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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 for treating
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.
Braces for All
Ages
Adults
Orthodontic treatment
can be successful at any age, and adults especially
appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. More and
more patients over 21 are taking up orthodontic treatment.
Adults may have experienced some breakdown or
loss of their teeth and bone that supports the teeth
and may require periodontal treatment before, during
and/or after orthodontic treatment. Bone loss can also
limit the amount and direction of tooth movement that
is advisable.
Children
Both Dr. Joffe and Dr. Saini recommend
the first orthodontic screening by age 7 – 9 to
advise if orthodontic treatment is required and the
best time for that patient to be treated. The first
permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by
that time and cross bites, crowding and other problems
can be evaluated. When treatment is initiated at an
early age, the orthodontist can guide the growth of
the jaw and guide incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment
can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental
arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid the need
for permanent tooth extractions, reduce likelihood of
impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and
eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In
other words, early treatment will simplify later treatment.
How Orthodontic Treatment Works
Orthodontic appliances can be made of
metal, ceramic or acrylic. 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 was placed around each tooth. You can choose
brackets that are clear or metallic colour. You can
choose the colour 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, removable
appliances or headgear is an important factor in achieving
the most efficient treatment. Interceptive, or early
treatment procedures, may take as few as nine months.
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