Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. The technical term for these probles is "malocculsion" which means bad bite. The practice of orthodontics requires professional skill in the design, application, and control of corrective appliances (braces) to bring teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment and achieve facial balance.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child's first visit to an orthodontist should take place when an orthodontic problem is detected or no later than the age of 7.
What is the advantage of my child being seen by an orthodontist?
Orthodontist can improve smiles at ANY age, but there is an optimum period for treatment to begin. An early examination allows the orthodontic specialist to determine how and when a child's particular problem should be treated for maximum improvement, requiring the least amount of time and probiding the greatest benefit.
Does recognizing a problem early always result in early treatment?
Recognizing an orthodontic problem at an early age does not always result in early treatment. After evaluating your child, the orthodontist may simply want to check your child periodically while the permanent teeth are erupting and the jaws and face continue to grow in our Pre-treatment Recall program. However, if your child has a problem which requires attention, depending on their age, your orthodontist may recommend interceptive treatment. Early intervention, which takes advantage of facial growth and tooth eruption, can lessen the severity of a problem, and it frequently makes the completion of treatment at a later age less time-consumng.
Some things have to be done right the first time. Orthodontic treatment will change your child's teeth and can improve facial appearance. So you'll want a specialist to treat your child. Trained orthodontic specialists limit their practice to orthodontic treatment after completing an extensive, advance training program after dental school. Specialists use the most advanced techniques available today, and because of their extensive knowledge, they can select cost-effective methods and materials for correcting individual problems.
What kind of appliances are used to correct jaw growth problems?
The approach to correcting jaw-growth problems will depend on the child's age and number of permanent teeth present. Typically the following appliances would be used: Herbst appliance, bionator or palatial expansion appliance.
Do I need a referral from my family dentist or physician to see an orthodontist?
You don't need a referral from your family dentist. Word of mouth recommendations from friends and families of existing patients is often the primary way orthodontists meet new patients. Spread the word if you like your orthodontist and staff. Schedule an appointment today.
What are some of the new techniques used in orthodontics today?
Some of the newer things being used today are space age nickel titanium memory wires that allow teeth to move faster, with less discomfort and requiring fewer visits for adjustment, a new generation of low friction self-ligatingDamon brackets, clear braces, and Invisalign clear aligners
Treatment will depend on each patient's specific orthodontic problems, but for full treatment, top and bottom braces, the average treatment time is 24-30 months.
Can I schedule all of my appointments after school?
Unfortunately, we cannot schedule after school appointments for all students. We do offer late appointments during the school year and because the appointments are several weeks apart, most patients will miss minimal school. We will do our best to work with you to meet your scheduling needs.
What types of foods can't I eat while in treatment?
A good rule of thumb for foods to avoid while you have braces or cemented appliances is anything that is really sticky or really hard. Examples of foods that are too sticky would be caramels, caramel or candy apples, taffy, Tootsie Rolls, Starburst, Sugar Daddies, Gummy Bears, etc. In the too hard category would be nuts, popcorn, hard candies, ice, hard pretzels, to mention a few. Some things you just need to modify the way you eat them. For instance, apples cut into chunks, carrots cut into strips (even baby carrots are too hard), corn on the cob must come off the cob.
Once treatment has begun, we will give complete instructions and answer any questions you may have. In the meantime, we have selected some frequently asked questions about orthodontics to get you started.
