|
What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics (officially known as Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics) is the
specialty branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.
Braces are appliances normally used to correct these conditions.
Why is orthodontic treatment important?
An attractive smile and improved self-image are just some of the benefits of
orthodontic treatment. In general, crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. Without timely and
appropriate orthodontic treatment, orthodontic problems can lead to tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease, and eventual tooth
loss. An improper bite can also cause abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, difficulty chewing, difficulty speaking, and/or
dental injuries.
Without orthodontic treatment, many orthodontic problems become worse over time.
Orthodontic treatment to correct a problem may prove less costly than the additional dental care required to treat the more
serious problems that can develop in the the future.
Why choose an orthodontist for orthodontic treatment instead
of a general dentist or pediatric dentist?
An orthodontist has been specially trained to diagnose and treat dental and
facial irregularities. All orthodontists are dentists, but only about six percent of dentists are orthodontists.
Admission to orthodontic programs is extremely competitive and selective, with educational requirements that are demanding.
An orthodontist must complete at least two or three academic and clinical years
of advanced specialty education in an American Dental Association (ADA)-accredited orthodontic program. The program
includes advanced education in biomedical, biomechanical, growth & developmental, and basic sciences. During this
program an orthodontist learns the complex skills required to manage tooth movement (orthodontics) and guide facial development
(dentofacial orthopedics).
Because of this extensive training and concentration on orthodontics specifically,
an orthodontist is better prepared and has more experience in perfecting the overall care and treatment of orthodontic
patients.
At what age should orthodontic treatment occur?
Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age, usually after age 6.
Most orthodontic treatment begins during the adolescent years (ages 11-14) when active growth spurts are common. Many
orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at any early age before jaw growth has slowed or completed. However,
in certain cases, orthodontic treatment may be necessary at an earlier time (ages 7-9). Early treatment in specific
cases may mean that a patient can avoid more serious orthodontic complications in the future.
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that every child
first visit an orthodontist by at least age 7. An earlier visit may be indicated if a problem is detected by parents,
the family dentist, or the child's general physician.
What are some early warning signs of an orthodontic problem?
- Crowded or crooked teeth
- Difficulty in chewing or biting
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Excessively late eruption of permanent teeth
- Jaws bones that protrude, retrude, or contribute to a facial imbalance
- Finger sucking or other oral habits that persist beyond age 5-6
- Protruding teeth
- Teeth that bite into the cheek or the roof of the mouth
- Teeth that meet in an abnormal manner or do not meet at all
- Speech difficulty
Are you ever too old for orthodontic treatment?
No. Age is not a factor. Teeth will move no matter the age of the
patient. About 20-25% of orthodontic patients in the United States are adults. However, there are advantages to
treating young people while they are still growing. Some orthodontic conditions that can be treated non-surgically for
growing adolescents sometimes only may be corrected with jaw surgery for adults.
I want straight teeth, but I don't want braces. What
can I do?
There are orthodontic appliances other than braces that can be used to straighten
your teeth and achieve the smile that you want. Clear aligner therapy, such as Invisalign, is a great aesthetic
option that does not use braces or wires. The appliance is also removable, so ease of oral hygiene during orthodontic
treatment is greatly improved. Your first visit with Balhoff Orthodontics will help determine if you are a candidate for orthodontic
treatment options other than braces.
What is implant-assisted orthodontics?
In planning orthodontic treatment for a specific patient, it is
important that the orthodontist consider not only the forces required for the necessary tooth movement to achieve the patient’s
treatment objectives, but also the undesired tooth movement that may occur in response to these forces. In the past,
orthodontists have searched for the perfect anchorage in order to minimize these undesired tooth movements. Headgear,
elastics, surrounding teeth, and any number of appliances have been suggested as anchorage in the past; however, the
main drawback was that they all relied on patient compliance in order to be successful.
Implant anchorage has burst onto
the clinical orthodontic scene in order to assist the orthodontist in controlling tooth movement. The primary advantage
over the previously mentioned forms of anchorage is that implants provide skeletal anchorage, which is more predictable and
stable than methods requiring patient compliance. This can allow orthodontic treatment results that in years past could
not be obtained reliably.
Microscrew implants, a type of orthodontic TAD (Temporary
Anchorage Device), are most commonly used today. The implant consists of a very small, 4-8 millimeter screw that
can be easily inserted and removed for the duration that is necessary during the patient's orthodontic treatment.
How much will orthodontic treatment cost?
The cost of orthodontic treatment will depend on many factors, including the
severity of the problem, its complexity, and the length of treatment. Patients and patients' families are finding that
orthodontic treatment is more affordable today than ever due to the variety of payment plans that are available.
When orthodontic treatment is implemented at the proper time, it is often less
costly than the potentially extensive dental care that is required to treat more serious problems that can develop years later.
Dollar for dollar, when you consider the lifetime benefits of orthodontic treatment, it is truly a great value.
Does orthodontic treatment hurt?
Most adolescent patients experience some discomfort for several days after their
orthodontic appliances are first put on and after their orthodontic appliances are adjusted at each regular visit.
Adult patients may experience slightly longer periods of discomfort, usually lasting approximately one week. Aspirin,
acetominophen (Tylenol), or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can be used to ease the discomfort. Continuous, long-term usage
of pain relievers during orthodontic treatment is not necessary, nor recommended.
What can I eat during orthodontic treatment?
Most foods can be enjoyed just as before your orthodontic treatment. With
removeable orthodontic appliances, such as Invisalign, your diet will not have to be changed, since you do not eat with these
appliances in. However, hard, crunchy foods and sticky foods can damage certain orthodontic appliances that cannot
be removed, like braces, and should be avoided. Excessive consumption of sugary drinks, like soft drinks, should also
be avoided.
Will I still be able to play sports during orthodontic treatment?
Yes. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their teeth, gums,
and lips by wearing a mouthguard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouthguards are inexpensive, comfortable,
and come in a variety of colors. Balhoff Orthodontics provides complimentary mouthguards to our patients.
However, custom-fit mouthguards (the "boil and bite" kind) cannot be worn during orthodontic treatment, since your teeth
and bite constantly change position during this time.
Will I be able to play musical intruments during orthodontic
treatment?
Yes. However, there will be an initial period of adjustment, depending
on the type of orthodontic appliance being used for your treatment and the type of musical instrument you play.
How long will I have to undergo orthodontic treatment?
Total treatment time will vary for each patient. It depends on a variety
of factors, such as the age of the patient, the complexity of the original orthodontic condition, how far your teeth must
move, and patient cooperation. Most active orthodontic treatment, in general will last approximately 2 years, unless
otherwise specified.
How often will I need office visits during orthodontic treatment?
Once orthodontic appliances are in place during active orthodontic treatment,
routine office visits will be at 4-8 week intervals. Periodically, you may need to be seen on a more frequent basis,
depending on your stage of treatment and the type of orthodontic treatment being performed.
Why are retainers needed after orthodontic treatment?
After active orthodontic treatment is completed, teeth are still mobile (moveable)
and can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers provide the necessary stabilization and are designed
to hold your teeth in their corrected positions until your jaw bones and gum tissue fully adapt to the new position of
your teeth. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed will help ensure that your orthodontic treatment improvements will
last a lifetime.
Will my wisdom teeth cause my straightened teeth to become
crooked again after orthodontic treatment?
Wisdom teeth (third molars) are the most common congenitally missing (missing
at birth) teeth. Therefore, not everyone has them. Even if you do have them, wisdom teeth do not always have to
be removed. The most common reasons for the need to remove wisdom teeth are:
- Improper position of partially-erupted or fully-erupted wisdom teeth that
prevents the ability to properly clean them on a daily basis
- Partially-impacted or fully-impacted wisdom teeth that interfere with nearby
permanent teeth
- Fully-impacted wisdom teeth that develop cysts
Orthodontic research has NOT indicated that eruption of wisdom teeth cause
dental crowding or crookedness in adulthood. Therefore, extraction of wisdom teeth solely in order to prevent future
dental crowding or crookedness is NOT a necessary or recommended treatment. The proper course of action is determined
on an individual basis by consultation with our office, your family dentist, and an oral surgeon. If removal of wisdom
teeth is necessary, they are usually removed between the ages of 17-20.
|
