|
| |
Orthodontic care involves the movement of tooth and/or dental
bone structure. The sophistication of treatment of growth and development problems
of the dento-facial complex has increased dramatically in the recent past, and an
individual consultation is necessary to determine what best suits a particular
patient. In our office, the initial consultation is usually done as a non-fee
courtesy.
Key Benefits
 | Properly aligned teeth bite more efficiently and aid in digestion |
| A good bite supports the jaw structure, putting less stress on the TM joints. |
| Speech is partially dependent on the shape of the dental arch and the tooth position |
| A winning smile is a powerful positive communication tool and enhances a person's image |
Capabilities
Orthodontic care has many different technics depending on the
needs of individual patients. The following list is not inclusive of all types of
treatment, and combinations of types are often used.
- Fixed Appliances ("Braces")
- This is the traditional treatment when a precise finish for an imperfect bite is
desired. Although the timing to start treatment varies by patient, ages 8-80 may be
treated with success. Both ultra-small stainless steel and cosmetic brackets are
available in our office. In some cases orthodontic treatment is blended with cosmetic or
restorative treatments.
- Removable Appliances ("Functionals or Retainers")
- First, the name thing. Although the public refers to almost any removable
appliance as a "retainer," the correct term is a "removable functional
appliance." These appliances may be removed by the patient and are designed to
move bone and/or tooth structure. In many cases, functional appliances are used at a
young age to re-establish normal balance to growth. Functional appliances often save
considerable time and effort later in life by gaining the necessary growth to prevent
major problems from locking in.
- Hybrid Appliances
- This groups all sorts of treatments which use some elements of fixed appliances together
with functional appliances.
FAQ
- Most common question: At what age do we begin orthodontic treatment?
- The answer is that there is no exact answer. In times long past, the answer was
"After the permanent teeth are all in." In today's technology, this answer
is just not valid for most kids. The best answer is: begin treatment as soon
as a long-term positive change can be made. This means that if develpment is not
normal, we may begin to change bone structure as young as age 4 or 5. In other
cases, starting after the first group of permanent teeth erupt to create more space and
normal relationship for the second group of permanent teeth is appropriate. This may
mean Phase I begins age 7-10. In some cases, it is best to wait until permanent
eruption (except for wisdom teeth) is completed
-
- Bottom line: only with a direct examination of the patient may we determine the
best time to treat.
|
