|
Orthodontics is a specialist area of dentistry
concerned with improving the appearance, function, and stability
of the teeth and jaws by straightening the teeth and correcting
the bite using what is commonly known as " braces".
Orthodontics can improve a person's self-image
as the teeth, jaws and lips become properly aligned. Without treatment,
orthodontic problems may lead to tooth decay, gum disease, bone
destruction and chewing difficulties. A "bad bite" can
contribute to speech impairments, tooth loss, chipped teeth and
other dental injuries.
Most orthodontic patients experience some discomfort
the first few days after their braces are put on, and right after
the braces are tightened. After one week they usually get used to
them. You can use common pain reliever to ease the discomfort.
Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age,
however, many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected
at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may
mean that a patient can avoid surgery and more serious complications.
Children and adults can both benefit from orthodontics,
because healthy teeth can be moved at any age. The health of the
teeth, the gums and the supporting bones will determine the prospects
for treatment.
3 weekly appointments are required at the start
of treatment. Subsequently, appointments are usually scheduled at
once every 3-5 weeks.
Most risks relate to the health of your gums and
bones before treatment and your oral hygiene during treatment. Maintaining
good oral hygiene is important for successful orthodontic treatment.
Rubber bands or elastics contribute a lot to straighter
teeth. Attached to your braces, elastics exert the force that creates
the right amount of pressure to move teeth in directions that the
braces alone can't. It's important to wear your elastics as prescribed
and change them every day so the force is constant which the teeth
like. A lack of consistency in wearing rubber bands can bring treatment
to a standstill .
Colorful modules are used to tie the wire to the
brackets which are attached to your teeth. These colors can be changed
with each visit when adjustments are done.
In patients with severe crowding or protrusion of teeth ,extractions
of permanent teeth may be required to achieve better results.The
number and location of teeth depends on the type of malocclusion.
It is not uncommon for patients to remove as many as four teeth
for treatment. At the end of treatment, all spaces will be closed.
In general, active treatment time with braces
ranges from one and half to two years. The actual time depends alot
on the cooperation of the patient and the severity of the problem.
Keeping to appointments, taking good care of the braces and using
rubber bands or bite plates, if prescribed, all contribute to completing
treatment early.
Orthodontic treatment fees vary widely, depending
on the severity of the problem, complexity of treatment and length
of treatment time. Fees may be paid over extended periods during
the course of treatment.
Our teeth move throughout life, although at a very slow rate. Teeth
that have been moved orthodontically have a tendency to move back
to their earlier posiition. To prevent this relapse tendency, teeth
are held in retainers until the relapse tendency has diminished.
After the braces are removed, everyone is given individually prescribed
retainers.The retainer is designed to prevent your teeth from moving
while the bone around your teeth hardens and stabilizes. We encourage
our patients to wear retainers nightly for a minimum of one year
to maintain their beautiful smile.
Before orthodontic treatment begins, it will be
necessary to visit your family dentist for a checkup and any necessary
dental work. Once orthodontic therapy begins, you will be expected
to continue to see your family dentist for regular 3- to 6-month
checkups and routine care. Routine dental care will help ensure
the best possible results from your orthodontic therapy.
|
What is Orthodontics
