A: Orthodontics is the speciality branch of dentistry which focuses entirely on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. the technical term for these problems is "malocclusion" which literally means "bad bite." The practice of orthodontics requires extensive professional skill in the design, application, and control of corrective appliances to bring teeth, lips, and jaws into proper alignment and achieve optimum facial balance.
Q: What is a Board-Certified Orthodontist?
A: Board Certification is a "step beyond." The Certificate of a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics is a unique achievement, a large step beyond the two years of advanced education required for a dentist to become a specialist in Orthodontics. Board Certification requires the following: (1) Application of examination, (2) A written examination to prove eligibility, and (3) Proof of skills in diagnosis and treatment, based on actual patient treatment. The significance of Board Certification goes far beyond achieving the approval of a panel of experts of the American Board of Orthodontics. The greatest benefits come from the in-depth self-evaluation that goes into the years of preparation for Board Certification. Being Board-Certified is a mark of exemplary clinical and theoretical achievement.
Q: Why is orthodontics important?
A: An attractive smile and improved self-image is just one of the benefits of orthodontic treatment. Without treatment, orthodontic problems can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, bone destruction, chewing and digestive difficulties, speech impairments, tooth loss, and other dental injuries.
Q: What are the benefits of braces?
A: Having straight teeth that fit together properly improves function, and your teeth and jaw joints can work more effectively. Straight teeth make it easier for you and your dental team to keep them clean. If you ever need a filling, crown or bridge, your dentist can usually do better restoration if the teeth are aligned properly. The appearance of teeth and face is improved. Having a pleasing smile improves self-esteem, confidence, and a feeling of acceptance in our daily activities.
Q: What is the psychological impact of orthodontic therapy?
A: Treatment may reduce appearance-consciousness during the critical developmental years. Appearance can have an effect on popularity, social behaviors, self-expectation, personality, and self-image. Also, orthodontic therapy may lessen the likelihood that a child will be picked on by other children.
Q: At what age is an orthodontic examination appropriate?
A: Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. 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. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by age 7 or earlier if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist, or the child's physician.
Q: What are the benefits of an early diagnosis?
A: Of course you want your child's teeth to work right and look their best. Early treatment can help achieve these goals, while also shortening treatment time and making treatment easier and, in some cases, less expensive. During the first phase of treatment, we will work with your child's jaws and muscles (also known as dentofacial orthopedics). This treatment will help permanent teeth grow into the right place and the jaws to fit together well. Early treatment creates a more stable, long-term result, especially with severe bite problems.
Q: Will early treatment help to avoid future jaw surgery and the removal of permanent teeth?
A: Most definitely, yes. Early treatment minimizes the chance of future jaw surgery or removal of permanent teeth. Starting treatment early will give your child the best chance for the best results and could help reduce the overall cost of orthodontic treatment as well.
Q: Why, exactly, does my child need early treatment?
A: Either genetics or environmental factors may have influenced the development of your child's jaws and muscles. For example, your child might have inherited a small jaw from one parent and large teeth from the other. Thumb sucking might be a habit of your child. Possibly a sleeping pattern has affected how the cheeks and jaws have developed. Mouth breathing may have caused underdevelopment of the maxilla.
Q: At what age could this early treatment possibly be appropriate?
A: Between the ages of 5 and 10, some permanent teeth have already appeared. During this time, the bones and muscles are growing rapidly. This is when we can influence the growth to create the best bite. We can accomplish things now that can't easily be done later or can't be done as well. Early treatment may prevent future bite problems from developing.
Q: What are some of the signs that early treatment is necessary?
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Q: What are some early warning signs of a bite problem?
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Q: What is involved in this early phase of treatment?
A: During this early phase of treatment, your child may wear some braces, but they will be used mainly as an anchor for other appliances that will influence the growth of bone or muscle. Early orthodontic treatment is not always strictly "orthodontic." As Dr. Strohecker and Dr. Beckett explain, "We are making the container bigger to accommodate the contents, namely, the permanent teeth."
Q: How long will the "early treatment phase" take?
A: This phase may take from 12 to 18 months, followed by another 18 months of retention.
Q: Following the "interceptive" or early phase of treatment, will additional treatment be necessary?
A: The early phase of treatment will often cut out the need for future treatment up to 50% in certain types of malocclusion. However, in other cases, after the permanent teeth have erupted, treatment is necessary to complete the work that was started in the earlier phase. The objective of continued treatment is to place the permanent teeth in positions of optimal comfort, function, esthetics, and long-term stability.
Q: Why do baby teeth sometimes need to be pulled?
A: Pulling baby teeth may be necessary to allow severely crowded permanent teeth to come in at a normal time in a normal location. If the teeth are severely crowded, some permanent teeth will either remain impacted (teeth that should have come in, but have not) or come in to an undesirable position. To allow severely crowded teeth to move on their own into much more desirable positions, sequential removal of baby teeth and permanent teeth (usually first premolars) can dramatically improve a severe crowding problem. This sequential extraction of teeth, called serial extraction, is typically followed by comprehensive orthodontic treatment after tooth eruption has improved as much as it can on its own.
Q: Why is the early removal of certain teeth sometimes necessary?
A: Early removal of certain selected teeth may be necessary to guide the eruption of permanent teeth. Carefully-timed extractions may prevent a variety of problems, including the following: (1) impacted or unfavorably-positioned permanent teeth, (2) damage to the roots of permanent teeth, and (3) severe crowding in the permanent teeth requiring lengthy and complex treatment.
Q: Why is the adolescent growth spurt so important in orthodontics?
A: This is a time when much of the growth of the face occurs. Treatment during this period provides an opportunity to favorably influence the facial profile in a growing child. Once growth of the facial bones is complete, correction of jaw discrepancies usually requires surgery. For this reason, early treatment may save considerable time and money.
