|
Do braces hurt?
Patients often worry about pain with braces. As in much of medicine and surgery, amazing technological advances have been made in orthodontics. Space age super-elastic wires are now used which are incredibly gentle on the teeth.
How long does each treatment take?
The length of orthodontic treatment of course varies from case to case. Treatment can be as little as six months but is on average about two years. Treatment visits are usually every six weeks.
My teeth are crowded, how is this fixed?
If the crowding is great then tooth extractions may be required to make space for all the teeth. Spaces left by the extractions are then closed. In less severe crowding some of the tooth's enamel is removed with dental sandpaper. Sometimes, simply using wires and braces will relieve the crowding.
Why do some people have orthodontics with surgery?
Adult patients that have a skeletal problem, for instance a jaw that is too small or too large, in conjunction with a dental problem are candidates for orthodontics and orthognathic surgery. The teeth can only be moved as far as the bone, so the upper jaw and lower jaw may have to be surgically moved in order to achieve the correct bite. This type of treatment requires integrated care between the orthodontist, the surgeon and the general dentist.
What is early treatment for children?
With younger children (ages 7-11 years) who have growing facial problems, chewing difficulties or psychological problems due to peer group teasing, sometimes the best way to treat the child is with two phases of orthodontic treatment. An early interceptive phase can correct the obvious problems and the routine problems are treated later in the second phase. The early treatment prevents more serious problems developing and may eliminate the need to remove permanent teeth. It also relieves stress a child feels from orthodontic problems.
What happens at the first visit?
When a patient visits our practice for the first time, a comprehensive evaluation is completed. We examine the teeth, jaws and gums, take measurements and discuss the need for orthodontic treatment. If such treatment is needed, we schedule diagnostic records. This includes making models of the the teeth and taking high-tech digital photographs of the face and teeth. We will also request special x-rays of the jaws. Once we have studied the diagnostic records and arrived at an accurate assessment of the patient's particular needs, we explain our recommendations.
|
|
Email us!
