The Benefits of Braces
Why Braces?
Your orthodontist 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, 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 (TMJ problems). This can lead to chronic headaches and face or neck pain.
For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics. After orthodontic treatment, patients often feel more self-confident and take great pride in their new straight smile!
Braces for All Ages
Adults
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. One of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over the age of twenty-one!
Kids
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child see an orthodontic specialist by age seven. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually erupted by age seven, therefore cross-bites, crowding, and other dental problems can be evaluated. When treatment is begun early, Dr. Okun can assist 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, possibly 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 can simplify later treatment.
Not every child is in need of early orthodontic treatment. A child who does not need early treatment (but is likely to need treatment later) is simply placed on a recall phase in our office. During this recall phase, a patient is seen at pre-determined intervals (usually every six to twelve months) so that Dr. Okun can monitor the child’s dental development and jaw growth until orthodontic treatment is indicated.
How Orthodontic Treatment Works
Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic or plastic. They may be removable (for example: a “bite plate” or “Invisalign”) or they may be brackets bonded to the teeth (braces). 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 large metal rings were placed around every tooth.
Duration of Treatment
Treatment time typically ranges from twelve to twenty-four months, depending on the growth of the patient's mouth and face, and the severity of the dental problem. The patient's diligent use of any prescribed rubber bands or other appliances are important factors in achieving our treatment time goals. Interceptive or early treatment procedures may take as few as six months, or may extend longer to control growth.
