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 Your dentist may have discussed with you the benefits of having
healthy teeth and proper jaw alignment. Crooked and crowded
teeth are hard to clean and maintain. This can result in tooth
decay, worsen gum disease and lead to tooth loss. Other orthodontic
problems can contribute to abnormal wear of tooth surfaces,
inefficient chewing function, excessive stress on gum tissue
and the bone that supports the teeth, or misalignment of the
jaw joints. These can lead to chronic headaches and face or
neck pain. Treatment by an orthodontist can be less costly
than the additional care required to treat dental problems
arising as a result of orthodontic problems. For most people,
a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics.
After your braces come off, you'll feel more self-confident.
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults
especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. One
of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over 21.
Jaw surgery is more often required for adult orthodontic patients
because their jaws are not growing. Adults also may have experienced
some breakdown or loss of their teeth and bone that supports
the teeth and may require periodontal treatment before, during
and/or after orthodontic treatment. Bone loss can also limit
the amount and direction of tooth movement that is advisable.
 It's best for the orthodontist to see children by age 7 to
advise if orthodontic treatment is required and the best time
for that patient to be treated. The first permanent molars
and incisors have usually come in by that time and crossbites,
crowding and other problems can be evaluated. When treatment
is started early, the orthodontist can work with the growth of the
jaw and guide incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment can
also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches,
gain space for permanent teeth, avoid the need for permanent
tooth extractions, reduce the likelihood of impacted permanent
teeth, and correct thumbsucking.
Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic or plastic.
They may be removable or they may be brackets bonded to the
teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled
direction, braces slowly move teeth to a corrected position.
This is a great time to wear braces! Gone are the days when
a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. You
can choose brackets that are clear or metallic color. You can
choose the color of the ties that hold the wire in brackets.
Wires are also less noticeable than they used to be and the
latest materials move teeth faster with less discomfort to
patients.
Treatment time typically ranges from one to three years, depending
on the growth of the patient's mouth and face and the severity
of the problem. Patients grow at different rates and will respond
variously to orthodontic treatment, so the time to case completion
may differ from the original estimate. The patient's diligent
use of any prescribed rubber bands or headgear is an important
factor in achieving the most efficient treatment. Interceptive,
or early treatment procedures, may take as few as six months.
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