An orthodontist is a specialist who has completed an advanced education program following dental school to learn the special knowledge and clinical skills required to manage tooth movement and guide facial development.
What are some possible benefits of orthodontics?
- A more attractive smile
- Better function of the teeth
- Reduced appearance-consciousness during critical development years
- Possible increase in self esteem and confidence from enhanced esthetics
- Improved ability to clean the teeth
- Improved force distribution and wear patterns of the teeth
- Better long-term health of teeth and gums
- Guide permanent teeth into more favorable positions
- Reduce the risk of injury to protruded front teeth
- Aids in optimizing other dental treatment
What are some signs that braces may be needed?
- Upper front teeth protrude excessively in front of the lower teeth, or are “bucked” (excess overjet)
- Upper front teeth cover the majority of the lower teeth vertically when biting together (deep bite)
- Upper front teeth are behind or inside the lower front teeth (underbite or crossbite)
- Upper back teeth fit inside the lower back teeth on one or both sides (posterior crossbite)
- The upper and lower front teeth do not touch when biting together (open bite)
- Crowded, rotated or overlapped teeth
- The center of the upper and lower front teeth do not line up
- Finger- or thumb-sucking habits which continue after six or seven years old
- Difficulty in chewing due to poor “bite” of the teeth
- Teeth wearing unevenly or excessively
- The lower jaw shifts to one side or the other when biting together
- Spaces between the teeth
- Excessively prominent teeth resulting in gum recession
- Baby teeth that are not loosening up and falling out or which are in the way of new adult teeth
At what age should orthodontic treatment occur?
Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid surgery and more serious complications. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist between ages 7 to 9, or even earlier if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist, or the child’s physician.
What is Phase I and Phase II treatment?
Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e. expander or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment can occur between the ages of six and ten. This treatment is sometimes recommended to make more space for developing teeth, correction of crossbites, overbites, and underbites, or harmful oral habits. Phase II treatment is also called comprehensive treatment because it involves full braces when all of the permanent teeth have erupted, usually between the ages of eleven and thirteen.
Would an adult patient benefit from orthodontics?
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. Everyone wants a beautiful and healthy smile. One quarter to one-third of orthodontic patients today are adults (especially since the introduction. of Invisalign appliances). How does orthodontic treatment work?
Braces use steady gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. The brackets that are placed on your teeth and the archwire that connects them are the main components. When the archwire is placed into the brackets, it must be slightly deformed to fit teeth that are not yet straight and therefore it tries to return to its original shape. As it does so, it applies pressure to move your teeth to their new, more ideal positions. After the teeth line up and the wires fit into the brackets more passively, the wires then serve as a track along which the teeth are moved.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average time is from one to three years depending on the complexity of the original problem (although most patients now finish their treatment in 18 months or less). Actual treatment time can be affected by rate of growth and severity of the needed correction. Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance. Maintaining good oral hygiene, following the orthodontic team’s instructions, being careful not to damage the appliances, and be present for all scheduled appointments are all important factors in keeping treatment time on schedule.
Do braces hurt?
The placement of bands and brackets on your teeth does not hurt. Once your braces are placed and connected with the archwires you may feel some soreness of your teeth for up to seven days. This soreness can usually be easily managed with common non-prescrition pain relievers such as would be taken for a headache (e.g., Advil, Tylenol, Aleve, etc.). Your lips and cheeks may need one to two weeks to get used to the braces on your teeth.
Will braces interfere with playing sports?
No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their lips, cheeks, teeth and gums by wearing a special orthodontic mouthguard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouthguards are available from the orthodontic office and are inexpensive, comfortable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.
Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?
No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment. In addition, brace covers can be provided to prevent discomfort.
Should I see my general dentist while I have braces?
Most definitely, you should continue to see your general dentist at least every six months for cleanings and dental checkups! If you tend to accumulate tartar and plaque quickly, or are prone to cavities or periodontal problems, more frequent visits to the general dentist are extremely beneficial and can be a good precaution to avoid further problems.
Dr. Costaras: There are many options in cosmetic dentistry today that range from simple procedures like teeth bleaching and tooth-colored fillings to more extensive treatment like porcelain veneers and full mouth reconstruction. The dentist must take a comprehensive approach to assessing the patient’s current dental health and cosmetic goals. Successfully performed, cosmetic and restorative procedures can actually improve a patient’s dental function.
Some patients seek a cosmetic Smile Makeover, in which the visible teeth in the front of the mouth are renewed and refreshed through the use of porcelain veneers, crowns and bridges. These patients may have stained or chipped teeth, teeth that are misshapen or poorly sized, or gaps between their teeth. Even teeth that are slightly crooked can be corrected through veneering, without orthodontics.
