Orthodontics

Orthodontics originated as a way for pre-teens and teens to correct any problems they were having with their bite (malocclusion); orthodontic treatments work to restore both function and esthetics for a beautiful smile.  Crooked teeth, gapped teeth, overbites, under bites, cross bites and open bites can all be corrected through the application of dental braces.  Dental braces were designed to help correct imperfect smiles over time; by applying mild force at timed intervals, Orthodontists can move or shift the teeth in order to create a more uniform look.  While orthodontics originally focused on younger patients, today, with advances in orthodontic technology, more adults are also taking advantage of these treatments.  In fact, over 30% of all orthodontic patients throughout the country are adults.

While many adults are now taking advantage of the results that braces can provide, it is still suggested that patients start orthodontic treatment as early as possible in order to maximize the effectiveness.  By forcing teeth to move, the periodontal blood supply becomes modified; it is this modification that causes a biological response that leads to bone remodeling.  By remodeling the bones at a young age, before the bones of the face and body are finished growing, patients are more likely to experience faster and more effective results.  On average, teeth can move up to one millimeter per month, but this can vary greatly from person to person.

Evaluating the Patient

If you are a candidate for orthodontics, you will likely be referred by your general dentist to an orthodontist for evaluation of your bite. During your first orthodontic visit, your orthodontist may use several methods to develop an individualized treatment plan, including:

• Oral, facial and functional evaluation (examination).
• Intraoral and facial photographs.
• Panoramic and cephalometric X-rays.
• Impressions for models of the teeth and bite.

An orthodontist reviews your dental records, performs a clinical assessment, takes X-rays of your mouth and head and makes models of the teeth by creating an accurate impression of them. The results of this evaluation are studied in order to formulate the best orthodontic treatment plan.

Typically during the second visit, your orthodontist reviews the treatment plan and estimates the number of months for the active phase of treatment. The standard treatment phase is two years. Following treatment, you may be required to wear a retainer for a period of time.

The duration of orthodontic treatment varies based on your age, the extensiveness of the procedure (some people require more work than others) and how closely you follow your treatment plan. For example, younger patients may respond more quickly to treatment than older patients because the bones supporting young teeth are more pliable than those supporting older teeth. However, adults tend to follow treatment instructions more consistently than pre-teens.
In some cases the treatment time is longer. For example, oral surgery and recovery may be needed before or during orthodontic treatment.