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 What Braces
Can Do
Your
dentist may have talked to you about 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, gum disease and 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 help prevent these dental
problems from occuring.
Of course, the most obvious benefit of orthodontic treatment is an improved appearance.
No matter what your age, you'll feel more attractive and confident with a beautiful smile.
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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