| 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 at an
institution accredited by the American Dental
Association and lasting at least two years following
dental school. During this time the special skills
required to manage tooth movement and guide facial
development are acquired. |
| 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. |
