Why Braces? Why Orthodontics? If you have teeth that are in poor alignment you may face a functional or cosmetic problem.

ImageOrthodontics (braces) can eliminate that problem for you. One of the first things people notice about you when they see you is your smile and how your teeth look. You don’t have to be a dentist to see poorly positioned crooked teeth.

In today’s culture, crooked teeth are not regarded as being attractive or desirable and when given a chance to express an opinion, most of us state that they would like to have straight teeth. Straight teeth and white teeth are the cosmetic dental improvements patients most request.

If you are lucky, the need for orthodontics is discovered when you are young. A dentist will have a good indication of whether or not teeth will be straight when he sees a child 6 - 8 years old. Most treatment may not begin until the patient is 8 - although in some instances it can be started earlier.

It is easier to direct the movement of teeth in a child. Early tooth guidance is a very important phase of orthodontic care. This guidance takes place even though all the permanent teeth are not yet in place. Certain problems are much easier to correct at this stage of a "mixed (baby and permanent teeth) dentition".

If more treatment than the early tooth guidance is required, an average case can last from 18 -24 months.

ImageInvisalign can give you the beautiful straight teeth you've always wanted without braces. It works through a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners that no one can tell you're wearing. So you can smile more during treatment as well as after. Invisalign has been proven effective.

You are never too old to begin orthodontics. The number of adults seeking orthodontic treatment has been raising dramatically during the past decades and as long as you have healthy bone support for the teeth, you now can use Invisalign instead of wearing braces to make your teeth look better.

After the active phase of orthodontic treatment, when the braces are removed, it is usually necessary to have a retainer made. This retainer will maintain the new tooth alignment until the teeth have had a chance to become firmly set in their new position. This retainer may be either removable or fixed in place.

Braces may also be suggested to correct a specific dental problem that only affects one or several teeth. This is not a cosmetic tooth repositioning, but rather a necessary functional tooth movement. Occasionally, in order to properly finish an orthodontic case, the orthodontist may ask the dentist to adjust the enamel of some teeth or bond a resin to some teeth to improve an occlusion (bite alignment) or a cosmetic problem that cannot be successfully treated by orthodontics alone.

While the orthodontics is in its active phase, that is, the braces are on your teeth, you must be very diligent about keeping your teeth clean. If you think it is difficult to clean your teeth properly without braces, imagine what it will be like with the braces in place! It is suggested that you have your teeth cleaned professionally by the dental hygienist at least every three (3) months while the braces are on. Sometimes the use of dental floss threaders and oral irrigation devices to flush out debris may prove to be helpful in helping to maintain optimum oral health during the orthodontic treatment phase.

Important things to remember about Orthodontic Care . . .

• You are never too old to begin.
• It may be easier (and less costly) to be treated at a young age - around the age of 8. You MUST brush your teeth each night.
• Have your teeth cleaned professionally by a dental hygienist every 3 months to reduce the chance of decay and gum disease.
• Brush and floss properly every day.
• Depending upon your individual situation, dental floss threaders to help you clean under the orthodontic wires, other periodontal aids, a powered toothbrush like the Rota Dent™(if you have problems with manual brushing), and a Water Pik™ irrigator to help remove loose debris.
• If you have any questions, please feel comfortable in asking your dentist, dental hygienist or orthodontist.
• Orthodontics can make a dramatic improvement in your appearance, your life and how you feel about yourself.

Orthodontics & Oral Hygiene

The level of cooperation between the patient and the orthodontist determines the rate of success of orthodontic treatment. It is important to remember that although orthodontic appliances do not cause cavities they can contribute to them if the mouth is not properly maintained.

Because bands and appliances act as traps for food particle sand bacteria the teeth underneath are more susceptible to decay. It is for this reason that a thorough brushing routine be established and maintained. Routine visits to your regular dentist for check ups and cleanings will aid in preventing major problems or destruction to the teeth under the bands or appliances. Because good success is guaranteed by the teamwork between orthodontist and patient it is important to keep regularly scheduled appointments and follow the instructions given by your orthodontist.

Although the wearing of rubber bands, headgear or appliances may not be pleasant - the degree of cooperation will determine the rate of success. Broken appliances, brackets or wires need to be repaired immediately, be sure to call your orthodontist as soon as possible.

Remember you have made an investment in your smile, cooperation between you and your orthodontist will guarantee that investment!