Some patients require more extensive dental reconstruction due to worn dentition, missing or damaged teeth, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. In a full mouth reconstruction, every tooth in the mouth is restored to ideal dental function and esthetic appearance. Reconstruction also corrects the patient’s jaw position and alleviates dental/facial pain and related symptoms in those patients suffering from wear and dysfunction.
The exceptional quality of dental materials available today allows me to complete smile transformations that are beautiful, functional and long-lasting. Porcelain restorations are custom-crafted to match each patient’s desired shape and color. While many patients choose a completely natural look for their new smile, others take the opportunity to create a dazzling, bright smile that really “pops.”
Q : How do I choose the right dentist for me?
Dr. Costaras: Continuing education is important, a valid credential (like the AACD’s Accreditation) is also a good indication of a level of skill that is important for delivering excellent results. Ask to see before and after’s of the dentist’s work on patients with similar issues, and discuss the dentist’s degree of experience with various procedures.
Another major factor to consider is how altering the esthetic appearance of your teeth will impact your bite and jaw muscles. It is important that your cosmetic dentist is trained in neuromuscular dentistry and understands the relation between the teeth, jaw joints, and jaw muscles. Failing to consider this can cause serious problems like TMJ (Tempormandibular Joint Disorder), which can result in severe headaches, jaw pain, neck and back pain, teeth clenching or grinding, and many more issues. We’ve seen many patients in our office who had a beautiful smile but due to incorrect positioning of the bite, they were actually chipping and breaking away their existing crowns and veneers and were experiencing TMJ problems.
Q: What will my new smile look like?
Dr. Costaras : I work with my patients to find a look that’s right for them. A smile enhancement can be made to look dramatic and natural at the same time. I use photographs and models to show my patients what to expect.
Q: Is my new smile permanent?
Dr. Costaras: With good home care and regular visits to your dentist, modern materials can last for many years and possibly decades. Like most things, excellent maintenance will extend the life of your dental restorations.
Q : How much does it cost to get a great smile?
Dr. Costaras : Like most services, cost will vary based on the time required and the difficulty of the procedures. Generally, improving a smile will require a combination of treatment options such as bleaching, reshaping gums and using bonded materials (resin or porcelain) to improve the appearance of teeth.
Q : I have dental insurance. Will it pay for my new smile?
A : Most dental insurances have very low total benefits per year, which may offset the cost of regular checkups, but probably won’t pay toward cosmetic services. Insurance is a business, and as such, your carrier will often contract to pay for the least expensive option instead of the best solution for your particular needs or desires. We will work to maximize your benefits, and may have suggestions for alternative methods of financing so you can obtain the treatment of your choice.
“First visit by first birthday” sums it up. Your child should visit a pediatric dentist when the first tooth comes in, usually between 6 and 12 months of age. This visit will establish a dental home for your child. Early examination and preventive care will protect your child’s smile now and in the future.
Q. Why so early? What dental problems could a baby have?
The most important reason is to begin a thorough prevention program. Dental problems can begin early. A big concern is Early Childhood Caries (formerly known as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries). Once a child’s diet includes anything besides breast-milk, erupted teeth are at risk for decay. The earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental problems. Children with healthy teeth chew food easily and smile with confidence. Start your child now on a lifetime of good dental habits.
Q. How can I prevent tooth decay from nursing or using a bottle?
At-will breast-feeding should be avoided after the first primary (baby) teeth begin to erupt and other sources of nutrition have been introduced. Children should not fall asleep with a bottle containing anything other than water. Drinking juice from a bottle should be avoided. Fruit juice should only be offered in a cup with meals or at snack time.
Q. When should bottle-feeding be stopped?
Children should be weaned from the bottle at 12-14 months of age.
Q. Should I worry about thumb and finger sucking?
Thumb sucking is perfectly normal for infants; many stop by age 2. Prolonged thumb sucking can create crooked teeth or bite problems. If the habit continues beyond age 3, a professional evaluation is recommended. Your pediatric dentist will be glad to suggest ways to address a prolonged thumb sucking habit.
Q. When should I start cleaning my baby’s teeth?
The sooner the better! Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water. As soon as the teeth begin to appear, start brushing twice daily using fluoridated toothpaste and a soft, age-appropriate sized toothbrush. Use a “smear” of toothpaste to brush the teeth of a child less than 2 years of age. For the 2-5 year old, dispense a “pea-size” amount of toothpaste and perform or assist your child’s toothbrushing. Remember that young children do not have the ability to brush their teeth effectively.