Orthodontic Treatment (Braces)
Orthodontic treatment will definitely improve your self confidence and give you an improved bite and straight, beautiful smile. Even more importantly it can alleviate future health problems. Having crooked teeth can lead to improper teeth brushing, leading to decay of teeth and gum disease or tooth loss. Untreated, these problems can lead to difficulty in chewing, digestion, speech and over time even lead to chronic headaches, neck, jaw and face pain.
Every child should get an orthodontic evaluation by age 7, because the earlier the treatment the easier good dental health is established.
Braces have come a long way since we were children. There are many options available, such as traditional metal, clear invisible, tooth colored brackets, even heat activated wires that require way fewer adjustments. Invisalign, a newer method of using invisible aligners that are worn like retainers, can straighten teeth without brace or wires. Your orthodontist will go over all of the options and recommend the method that would be best for you.
Why Should I Get Braces?
The reasons for orthodontic treatment are many. A few of these reasons are:
- A Lower Jaw Protrusion, Know as a Underbite
- Tooth missing or mis-sized teeth causing spacing between teeth.
- Swelling or Breathing Problems, Such as Snoring or Sleep Apnea.
- Extra or Malpositioned Teeth Causing Crowding
- Lower Front Teeth Biting Into the Tissue of Upper Teeth, Known as a Deep Overbite
- Upper Teeth Biting Into Lower Teeth, Known as a CrossBite
- Jaw and Joint Pain
- Protruding Upper Teeth,Known as a Overjet.
- Face and Mouth Disfigurement
- Self Confidence. To Get The Perfect Smile.
Why Should My Child Get Braces?
Every child should get an orthodontic evaluation by age 7, because the earlier the treatment, the easier it is for good dental health to be established.Some of the reasons your orthodontist may recommend braces for your child are:
- Thumb or Finger Sucking – Mouth Breathing and Upper Incisor Teeth Protrusion is caused by this habit.
- Adult Teeth Emerging Out of Proper Position – This treatment can properly align their adult teeth.
How Do You Do It?
There are three phases in orthodontic treatment. The first is the evaluation and planning phase. In this phase you can expect:
- A Complete Dental History and Medical Evaluation
- A Mold Created of Your Teeth
- A Computer Generated Photograph of Your Neck and Head, Face and Mouth
- A Complete X-ray Series of Your Teeth and Jaw
After you and your dentist have determined the best course of action for straightening your teeth, your orthodontist will design the braces you need and apply them, or create the dental appliance that you need.
The next phase is known as the active phase. In this phase you will visit your orthodontist regularly for adjustments and to make sure your treatment is on track to be successful.
The final phase is known as the retention phase. Once your treatment has been completed, the braces are taken off and a new retainer is created. This retainer will be removable and is used to maintain the improvements until the bone and teeth have been stabilized in their correct positions. The time of each phase can vary widely depending on your individual situation. You and your orthodontist will work together to make sure you have a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime.