Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities with the help of dental orthodontic braces.
An orthodontist is a specialist who has completed an advanced education program following dental school to learn the special skills required to manage tooth movement and guide facial development.
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 by age seven or earlier if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist, or the child's physician. However, dental braces treatment is not exclusive to kids, with about 1 in 5 patients being over the age of 21. Any time is a good time if you’re thinking of consulting an orthodontist.
Phase-one, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e. expander or partial dental braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment can occur between the ages of 6 and 10. This treatment is sometimes recommended to make more space for developing teeth, correction of crossbites, overbites, and underbites, or harmful oral habits. Phase-two treatment is also called comprehensive treatment because it involves full braces when all of the permanent teeth have erupted, usually between the ages of 11 and 13.
Definitely! In fact, the number of adult patients is growing and accounts for more than 35% of new patients in our orthodontic practice. While there are a few limitations – slightly longer treatment time due to jaw bones being fully developed and teeth moving slower – these are certainly reasonable. On the positive side, modern ceramic dental braces are tooth-coloured and much less visible. Invisalign also provides a sought-after alternative with invisible clear aligners and removable trays. You might even look younger with these latest braces for teeth, and you’ll be rewarded with a more beautiful smile after treatment.
Teeth alignment 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 tries to return to its original shape. As it does so, it applies pressure to move your teeth to their new, more ideal positions.
Treatment time varies on a case-by-case basis, but the average time is from one to two years. Actual treatment time can be affected by rate of growth and severity of the correction necessary. Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance. Maintaining good oral hygiene, cleaning braces and adhering to regular appointments are important in keeping treatment time on schedule.
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 in your teeth for around one to four days. Your lips and cheeks may need one to two weeks to get used to the orthodontic braces on your teeth.
