What is Orthodontics? Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental irregularities (malocclusion). Tooth movement is accomplished by light pressure exerted on the teeth. The pressure is applied by a variety of orthodontic appliances. These appliances have progressed by use of space aged research to apply gentile forces over the course of treatment. These are not "my fathers braces", braces now come in clear or metal. They no longer need "bands" to go completely around the teeth. Many of your friends have braces or have completed treatment, look at the difference it has made.

What is a malocclusion?

Malocclusion is a technical term for crooked, crowded or protruding teeth that do not fit together properly. These problems may be inherited or acquired. Common malocclusions include crowding of teeth, prominent teeth, too much space between teeth, extra or missing teeth and a variety of irregularities of the jaws and face. Thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, dental disease, premature loss of primary or permanent teeth, or accidents can cause malocclusions.

What are the benefits of orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic treatment is frequently performed to improve a person’s appearance by straightening the teeth. However, an attractive smile is just one of the benefits. Crowded and overlapping teeth are harder to clean and can increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease and eventual tooth loss. Having your teeth straightened will make it easier for you to look after them. A malocclusion may also contribute to speech impairments and increase the risk of trauma if teeth are prominent. Abnormal or uneven wear of tooth surfaces can also occur if there is poor alignment of the teeth or jaws. In cases of deep bite, the lower front teeth can bite into the gum behind the upper front teeth causing damage. Bringing the teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment results in better function, easier cleansing, increased confidence and self-esteem.

Who can benefit from orthodontics?

Answer At one time, most people believed braces were only for children. However, teeth can be moved at any age as long as the gum and bone is healthy. Because the basic process involved in moving teeth is the same in adults as in children, orthodontic treatment can usually be successful at any age. However, because an adult's facial bones are no longer growing, some severe malocclusions cannot be corrected with braces alone. In such cases, orthodontic treatment combined with jaw surgery can achieve dramatic improvements.

When should orthodontic treatment begin?

Malocclusions often become noticeable between the ages of 6 and 12, as the child’s permanent (adult) teeth erupt. Orthodontic treatment often begins between ages 8 and 14. Treatment that begins while a child is growing helps produce optimal results. As a result, children should have an orthodontic evaluation no later than age 7. By then, they have a mix of primary (baby) teeth and their permanent (adult) teeth. Your child’s dentist can spot problems with emerging teeth and jaw growth early on, while the primary teeth are present. That’s why regular dental examinations are important.

What are braces made from?

Braces (also called orthodontic appliances) can be as inconspicuous—or as noticeable—as you like. Brackets—the part of the braces that attach to each tooth—are smaller and can sometimes be attached to the back of the tooth, making the brackets less noticeable. Brackets may be made of metal, ceramic, plastic or a combination of these materials. Some brackets are clear or tooth-colored. There are brackets shaped like hearts and footballs, and elastics (orthodontic rubber bands) in school colors or holiday hues such as red, white and blue. And there are gold-plated braces and glow-in-the-dark retainers.

Are they left in the mouth or can they be removed?

There are two types of orthodontic appliances: fixed, which are worn all the time and can only be removed by the dentist, and removable, which the patient can take out of the mouth. The dentist selects the type based on your needs.

How about adults wearing braces?

Children aren’t the only ones who can benefit from orthodontics. If you’re an adult, it’s not too late to correct problems such as crooked or crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, incorrect jaw position, or jaw-joint disorders. The biological process involved in moving teeth is the same at any age. Usually, adult treatment takes a little longer than a child's treatment. Because an adult's facial bones are no longer growing, certain corrections may not be accomplished with braces alone. No matter your age, it's never too late to improve your dental health and beautify your smile.

Can I play sports with while wearing braces?

A protective mouth guard is recommended for sports and other activities that may result in injury to the mouth or jaw. Your dentist can suggest an appropriate mouth guard when the braces are in place. Braces typically do not interfere with playing wind or brass instruments although more practice may be needed to adapt.

