Orthodontics | Common Treatments
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Why Orthodontics?
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, or misalignment of the jaw joints. These can lead to chronic headaches
and face or neck pain. Treatment by an orthodontist can be less costly than the
additional care required to treat dental problems arising as a result of orthodontic
problems. For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics.
After your braces come off, you'll feel more self-confident.
How Orthodontic Treatment Works
Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic or plastic. They may
be removable or they may be brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant,
gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to
a corrected position. This is a great time to wear braces! Gone are the days when
a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. You can choose brackets
that are clear or metallic color. You can choose the color of the ties that hold
the wire in brackets. Wires are also less noticeable than they used to be and
the latest materials move teeth faster with less discomfort to patients.
Duration of Treatment
Treatment time typically ranges from one to three years, depending on the
growth of the patient's mouth and face and the severity of the problem. Patients
grow at different rates and will respond variously to orthodontic treatment, so
the time to case completion may differ from the original estimate. The patient's
diligent use of any prescribed rubber bands or headgear is an important factor
in achieving the most efficient treatment. Interceptive, or early treatment procedures,
may take as few as six months.
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