Benefits of Braces
Why Braces?
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.
Braces
for All Ages
Adults
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.
Kids
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 begun early, the orthodontist can guide 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 likelihood
of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and eliminate
abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early
treatment can simplify later treatment.
How Orthodontic
Treatment Works
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.
Duration
of Treatment
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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