How long will I need to wear braces?

On average, orthodontic treatment is approximately eighteen to twenty-four months in duration. However, the length of treatment will depend on the severity of the original malocclusion as well as the type of treatment carried out, and the co-operation of the patient. At the completion of the active part of orthodontic treatment, the braces are removed and retaining appliances (retainers) are fitted to hold the teeth steady in their new position. These appliances may be removable plates or wires fitted behind the teeth. Retainers play an important role in orthodontic treatment for, if they are not worn according to instructions, the teeth may move back towards their original position.

Are there any risks involved in orthodontic treatment?

Yes. Successful orthodontic treatment depends on the understanding and cooperation of the patient. Although there are many benefits to be gained from orthodontic treatment, there are also potential risks associated with this type of treatment. Although these risks are generally not serious, they still should be considered when making the decision to undergo orthodontic treatment.

Oral health — Tooth decay, gum disease, and permanent markings (decalcification) on the teeth can occur if orthodontic patients eat foods containing excessive sugar. This may occur without orthodontic treatment but the risk is greater when wearing braces. Inflammation of the gums and loss of supporting bone can occur if bacterial plaque is not removed regularly with good oral hygiene. Be sure to continue to visit your family dentist at least every six months while orthodontic treatment is progressing.

Relapse — Teeth may have a tendency to change their position after treatment. This is called relapse. The faithful wearing of retainers should reduce this tendency. Teeth can however, move at any time whether or not they have been orthodontically treated. This may be caused by eruption of wisdom teeth, growth and maturational changes, mouth breathing, playing a musical instrument and other oral habits.

Root shortening — Some patients suffer problems in the jaw joints, including joint pain, clicking, headaches, or ear problems. Generally, the literature demonstrates that orthodontics play a neutral role in regard to jaw joint problems. Therefore, these problems may occur with or without orthodontic treatment. However, any of the above symptoms should be reported to the orthodontist.

Tooth vitality — Where a tooth has been injured by a previous accident or contains a large filling, damage to the nerve of the tooth may result. In rare instances, this may lead to loss of tooth vitality and discolouration of the tooth requiring root canal treatment or other dental treatment to restore the colour of the tooth.

Treatment time — The total time required to complete treatment may exceed the estimate. Poor cooperation, poor oral hygiene, broken appliances and missed appointments can lengthen the treatment time and affect the quality of the result. Cooperation throughout treatment is your contribution to a pleasing appearance and good bite. Failure to cooperate may require the orthodontist to change the goals of your treatment.

General health — General medical problems can affect orthodontic treatment. You should keep your orthodontist informed of any changes to your medical health or any medication you may be taking. Soft tissue damage — Braces may cause some irritation to the soft tissue of the mouth. If improperly handled, the headgear may also cause injury to the face or eyes. Patients are warned not to wear headgear during times of rough play or competitive activity. Although our headgears are equipped with a safety system, we urge caution at all times.

Can anyone have orthodontic treatment?

Generally orthodontic treatment is best carried out in children, but many adults have orthodontic treatment too. Orthodontic treatment involves a full examination of your teeth, which includes taking x-rays and making plaster models of your teeth from impressions, and possibly taking photographs. Orthodontic treatment is carried out using a range of appliances, which may be removable or fixed temporarily to your teeth, depending on your treatment needs. It is usually necessary to adjust any orthodontic appliance at 4-6 weekly intervals.

How much do braces cost?
The price of orthodontic appliances can vary, depending upon the severity of the malocclusion, appliance, treatment time and the orthodontist's fee. The price range is quite large, but you will probably end up paying between $3600-4800. The best way to get a quote is to ask your orthodontist.

Do I have to?
No one is going to force you to wear braces. However, if you have some sort of malocclusion, it will cause you problems later in life if it is left untreated. Braces line your teeth up in the best possible manner to avoid plaque build-up, and undue wear and tear on your teeth and gums. They also help to improve your self esteem by giving you the best possible smile.

