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What Braces Can Do |
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Your dentist may have discussed with you the benefits of having
healthy teeth and proper jaw alignment. Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to
clean and maintain. This can result in tooth decay, worsen gum disease and lead
to tooth loss. Other orthodontic problems can
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contribute to abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, inefficient chewing
function, excessive stress on gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth,
or misalignment of the jaw joints. These can lead to chronic headaches and face
or neck pain. Treatment by an orthodontist can be less costly than the additional
care required to treat dental problems arising as a result of orthodontic problems.
For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics.
After your braces come off, you'll feel more self-confident.
Braces for All Ages
Adults
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults
especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. One of every five patients
in orthodontic treatment is over 21. Jaw surgery is more often required for adult
orthodontic patients because their jaws are not growing. Adults also may have
experienced some breakdown or loss of their teeth and bone that supports the teeth
and may require periodontal treatment before, during and/or after orthodontic
treatment. Bone loss can also limit the amount and direction of tooth movement
that is advisable.
Kids
It's best for the orthodontist to see children by age 7 to advise
if orthodontic treatment is required and the best time for that patient to be
treated. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by that
time and crossbites, crowding and other problems can be evaluated. When treatment
is begun early, the orthodontist can guide the growth of the jaw and guide incoming
permanent teeth. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and
lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid the need for permanent
tooth extractions, reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking,
and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early treatment
can simplify later treatment.
How Orthodontic Treatment Works
Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic or plastic.
They may be removable or they may be brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing
a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move
teeth to a corrected position. This is a great time to wear braces! Gone are the
days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. You can choose
brackets that are clear or metallic color. You can choose the color of the ties
that hold the wire in brackets. Wires are also less noticeable than they used
to be and the latest materials move teeth faster with less discomfort to patients.
Duration of Treatment
Treatment time typically ranges from one to three years, depending
on the growth of the patient's mouth and face and the severity of the problem.
Patients grow at different rates and will respond variously to orthodontic treatment,
so the time to case completion may differ from the original estimate. The patient's
diligent use of any prescribed rubber bands or headgear is an important factor
in achieving the most efficient treatment. Interceptive, or early treatment procedures,
may take as few as six months.
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