What is orthodontics?

Orthodontic is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. An orthodontist is a specialist who has completed an advanced education program following dental school to learn the special skills required to guide facial development and tooth movement.

How long will I have braces?

Average treatment time with braces ranges from 12 to 28 months. Interceptive, or early treatment may take only a few months.

At what age should my child be examined for braces?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child should visit an orthodontist by age seven for a general screening.

What are the benefits of orthodontics?

• A more attractive smile
• Better function of the teeth
• Possible increase in self-confidence
• Increased ability to clean teeth
• Better long term health of the gums
• Improved force distribution and wear patterns of the teeth
• Guide permanent teeth into more favorable positions
• Reduce the risk of injury o protruded front teeth
• Aid in optimizing other dental treatment

What are some signs that braces may be needed?

• Upper teeth protrude excessively (bucked teeth)
• Upper teeth covering the majority of the lower teeth when biting (deep bite)
• Upper teeth are behind or inside the lower front teeth (underbite)
• Upper and lower teeth do not touch when biting together (open bite)
• Crowded or overlapped teeth
• Spaces between teeth
• Difficulty chewing
• Finger or thumb sucking habit what continue after age six or seven years old
• Excessive unevenly wear of teeth
• The lower jaw shifts to one side or the other when biting together

What is Phase I and Phase II treatment?

Phase I, or interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (expander or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment can occur between the ages of seven and ten. This treatment is recommended to make more space for developing teeth, correction of crossbites, underbites, deep overbite or harmful oral habits. Phase II treatment, or comprehensive treatment, involves full braces when all of the teeth have erupted, usually between the age of eleven and thirteen.

Would an adult benefit from orthodontics?

Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. Nearly twenty percent of orthodontic patients are adults. You can have a beautiful and healthy smile at any age.

How do braces work?

Braces is a system of wires and brackets. The braces use steady gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. The brackets are placed and connected with the archwires connecting them. When the archwire is placed into the brackets, it tries to move back to their original shape, which in turn, gently moves the teeth.

Do braces hurt?

The placement of the brackets on your teeth does not hurt. Once the braces are placed and connected with the archwires, you may feel some soreness of your teeth for one to four days. Your lips and cheeks may need one to two weeks to get used to.

Will braces interfere with playing sports?

No. Braces do not interfere with sports. It is recommended that patients protect their braces by wearing a mouth guard when participating in any sporting activity.

Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?

No. There may be an initial adjustment period.

Should I see my family dentist during braces?

Yes. You should continue to see your general dentist every six months for cleanings and dental checkups.