Q: What is an orthodontic "record study," and why is it necessary?
A: Orthodontic records include X-rays, photographs of the teeth and face, and models of the teeth. The records provide a wealth of information that is not always revealed by a visual exam. X-rays show the head, face, jawbones, and teeth. X-rays are used to measure the teeth and jaws and to plan the treatment. This may include missing teeth, extra teeth, the condition and development of tooth roots, growth patterns of the jaws and face, symmetry, and a host of other factors. Complete records form the basis for a thorough and accurate diagnosis and a sound treatment plan. Photos of the profile, face, and teeth are taken before treatment and then compared to pictures after treatment is completed.
Q: What will happen in the time between early treatment and full braces?
A: For most children, this growth-observation period will involve a combination of retaining the correction that's been made and guiding the erupting permanent teeth into favorable positions. Your child may need to wear a fixed or removable acrylic retainer to help hold teeth in position. Since the timing of treatment is critical, your child's growth and development will be carefully monitored during this period.
Q: For the older child or adult, how do braces move teeth?
A: After the braces are attached to the teeth, a light force is applied with wires and elastic ties. This light force creates pressure on the bone next to the tooth's root. This steady pressure causes the bone to react, making space in which the tooth can move. It is a microscopic distance, and new bone grows around the root for support. The braces are adjusted, with wires changed, and forces are regulated to allow for continuous movement. The supporting bone dictates the extent to which the teeth can be moved. Subtle differences exist in each orthodontic patient's problem and treatment. This is why no two treatment plans are alike. However, all orthodontic patients have one aspect of treatment in common: the need to maintain excellent oral hygiene habits. Eating nutritious foods with low sugar content, brushing, flossing, and visiting your general dentist regularly will ensure that the teeth will look their very best when the braces have done their job.
Q: What can I eat with braces?
A: Most foods can be enjoyed just as before you got your braces. Hard, crunchy, and sticky foods can damage braces and should be avoided. Please refer to the "Treatment Information" section for more information on this topic.
Q: When is an adult too old for braces?
A: For those who can benefit from orthodontics, age is NOT a factor. Adults who have teeth and healthy supporting structures are never too old. Increasing numbers of adults are taking advantage of the life-long benefits of orthodontics. These are people who've made the choice to spend the rest of their lives with an attractive, healthy smile, along with the confidence that it brings. About 25% of orthodontic patients in the United States are adults. If you are an adult considering orthodontic work, be assured that treatment has changed a great deal in the last few years. Braces are more comfortable and more effective today. You can get braces in the tradition silver color or clear, which are much less visible.
Q: Should the wisdom teeth (third molars) be removed?
A: In about three out of four cases where teeth have not been removed during orthodontic treatment, there are good reasons to have the wisdom teeth removed, usually when a person reaches his or her mid- to late- teen years. Your orthodontist, in consultation with your family dentist, can determine what is right for you.
Q: How long will I have to undergo orthodontic treatment?
A: It will vary for each patient and always depends on the severity of the problem, the cooperation of the patient, and the growth of the patient's mouth and face. Some people respond faster than others, and minor problems may require less time. Patient cooperation is a HUGE factor in the length of treatment!
Q: Will I still be able to play sports?
A: Yes. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouth guard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouthguards are PROVIDED by our office, free of charge, for any patient participating in sports.
Q: Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?
A: No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment. In addition, wax to cover the braces will be provided to prevent discomfort.
Q: What happens after the braces are removed?
A: After the braces are removed, retainers will be made, and instruction will be given for full-time wear for the first 4 months. After that time, retainers usually need to be worn only at night for the next 6 to 8 months. Following this, they should be worn at least enough to maintain a comfortable, secure fit. This varies from person to person.
Q: Why are retainers needed after orthodontic treatment?
A: After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers provide that stabilization and are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime.
Q: Is orthodontic care expensive?
A: Orthodontic fees have not increased as fast as many other consumer products. When orthodontic treatment is implemented at the proper time, treatment is often less costly than the dental care required to treat the more serious problems that can develop years later. After examining you or your child, we will review the costs involved with treatment. Financing is available and our office offers customized-flexible payment programs that will meet your needs. In addition, many insurance plans now include orthodontics. More information is offered under the "Services" section of this web site.
Q: How often will I need office visits?
A: Once appliances are in place, routine office visits are at 6 to 8 week intervals. Periodically, we may need to see you sooner.
Q: What is TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Disorder?
A: Problems with altered function of the TMJ (Jaw Joint) and associated muscles are usually the result of multiple factors. These factors may include facial injuries, stress, malocclusion, and parafunctional habits such as clenching and grinding. In some types of TMJ dysfunction, orthodontic treatment may be very beneficial.
Q: What are the signs and symptoms of TMJ Disorders?
A: Disorders of the TMJ have many signs and symptoms including the following: (1) Certain types of headaches or neckaches, (2) Pain in and around the ear, sometimes spreading to the face, (3) Tenderness of the jaw muscles or popping noise when one opens or closes the mouth, (4) Difficulty in opening one's mouth, (5) Jaws that lock, and/or (6) Pain brought on by yawning, chewing, or opening the mouth widely.
Q: What treatment is used for TMJ disorders?
A: Although treatment can vary, some common methods of treating TMJ disorders include techniques to eliminate spasms and pain. Applying ice and moist heat to the face, using prescribed medications such as muscle relaxants or analgesics, massaging the muscles, and eating soft, non-chewy foods are among the techniques used to reduce spasms and pain. Bite plates can be worn to eliminate the harmful effects of clenching or grinding the teeth.
