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Frequently
Asked Questions about Orthodontics
What
are Metal Braces
Metal braces (stainless steel)
are the most popular type of braces used throughout the country.
If you choose metal braces for your treatment plan, we utilize the
most comfortable, efficient, and technologically advanced metal
braces available. Treatment time is shortened and the number of
office visits reduced. |
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What
are Clear Ceramic Braces
Clear ceramic braces are an
aesthetic alternative for those who don't want their braces to show
as much. Clear braces move your teeth in exactly the same way as
metal braces do. Like metal braces, they are extremely comfortable
to wear and very efficient at moving teeth
Ceramic braces consist of wires and clear, ceramic brackets. These
brackets are glued to the front of your teeth. The wires (one for
each set of teeth) are attached to the brackets with transparent,
tiny elastics called ligatures. Ceramic braces function just like
traditional braces: the wire is shaped into the ideal position of
your teeth, then threaded through the brackets. As the wires struggle
to get back to their original shape, they gradually pressure your
teeth into that shape as well. Your orthodontist will tighten the
wires every four to six weeks. You should see a nice, straight smile
within two or two and a half years (though this time period can
be shorter or longer, depending on the severity of your problem).
Once your braces come off, you will likely wear a retainer for six
months to a year, to keep your teeth from shifting and make sure
your new smile stays in place.
Ceramic braces do have some disadvantages, though:
· Ceramic brackets are
not as strong as metal braces. Orthodontists often use metal
brackets
for more complex cases.
· Ceramic brackets are slightly larger than metal brackets
(though this is only noticeable close up)
· Clear ligatures are more susceptible to stain (if you smoke,
drink coffee, etc.)
· Treatment takes slightly longer
· Ceramic braces are slightly more expensive
Though braces are most commonly
seen on children and adolescents—at
this age, bones are still growing, making it easier to shift teeth
and jaws into place—they can be worn at any age. If you feel
you (or your child) may be a candidate for braces, talk to your
dentist. He or she can refer you to an orthodontist, a dentist
specially
trained in tooth movement and dentofacial orthopedics.
Braces can be unpleasant at
times. Initially, the brackets can irritate the back of the lips
(though you will
get used to this
being there within a few days). They require special brushing and
flossing techniques, as food can collect around the brackets,
causing
bacteria buildup and bad breath. They can also hurt at times, especially
immediately after wire-tightening visits to the orthodontist.
This
hurt, too, will go away in a day or two. Keep an eye out for the
many, many people in the media and on the street who have worn
braces—their
straight, beautiful, hard-earned smiles should motivate you to
stick to your treatment.
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- Is it required
that my family dentist schedule my appointment with the orthodontist?
- At what age should I schedule
an appointment for an orthodontic screening?
- Will my teeth straighten out
as they grow?
- How do I schedule an appointment
for an initial exam?
- What will happen at the initial
examination appointment?
- What will I learn from the initial
examination?
- Will I need to have teeth extracted
for braces?
- How long will it take to complete
treatment?
- How often will I have appointments?
- Can I schedule all of my appointments
after school?
- Do braces hurt?
- Can I return to school the day
I receive my braces?
- Do you use recycled braces?
- Can I still play sports?
- Do I need to see my family dentist
while in braces?
- Are there foods I cannot eat
while I have braces?
- How often should I brush my
teeth while in braces?
- Can orthodontic correction occur
while a child has baby teeth?
- What is Phase One (early) Treatment?
- Will my child need full braces
if he/she has Phase One treatment?
- Will my child need an expander?
- Is it too late to have braces
if I am already an adult?
- Can I wear braces even though
I have crowns and missing teeth?
- Why should you choose an orthodontic
specialist?
1.
Is it required that my family dentist schedule my appointment with the
orthodontist?
No, it is not. Many of our patients are referred by their family dentist,
yet many other patients take the initiative to schedule an examination
themselves.
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2. At what age should I schedule an appointment for
an orthodontic screening?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic
screening at age 7. By this age, several permanent teeth in most children
have erupted, allowing us to effectively evaluate your orthodontic condition.
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3. Will my teeth straighten out as they grow?
No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not
increase as you grow. In most people, after the permanent molars erupt,
the space available for the front teeth decreases with age.
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4. How do I schedule an appointment for an initial
exam?
If you or your child can potentially benefit from orthodontic treatment,
simply call our office.
We will be happy to schedule an appointment for you. When you call to schedule
your appointment, our front office staff will request some basic information
from you.
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5. What will happen at the initial examination appointment?
Upon arriving, each patient and parent will be seen by the staff
and doctor who will acclimate you to our office.
The doctor will then complete a brief, but thorough, exam.
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6. What will I learn from the initial examination?
There are five essential questions that we will cover during the
initial examination:
· Is there an orthodontic problem, and if so, what is it?
· What must be done to correct the problem?
