Frequently Asked Questions

You may already know that braces straighten crooked teeth. But what you may not realize is that orthodontic treatment achieves more than beautiful smiles for most patients. This introductory course briefly explains how and why proper treatment results in a lifetime of benefits.

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. The technical term for these problems is "malocclusion," which means "bad bite." The practice of orthodontics requires professional skill in the design, application and control of corrective appliances (braces) to bring teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment and achieve facial balance.

Why Do Dental and Facial Problems Occur?

Most malocclusions are inherited, but some are acquired. Inherited problems include crowding of teeth, too much space between teeth, extra or missing teeth, cleft palate and a wide variety of other irregularities of the jaws and face.

Acquired malocclusions can be caused by thumb or finger sucking, tongue thrusting, the airway being restricted by tonsils and adenoids, dental disease, or premature loss of primary or permanent teeth. Whether inherited or acquired, many of these problems affect not only alignment of the teeth but facial appearance as well.

Why is Orthodontic Treatment Important?

Everyone wants a beautiful smile -- and everyone should have a healthy one. The orthodontist's goal is the achieve both for the patient.

Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. This may contribute to conditions that cause not only tooth decay but eventually gum disease and tooth loss. Other orthodontic problems can cause abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, excess stress on supporting bone and gum tissue, or misalignment of the jaw joints with resultant chronic headaches or pain in the face or neck.

When left untreated, many orthodontic problems become worse. Treatment by a specialist to correct the original problem is often less costly than the additional dental care required to treat the more serious problems that can develop in later years.

The importance of an attractive smile should not be underestimated. A pleasing appearance is a vital asset to one's self-confidence. A person's self-esteem often improves as treatment brings teeth, lips and face into harmony. In this way, orthodontic treatment can benefit social and career success as well as improve one's general attitude toward life.

Why Should You Choose a Specialist?

Teeth and sometimes faces are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment; therefore, it is very important that the treatment is done properly.

Orthodontic specialists limit their practice to orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics unless they have also qualified in another American Dental Association (ADA) recognized speciality. By completing an advanced education program following dental school, they have learned the special skills required to manage tooth movement and guide facial development.

Specialists use the most advanced techniques available today, and because of their extensive training and knowledge, they can select cost-effective methods and materials for correcting individual problems.

When Should Treatment Begin?

There is no one answer to this question because each orthodontic problem determines its own best starting time. For this reason, the American Association of Orthodontics recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by age 7 -- or earlier if an orthodontic problem is detected by parents, the family dentist or the child's physician.

This may surprise you because orthodontic treatment is usually associated with adolescence. An early examination, however, allows the orthodontic specialist to determine when a child's particular problem should be treated for maximum improvement with the least time and expense. In many patients, early treatment achieves results that are unattainable once the face and jaws have finished growing.

Another plus is that early intervention frequently makes the completion of treatment at a later age easier and less time-consuming.

What About Adult Treatment?

Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. In fact, about 25 percent of orthodontic patients today are adults. The biological process involved in tooth movement is the same in adults and children. The health of an individual's teeth, gums and supporting bone is what is most important in determining the prospects for improving an adult's smile and dental health.
Because an adult's facial bones are no longer growing, certain corrections cannot be accomplished with braces alone. However, very dramatic facial changes are now being achieved with a combined approach or surgery and orthodontics for individuals who elect to receive this type of treatment.

How is Treatment Accomplished?

Custom-made appliances, or braces, are prescribed and designed according the the problem being treated. They may be removable or fixed (cemented and/or bonded). They may be made of metal, ceramic or plastic. All corrective appliances have one aim -- to use gentle pressure to move teeth into their proper positions. Because of this pressure, the body builds new tissue to support the improved position of the teeth.

There are a few inconviences, but most patients adjust to braces quickly. Certain treats such as peanut brittle, caramels, and bubble gum are off limits; and the teeth may be a little tender after major adjustments. The good news is that the new techniques and the materials used by the orthodontic specialist today not only have greatly decreased the discomfort of wearing braces but also have decreased the frequency of office visits and overall treatment time.

How Long Does Treatment Take?

In general, active treatment time with orthodontic appliances ranges from one to three years. The actual time depends on the growth of the patient's mouth and face, the cooperation of the patient, and the severity of the problem. Mild problems may require less time, and some individuals respond to treatment faster than others.

After the braces are removed, a patient may have to wear a retainer for some time to keep the teeth in their new positions. The need for a retainer and the length of time it will be worn are determined by the orthodontist.

Most patients remain under the supervision of the orthodontist following active treatment to ensure that the teeth remain in satisfactory alignment.

How Important is Cooperation?

Successful orthodontic treatment requires a cooperative effort between the orthodontist and patient (and the parents when the patient is a child or adolescent).

The orthodontist provides the expertise, the treatment plan and the appliances to straighten teeth. The patient must follow the doctor's instructions carefully so that the teeth move in the appropriate manner according to the prescribed schedule.

Patients who brush thoroughly; avoid hard sticky foods, wear their rubber bands and/or headgear as instructed; and keep their appointments usually finish treatment on time with good results.
Regular visits to the family dentist must continue during orthodontic treatment because good dental care and proper fluoride remain important. Proper nutrition also is essential.

Successful orthodontic treatment is a partnership of effort among the orthodontist, family dentist and patient. Through this cooperative effort the treatment goal is achieved -- a healthy mouth and beautiful smile.