twenty to twenty five percent of orthodontic patients today
are adults. |
| 8. |
Q: |
How
does orthodontic treatment work? |
|
A: |
Braces use steady gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper positions.
The brackets that are placed on your teeth and the archwire that connects them
are the main components. When the archwire is placed into the brackets, it tries
to return to its original shape. As it does so, it applies pressure to move your
teeth to their new, more ideal positions.
|
| 9. |
Q: |
How
long does orthodontic treatment take? |
|
A: |
Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average time is from one
to two years. Actual treatment time can be affected by rate of growth and
severity of the correction necessary. Treatment length is also dependent
upon patient compliance. Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular
appointments are important in keeping treatment time on schedule.
|
| 10. |
Q: |
Do
braces hurt? |
|
A: |
The placement of bands and brackets on your teeth does not hurt. Once your braces
are placed and connected with the archwires you may feel some soreness of
your teeth for one to four days. Your lips and cheeks may need one to two
weeks to get used to the braces on your teeth.
|
| 11. |
Q: |
Will
braces interfere with playing sports? |
|
A: |
No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing
a mouth guard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouth guards are
inexpensive, comfortable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.
|
| 12. |
Q: |
Will
braces interfere with playing musical instruments? |
|
A: |
No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment. In addition, brace
covers can be provided to prevent discomfort. |
| 13. |
Q: |
Should
I see my general dentist while I have braces? |
|
A: |
Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist every six months for cleanings
and dental checkups. |
