What causes orthodontic problems?
How are orthodontic problems corrected?
Will I need to have teeth removed?
Are there less noticeable braces?
Will orthodontic treatment hurt?
Will braces leave marks on my teeth?
When is an adult too old for braces?
At what age can orthodontic treatment be started? The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children receive their first orthodontic examination as early as age seven. Detected early enough, problems can be corrected before they have completely established themselves. This treatment can therefore be less expensive and less prone to tooth extraction; in short, early examination and treatment produce more stable results. While children are growing is the best opportunity to address concerns, not only with developing crowding and disproportionate jaw growth, but also with curbing undesirable habits as well.
What causes orthodontic problems? An orthodontic problem is called a malocclusion, meaning "bad bite." Some examples of malocclusions are crowded teeth, extra teeth, missing teeth, or jaws that are out of alignment. Most malocclusions are inherited, although some can be acquired. Acquired malocclusions can be caused by accidents, early or late loss of baby teeth, or sucking of the thumb or fingers for a prolonged period of time.
How are orthodontic problems corrected? First, pretreatment records are made. These records are important tools enabling Dr. Mendivil to make an accurate diagnosis. Pretreatment records include clinical examination, plaster study models of teeth, photos of your face, and x-rays of your teeth and jaws. This information will be used to decide the best course of treatment; a custom treatment plan is outlined for each patient. Dr. Mendivil will use the specific treatment appliance best suited to correct the patient's orthodontic problems.
When the orthodontic appliances are in place, the patient has entered the "active treatment" phase. Appliances are adjusted periodically (every 2-6 weeks) so that the teeth are moved correctly and efficiently. The time required for orthodontic treatment varies from person to person. An important factor in how long a patient wears braces is how well the patient adheres to the treatment regime; for example, a patient will advance treatment time by consistently following instructions to wear elastics or headgear.
After active treatment is complete, the patient begins the 'retension' phase. A patient will need to wear a retainer so that the teeth stay in their new position. Teeth have a very strong "memory" of their prior position; they may revert to their old position if a retainer is not worn consistently.
What is a retainer? When your braces are removed, you will wear a retaining appliance to "hold" your teeth in position. Retainers are just as important as braces in the treatment plan. There are different types. Dr. Mendivil will choose the right one for you.
You will wear your retainer for as long as it takes for your teeth to settle into a better bite and for your bones and muscles to adapt to your new dental arrangement. Dr. Mendivil may evaluate your wisdom teeth during this phase of treatment.
What is Headgear? Headgear is an appliance used to reduce overbites or to correct teeth crowding problems primarily in growing children. It is occasionally used for adults. When prescribed by Dr. Mendivil, headgear is worn mostly during sleeping hours.
Will I need to have teeth removed? On occasion, teeth may need to be extracted as part of the orthodontic treatment. Dr. Mendivil will recommend removal only if it improves your prospects for successful treatment.
Missing teeth, on the other hand, can make therapy more difficult. In such cases, treatment adaptation and/or compromises may be necessary and a modified ideal outcome may be the result.
Are there less noticeable braces? Yes! If Dr. Mendivil finds you are a candidate, he can use Invisalign, a state-of-the-art alternative to braces that is virtually undetectable to other people. Invisalign straightens your teeth, not with brackets and wires, but with a series of clear, customized, removable appliances called aligners.
Today's braces are generally less noticeable than those of the past. Brackets, the part of the braces that hold the wires, are bonded to the front of the teeth. These brackets are usually metal; however, clear ceramic brackets, which are less noticeable, can be requested as well as new gold braces.
How long will treatment take? Although average treatment time is about 24 months, treatment length varies with the individual. Usually, adult treatment takes a little longer than a child's treatment. Other things to keep in mind are the severity of the problem; the health of the teeth, gums, and supporting bone; and how closely the patient follows instructions. While orthodontic treatment requires a time commitment, most people feel the benefits are well worth the time invested.
Will orthodontic treatment hurt? Attaching braces to teeth is relatively painless these days. Some patients experience minimal discomfort and this is generally during the first few months of treatment as the teeth start to move. However, modern orthodontic wires, constructed of "space-age" materials that exert a steady gentle pressure on teeth, make the tooth-moving process faster and more comfortable for patients.
Will braces leave marks on my teeth? Marks left on teeth after braces are called decalcification. This process is strictly limited to patients who do not follow proper oral hygiene instructions during the treatment.
When is an adult too old for braces? For those who can benefit from othodontics, age is not a factor. Adults who have teeth and healthy supporting structures are never too old. Increasing numbers of adults are taking advantage of the life-long benefits of orthodontics. These are people who have made the choice to spend the rest of their lives with an attractive, healthy smile and the confidence that it brings.
