Dental Braces (Orthodontic Treatment)
Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention and correction of malpositioned (Crooked) teeth and jaws. It can also focus on modifying facial growth, known as dentofacial orthopedics. Crooked teeth and teeth that do not fit together correctly are harder to keep clean, are at risk of being lost early due to tooth decay and periodontal disease, and cause extra stress on the chewing muscles that can lead to headaches, TMJ syndrome and neck, shoulder and back pain. Teeth that are crooked or not in the right place can also detract from one’s appearance.
The benefits of orthodontic treatment include a healthier mouth, a more pleasing appearance, and teeth that are more likely to last a lifetime.
FAQ
Only your dentist or orthodontist can determine whether you can benefit from orthodontics. Based on diagnostic tools that include a full medical and dental health history, a clinical exam, plaster models of your teeth, and special X-rays and photographs, an orthodontist or dentist can decide whether orthodontics are recommended, and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.
If you have any of the following, you may be a candidate for orthodontic treatment:
Overbite, sometimes called “buck teeth” — where the upper front teeth lie too far forward (stick out) over the lower teeth
Underbite — a “bulldog” appearance where the lower teeth are too far forward or the upper teeth too far back
Crossbite — when the upper teeth do not come down slightly in front of the lower teeth when biting together normally
Open bite — space between the biting surfaces of the front and/or side teeth when the back teeth bite together
Misplaced midline— when the center of your upper front teeth does not line up with the center of your lower front teeth
Spacing — gaps, or spaces, between the teeth as a result of missing teeth or teeth that do not “fill up” the mouth
Crowding — when there are too many teeth for the dental ridge to accommodate
Many different types of appliances, both fixed and removable, are used to help move teeth, retrain muscles and affect the growth of the jaws. These appliances work by placing gentle pressure on the teeth and jaws. The severity of your problem will determine which orthodontic approach is likely to be the most effective.
Fixed appliances include:
Braces — the most common fixed appliances, braces consist of bands, wires and/or brackets. Bands are fixed around the teeth or tooth and used as anchors for the appliance, while brackets are most often bonded to the front of the tooth. Arch wires are passed through the brackets and attached to the bands. Tightening the arch wire puts tension on the teeth, gradually moving them to their proper position. Braces are usually adjusted monthly to bring about the desired results, which may be achieved within a few months to a few years. Today’s braces are smaller, lighter and show far less metal than in the past. They come in bright colors for kids as well as clear styles preferred by many adults.
Special fixed appliances — used to control thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, these appliances are attached to the teeth by bands. Because they are very uncomfortable during meals, they should be used only as a last resort.
Fixed space maintainers — if a baby tooth is lost prematurely, a space maintainer is used to keep the space open until the permanent tooth erupts. A band is attached to the tooth next to the empty space, and a wire is extended to the tooth on the other side of the space.
Removable appliances include:
Aligners — an alternative to traditional braces for adults, serial aligners are being used by an increasing number of orthodontists to move teeth in the same way that fixed appliances work, only without metal wires and brackets. Aligners are virtually invisible and are removed for eating, brushing and flossing.
Removable space maintainers — these devices serve the same function as fixed space maintainers. They’re made with an acrylic base that fits over the jaw, and have plastic or wire branches between specific teeth to keep the space between them open.
Jaw repositioning appliances — also called splints, these devices are worn on either the top or lower jaw, and help train the jaw to close in a more favorable position. They may be used for temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ).
Lip and cheek bumpers — these are designed to keep the lips or cheeks away from the teeth. Lip and cheek muscles can exert pressure on the teeth, and these bumpers help relieve that pressure.
Palatal expander — a device used to widen the arch of the upper jaw. It is a plastic plate that fits over the roof of the mouth. Outward pressure applied to the plate by screws force the joints in the bones of the palate to open lengthwise, widening the palatal area.
Removable retainers — worn on the roof of the mouth, these devices prevent shifting of the teeth to their previous position. They can also be modified and used to prevent thumb sucking.
Headgear — with this device, a strap is placed around the back of the head and attached to a metal wire in front, or face bow. Headgear slows the growth of the upper jaw, and holds the back teeth where they are while the front teeth are pulled back
Protruding, crowded teeth, or teeth emerging out of position are obvious indications that orthodontic treatment is warranted (View Examples). Other potential problems may be less obvious. These include difficulty speaking, regular biting of the cheek or palate, open-mouth breathing, and thumb sucking past three to four years of age. Other problems that might indicate an orthodontic issue are jaws that shift or make sounds as they move, and teeth that don’t meet properly when the mouth closes.
It is generally painless having braces put on. Minor aches and pains during the first couple of days or so is not uncommon, as the patient adjusts to wearing the orthodontic appliance. Soreness after periodic adjustments may also occur, though it is typically minor and lasts for a very short time. Discomfort can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain medication but is rarely necessary.
Active treatment (referring to the period of wearing the orthodontic appliance) varies depending on the person but can take anywhere from six to thirty months. After that time, a retainer will need to be worn.
Most people receiving active orthodontic treatment will visit their orthodontist once every four to ten weeks. However, it really depends on what procedure is being done and how often yo progress needs to be monitored.
If your mouth is too small to accommodate all of your teeth comfortably, leaving your teeth severely crowded, or if you have teeth that are impacted (being prevented from erupting because other teeth are in the way), you may need to have one or more teeth extracted. Younger patients may avoid extraction with early treatment.
Yes — you will be provided with a list of foods you should avoid. These include hard candy, raw vegetables, caramel, taffy, ice cubes and anything else that might damage or become trapped in your braces.
Although wearing a mouthguard when playing most sports is recommended, whether you wear braces or not, orthodontic appliances do not interfere with playing your favorite sports. As far as playing an instrument, it should not be a problem after a short adjustment period.
Yes – definitely. It is more vital than ever to keep your teeth free of tartar and plaque, as it can be very difficult while you are wearing braces. Frequent dental cleanings and exams will help you avoid unnecessary problems.
The answer is almost always yes. Your teeth can shift out of position very quickly without a retainer, making all the effort you put into your treatment a waste of time and money. If you want to maintain your beautiful smile for a lifetime, you will want to wear your retainer.
As a long-term investment in your health, weighed against living with problem teeth, orthodontic treatment is indeed a wise investment. Treatment cost has not increased at the same rate as many consumer products and there are many financing options available that make it very affordable.