Questions often asked about orthodontic treatment:Questions often asked about orthodontic treatment:
There is no single answer for all patients. Active full treatment often requires 18 to 30 months to achieve an ideal stable result. The three biggest factors influencing treatment time are patient cooperation, the and quantity, timing, and direction of facial growth, and the severity of the initial problem. Partial treatment for specific problem can be completed in shorter time. Although "braces" take a while, the smile should last a lifetime.
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Not at all. Many of our patients have won high level musical awards playing such instruments as flute and trumpet.. Initially, they report it feels strange, but they quickly accommodate. Any sport is fine during orthodontic treatment. A special mouthguard is required for any contact sport. Our mouthguard allows tooth movement in addition to providing protection to the teeth.
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Rubber bands can apply force between the upper and lower teeth. For example, if upper teeth require movement "back" and lower teeth need movement "forward", rubber band transfer force causing reciprocal movement , while allowing normal speech and jaw movement. Every patient does not require elastics. They may be needed only for a short time. Headgears are not used much currently, as newer alternative treatments work faster and better. If headgear wear is requested, its only worn at home and when sleeping, to place a directional force on teeth that isn't possible any other way.
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Each person seeks treatment for different reasons. Orthodontics is "preventative" in nature, with long lasting improvements. Benefits may be summarized as
Improved alignment of teeth within each arch, providing increasing "smile power" and greater efficiency in removing bacteria from the surfaces of the teeth. This helps prevent tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease throughout life.
Improved "fit" and function of the upper to lower teeth (the occlusion). Ideally , this means an equal contact of front and back teeth, with most force directed along the long axis of teeth, not sideways, which can be destructive. When the lower jaw slides from side to side, the contact of front teeth should smoothly separate the back teeth. This prevents back teeth from "catching', which often triggers grinding and clenching of the teeth, usually when sleeping
Improved facial balance, with a more natural appearance and relaxed lip closure.
Less danger of traumatic damage to the teeth because teeth can provide support to each other. Force from any blow is dispersed to many teeth, minimizing chances of permanent damage.
Increased psychological sense of well being, an improved "first impression" At times, this benefit is of critical importance..
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Invisalign treatment uses a series of thin clear plastic trays fitting over each arch, worn 24 hours a day. A small amount of movement is built into each tray, so the trays are changed regularly for continued tooth movement. Invisalign is excellent for minor spacing or crowding problems within each arch. Invisalign does have limitations and may not solve all problems. An evaluation of your individual problem allows discussion of whether Invisalign is best for you.
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The "brace" attached to the tooth is simply a "handle", allowing the orthodontist to place an controlled force to the tooth. The surrounding bone responds to this gentle force and remodels to allow movement of the tooth in the desired direction. The tooth is able to slowly move while still "attached" to the surrounding bone by the web of "fibers" between the tooth and bone.. Orthodontic forces attempt to duplicate the movement of the teeth as they initially erupted into the mouth.
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