Will my braces hurt?
It doesn't hurt to apply your braces, but for the first week after you've had them put on, your teeth and jaw may ache. If any parts of the braces start to hurt the inside of your mouth, you can apply wax to the braces to smooth things over. You can also take an aspirin or Disprin to help the ache. Remember - the pain doesn't last very long. It will also help to limit your diet just to soft foods for the first week.

How old is too old for braces?
You are never too old to benefit from wearing braces. However, there may be some limitations, depending on your age.

When will I get my braces off?
This depends on how severe your malocclusion is. It also depends on your age, your growth spurts and how willing your teeth are to move! You can speed up the process by not breaking your braces, maintaining good oral hygiene, and wearing your appliances correctly. The usual time for braces is 18 - 24 months.

Are there any foods I can't eat?
Yes! Some hard crunchy foods may break your braces, so you'll have to wear them longer. These food include carrots, peanuts, gum, candy, popcorn, ice, hard chips and biscuits.

Can I chew gum?
There are some types of gum that you can chew, which will stimulate saliva production in your mouth. Sugar-free gums such as Wrigleys are great. However, do not chew sticky gum that will get caught in your braces.

Brushing & Flossing:
The biggest enemy of your teeth is plaque and the most common and effective means of removing plaque from your teeth is regular brushing and flossing:

Brushing Hold the brush at an angle and press firmly against the teeth, flexing the bristles. Move the brush in small circles, cleaning the tooth surface. Brush above the archwire and below it. Brush the backside and chewing surfaces of all your teeth.

Flossing Slide the floss gently between the teeth. Avoid snapping the floss through a tight space. Rub the floss up and down the sides of each tooth. Do not use a shoe shine or see-saw motion.

Sometimes, a parent whose child is being treated will choose to correct his or her bite at the same time. The fact is, braces can improve a persons smile-and confidence-at almost any age. More and more adults are turning to orthodontic treatment to correct a smile that's bothered them most of their lives. With the help of your dentist you can have a healthy, beautiful smile. And with todays smaller, less visible, more comfortable braces, plus the affordable payment plans that many orthodontists offer, adult patients are finding braces more appealing than ever. Some orthodontists even offer special payment plans for adults and their children who go through the treatment at the same time.

Depending on how much correction is needed, some patients opt for braces on the back surface of their teeth, where they're not visible to the eye. For many adults, the improvement in their health and appearance after braces is well worth the time and expense. We also offer Invisalign®, a nearly invisible mouthpiece.

While your child's teeth may appear to be straight, there could be a problem. Of course, the check-up may reveal that your child's bite is fine, and that can be comforting news. Even if a problem is detected immediate treatment may not be recommended.. Chances are, your doctor will take a "wait and see" approach, checking on your child from time to time as the permanant teeth come in and the jaws and face continue to grow. In some cases, there are problems that can benefit from early treatment.

Early treatment may prevent more serious problems from develooping, and make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated. Typically, early treatment involves the use of orthodontic appliances, which may be removable, to guide the growth of young bones and create a better environment for adult teeth as they emerge. In some cases, one will be able to achieve results that would'nt be possible once the face and jaw have finished growing. Early treatment gives your child's dentist the chance to:

Guide jaw growth
Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
Correct harmful oral habits
Improve appearance and self-esteem
Guide permanant teeth into a more favorable position
Improve the way lips meet

It's not always easy to tell when your child has an orthodontic problem. Even teeth that look straight may be hiding a problem bite, and that's why it's important to take your child for that first orthodontic check-up no later than age 7. Here are some clues that may indicate the need for orthodontic attention:

Early or late loss of baby teeth
Difficulty in chewing or biting
Breathing through the mouth
Thumb-sucking
Crowded, misplaced or blocked out teeth
Jaws that are too far forward or back
Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
Protruding teeth
Upper and lower teeth don't meet, or meet in an abnormal way
An unbalanceed facial appearance
Grinding or clenching of the teeth