For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics. After your braces come off, a brighter, fuller, and straighter smile will leave you feeling more self-confident.
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 contribute to abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, inefficient chewing function, excessive stress on gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth, and misalignment of the jaw joints. The following frequently asked questions may help you with any orthodontic concerns you may have.
What causes orthodontic problems?
Most orthodontic problems are inherited. Examples of these genetic problems are crowding, spacing, protrusion, extra or missing teeth and some jaw growth problems. Other problems are acquired. In other words, they develop over time. They can be caused by thumb or finger-sucking, mouth breathing, dental disease, abnormal swallowing, poor dental hygiene, the early or late loss of baby teeth, loss of permanent teeth, accidents, poor nutrition, or some medical problems.
Is it required that my family dentist refer me to the orthodontist?
No, it is not. Many patients are referred by their family dentist, yet many other patients take the initiative to schedule an examination themselves.
At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic evaluation?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation at age 7. By this age, several permanent teeth in most children have erupted, allowing us to effectively evaluate your orthodontic condition. But remember, it’s never too late to get started! Orthodontic treatment can be successful at almost any age. It’s never too late to get a healthy, beautiful smile.
What does treatment involve?
First and foremost, orthodontic treatment involves the patient. To achieve the desired results, the patient must diligently follow the orthodontist’s instructions about wearing orthodontic appliances and practice good dental hygiene. With braces, certain foods, like peanut brittle, caramels and bubble gum are off limits!
How long does treatment take?
Although every case is different, generally speaking, patients wear braces from one to three years. However, SureSmile orthodontists create great smiles with the SureSmile system which delivers outstanding results in less time than conventional treatment. SureSmile reduces overall treatment time up to 37 percent over conventional braces. Treatment time varies with factors that include the severity of the problem being corrected and how well the patient follows the orthodontist’s instructions.
Will my teeth straighten out as they grow?
No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as you grow. In most people, after the permanent molars erupt, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age.
Will I need to have teeth extracted for braces?
Removing teeth is sometimes required to achieve the best orthodontic result. Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are the goal of orthodontics. However, because new technology has provided advanced orthodontic procedures, removing teeth is not always necessary for orthodontic treatment.
Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?
Yes. Regular checkups with your family dentist are important while in braces. Your family dentist will determine the intervals between cleaning appointments while you are in braces.
Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?
Yes. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention. However, if a patient is not yet ready for treatment, the patient’s growth and development will be followed until the time is right for treatment to begin.
An affordable investment that pays off
The cost of orthodontic treatment will depend on many factors, including the severity of the problem, its complexity and the length of treatment. Your orthodontist will be glad to discuss the cost with you before treatment begins.
Patients and patients’ families are finding that braces are more affordable today than ever. Most orthodontists have a variety of convenient payment plans. Often there are combined plans for parents and children who have treatment at the same time. In addition, many dental insurance plans now include orthodontic benefits. Dollar for dollar, when you consider the lifetime benefits of braces, they are truly a great value.
