 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. Jaw surgery is more often required for
adult orthodontic patients because their jaws are not growing.
Adults also may 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.
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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