· Will any teeth need to be removed?
· How long will the treatment take to complete?
· How much will the treatment cost?
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7. Will I need to have teeth extracted for braces?
Removing teeth is sometimes required to achieve the best orthodontic result.
Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are the goal of orthodontics. However,
because new technology has provided advanced orthodontic procedures, removing
teeth is not always necessary for orthodontic treatment.
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8. How long will it take to complete treatment?
Treatment time obviously depends on each patient's specific orthodontic
problem. In general, treatment times range from 12 to 30 months. The "average" time
frame a person is in braces is approximately 22 months.
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10. How often will I have appointments?
Appointments are scheduled according to each patient's needs. Most
patients in braces will be seen every 4-6 weeks. If there are specific
situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments
accordingly.
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14. Can I return to school the day I receive my
braces?
Yes. There is no reason to miss school because of an orthodontic
appointment.
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15. Do you give shots?
No. Shots are not necessary in orthodontic treatment.
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16. Do you use recycled braces?
Absolutely not! It is our belief that each patient should be provided
with their own braces to achieve the best orthodontic result possible.
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17. Can I still play sports?
Yes. We recommend a mouth guard for all sports.
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18. Do I need to see my family dentist while in
braces?
Yes! Regular checkups with your family dentist are important while
in braces. Your family dentist will determine the intervals between cleaning
appointments while you are in braces. We recommend 3-4 months.
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19. Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain the complete instructions
and provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. Some of those foods
include: ice, hard candy, raw vegetables and all sticky foods (i.e. caramel
and taffy). You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken
or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.
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20.
How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?
Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day -
after each meal and before going to bed. We will show each patient how
to floss their teeth with braces and may also provide a prescription
for a special fluoride, if necessary.
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22. Can orthodontic correction occur while a child
has baby teeth?
Yes. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require
early intervention. However, if a patient is not yet ready for treatment,
we will follow that patient's growth and development until the time is
right for treatment to begin.
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23. What is Phase One (early) Treatment?
Phase One treatment, if necessary, is usually initiated on children
between the ages of 7 and 10. Phase One treatment lasts about 12-21 months.
The primary objective for Phase One treatment is to address significant
problems to prevent them from becoming more severe and to improve self-esteem
and self-image.
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24. Will my child need full braces if he/she has
Phase One treatment?
It is best to assume that your child will need full braces even
after Phase One treatment. The period following Phase One treatment
is called
the "resting period," during which growth and tooth eruption
are closely monitored. Throughout this period, parents and patients
will be kept informed of future treatment recommendations.
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25. Will my child need an expander?
At the completion of the initial examination, we will determine whether
a patient will need an expander.
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26. Is it too late to have braces if I am already
an adult?
A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. In fact,
25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. Health, happiness
and
self-esteem
are vitally important to adults. No patient is "too old" to
wear braces!
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27. Can I wear braces even though I have crowns
and missing teeth?
Yes. A tooth with a crown will move just like a tooth with a simple
filling. When teeth are missing, orthodontic treatment will aid in the
alignment of the remaining teeth.
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28. Why should you choose an orthodontic specialist?
Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed
by orthodontic treatment. It is important that the treatment be appropriate
and properly completed. Orthodontic specialists have extensive and specialized
training that enables them to provide their patients with professional,
personalized treatments.
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When
should My Child be Evaluated?
If your child develops
an "open bite", or you are otherwise concerned about the
development of your child's teeth, no matter what the age, contact
us right away for a consult with Dr. Anshu.
Otherwise, children should be evaluated by the age of 6 for orthodontic
treatment. In the past, a child was 11 or 12 before brackets were actually
placed on the teeth to straighten them. This may still hold true in
most cases, but there are new techniques that can correct problems
early, while a child is still growing. This may eliminate the need
for braces in the future, or if the child does still need braces, the
treatment will be less complicated, usually shortening the period of
time in braces.
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What is
an Arch Expander? 
An Arch Expander
is one example of orthodontic treatment available for younger patients.
Many times an arch expander can be used to create a proper alignment
of the arches so permanent teeth have room to erupt in a natural position.
The use of an arch expander will generally minimize or eliminate the
need for braces when the patient gets older.
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What are
Braces?
Braces are retainers,
bonded brackets, arch wires and elastic bands that move crowded or
spaced teeth into a "normal" position for appearance, prevention
and function. Patients with poorly aligned teeth tend to have much
more tooth decay, gum disease and jaw joint problems. Recently invented
brackets and new techniques make orthodontic treatment faster and more
comfortable than ever.
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How do Braces
work?
Over a period of
time, teeth will shift if constant, gentle pressure is applied. Brackets
are bonded to the front surface of each tooth and wires are attached
to the brackets with elastic bands. The slight tension on the wire
is gently transferred to the bracket through the elastic band.
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What are
Retainers?
Once the teeth have
been moved into proper position, a retainer is sometimes used to keep
the teeth in place until they have "settled". Retainers can
be fixed (bonded to the teeth) or removable.
Fixed retainer:
Small, thin wire bonded to tongue side of teeth Adjustable retainer: Snaps
into place. Easily adjusted.
"Invisible" retainer:
Covers teeth. Virtually invisible when in place.
Fixed retainer:
Small, thin wire bonded to tongue side of teeth
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Adjustable
retainer: Snaps into place.Easily adjusted.
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"Invisible" retainer:
Covers teeth. Virtually invisible when in place.
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Why should I have orthodontic
treatment?
Many people have crowded or crooked teeth. Orthodontic treatment
will straighten the teeth or move them into a better position. This can
not only improve their appearance but also the way the teeth bite together,
while also making them easier to clean.
In some patients the upper front
teeth can stick out and look unsightly. These ‘prominent’ teeth
are more likely to be damaged, but orthodontic treatment can move them
back into line. In others, the way the upper and lower jaws meet can
cause teeth to look unsightly and lead to an incorrect bite. Orthodontic
treatment may be able to correct both.
When the teeth don’t meet correctly,
this can put strain on the muscles of the jaw, causing jaw and joint
problems and in some cases headaches. Orthodontic treatment can help
you to bite more evenly and reduce the strain.
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At what age should I have orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is generally best carried out in
children, but adults can have orthodontic treatment too – and
more and more are doing. Age is less important than having the
proper number of teeth. In children it may be necessary to wait
for enough
teeth to come through before starting treatment.
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Will I need to have teeth taken out to make room?
You may not have enough room for all your permanent teeth
and so it may be necessary to take out some permanent teeth to make
space. Your dentist will tell you whether this is the case. Sometimes
space can be created using other forms of treatment.
How is treatment carried out?
Orthodontic treatment can be done by many sorts of appliances,
which most people know as ‘braces’.
What is a removable appliance?
Simple treatment may be carried out with a removable appliance
(a plate that can be taken out to be cleaned). It has delicate wires
and springs attached, which move the teeth using gentle pressure.
What is a functional appliance?
It is sometimes possible to change the way the jaws grow,
using orthodontic appliances. These functional appliances use the power
of your jaw muscles and can help with certain types of problem.
What is a fixed appliance?
Often, teeth need to be guided more accurately than they
can be using a removable plate. So fixed appliances are used. These
have brackets and bands temporarily stuck to the teeth. A flexible
wire joins all the brackets and allows the teeth to be moved. It is
not possible for the patient to take the appliance out and so it is
called a fixed appliance.
What are the brackets made of?
Fixed braces are not always made of metal. Plastic and ceramic
can be used, especially for adults.
What are elastics?
It may be necessary to attach delicate elastic bands to a
fixed brace to help move the teeth. Your orthodontist will tell you
if you need elastics.
What happens when the teeth are in the right position?
When treatment is finished the teeth need to be held in position for a time.
This period is called retention, and the appliances that hold the teeth in
place are called retainers.
The retainers hold newly straightened
teeth in position while the surrounding gum and bone settles. The retainers
can be removable or fixed depending on the original problem.
A retainer holds newly straightened teeth in place
How successful will it be?
Success depends on a partnership between the skills of the
orthodontist, and the enthusiasm and help of patient and parents. It
is important to attend regularly and carry out any instructions given
by the orthodontist.
The success of the treatment also
depends on the commitment of the patient. For children’s orthodontic
treatment it is very important that the patient is as keen as the parent.
Can orthodontics damage
my teeth?
Your teeth can be damaged if they are not properly looked after during treatment.
Appliances will not in themselves cause damage, but poor cleaning and too many
sugary drinks and snacks can cause permanent damage. Brackets, wires and braces
can trap food and cause more plaque than usual to build up. So the teeth and
appliance need to be cleaned very thoroughly.
Is orthodontic work permanent?
Even after retention, it is normal for minor tooth movements to happen throughout
life, so no permanent guarantee can be given. However, it is unusual for teeth
to alter enough to need further treatment.
How do I care for my brace and teeth?
It is important to continue to have your teeth checked by your dentist while
having orthodontic treatment. You also need to take extra care of your teeth
and mouth:
1 Clean your teeth carefully every
day, including between your teeth where you can. Appliances are delicate
and you need to make sure you clean them carefully so that they do
not break. Your dentist or hygienist will be able to show you the special
techniques to use depending on the appliance you are wearing.
2 Cut down on how often you have
sugary foods and drinks. Avoid ‘snacking’ on foods or drinks
containing sugars, and on fizzy drinks. Also, sticky and hard foods
may damage the delicate orthodontic appliances.
3 Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and, if necessary,
use a mouthwash. Your dentist or hygienist may recommend a fluoride toothpaste
or application for you to use.
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