Q
 What is orthodontia?

  
A
Orthodontia is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. The technical term for these problems is "malocclusion," which means "bad bite." The practice of orthodontics requires professional skill in the design, application and control of corrective appliances, such as braces, to bring teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment and to achieve facial balance.

  
 
 
Q
 Who is an orthodontist?

  
A
An orthodontist is a specialist in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

  
 
 
Q
 At what age can people have orthodontic treatment?

  
A
An orthodontic evaluation at any age is advisable if a parent, family dentist or the patient?s physician has noted a problem. All children have an orthodontic screening no later than age 7. Some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if treated early. Waiting until all the permanent teeth have come in, or until facial growth is nearly complete, may make correction of some problems more difficult.

  
 
 
Q
 What are the benefits of early treatment?

  
A

For those patients who have clear indications for early orthodontic intervention, early treatment presents an opportunity to:

  • guide the growth of the jaw

  • regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches (the arch-shaped jaw bone that supports the teeth)

  • guide incoming permanent teeth into desirable positions

  • lower risk of trauma (accidents) to protruded upper incisors (front teeth)

  • correct harmful oral habits such as thumb- or finger-sucking

  • reduce or eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems

  • improve personal appearance and self-esteem

  • potentially simplify and/or shorten treatment time for later corrective orthodontics

  • reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth (teeth that should have come in, but have not), and

  • preserve or gain space for permanent teeth that are coming in

  
 
 
Q
 What causes orthodontic problems or malocclusions?

  
A

Most malocclusions are inherited, but some are acquired. Inherited problems include crowding of teeth, too much space between teeth, extra or missing teeth, and a wide variety of other irregularities of the jaws, teeth and face.

Acquired malocclusions can be caused by trauma (accidents), thumb, finger or dummy (pacifier) sucking, airway obstruction by tonsils and adenoids, dental disease or premature loss of primary (baby) or permanent teeth. Whether inherited or acquired, many of these problems affect not only alignment of the teeth but also facial development and appearance as well.

  
 
 
Q
 What are the most commonly treated orthodontic problems?

  
A
 The most common orthodontic problems are crowding, overjet or protruding upper teeth, deep overbite, open bite, spacing, crossbite, underbite or lower jaw protrusion, etc.

  
 
 
Q
 Why is orthodontic treatment important?

  
A

Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. This may contribute to conditions that cause not only tooth decay but also eventual gum disease and 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, or misalignment of the jaw joints, which can result in chronic headaches or pain in the face or neck.

When left untreated, many orthodontic problems become worse. Treatment by a specialist to correct the original problem is often less costly than the additional dental care required to treat more serious problems that can develop in later years.

  
 
 
Q
 How long will orthodontic treatment take?

  
A
In general, active treatment time with orthodontic appliances (braces) ranges from one to three years. Interceptive, or early treatment procedures, may take only a few months. The actual time depends on the growth of the patient's mouth and face, the cooperation of the patient and the severity of the problem.

  
 
 
Q
 Are there less noticeable braces?

  
A
Today's braces are generally less noticeable than those of the past when a metal band with a bracket (the part of the braces that hold the wire) was placed around each tooth. Now the front teeth typically have only the bracket bonded directly to the tooth, minimizing the "tin grin." Brackets can be metal, clear or colored, depending on the patient's preference. In some cases, brackets may be bonded behind the teeth (lingual braces). Modern wires are also less noticeable than earlier ones. Some of today's wires are made of "space age" materials that exert a steady, gentle pressure on the teeth, so that the tooth-moving process may be faster and more comfortable for patients.

  
 
 
Q
 Do teeth with braces need special care?

  
A

Patients with braces must be careful to avoid hard and sticky foods. They must not chew on pens, pencils or fingernails because chewing on hard things can damage the braces. Damaged braces will almost always cause treatment to take longer, and will require extra trips to the orthodontist's clinic.

Keeping the teeth and braces clean requires more precision and time, and must be done every day if the teeth and gums are to be healthy during and after orthodontic treatment. Patients who do not keep their teeth clean may require more frequent visits to the dentist for a professional cleaning.

  
 
 
Q
 Will orthodontics change my lifestyle?

  
A
You'll have to give up extremely hard and sticky foods including gum. These foods can get caught on the braces and pull the braces off. And you'll have to spend a few extra minutes cleaning your braces after meals. But, for the most part, you'll find braces don't cramp your style. You'll still be able to sing, play your musical instrument, smile, play sports and of course, kiss.

  
 
 
Q
 Why should you choose an orthodontic specialist?

  
A
Teeth and sometimes faces are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment; therefore, it is very important that the treatment is done right the first time. An orthodontist has undergone years of specialized training in orthodontics, and dedicates his entire professional life to treating orthodontic problems only.