Brace Yourself For a Beautiful Smile

By R. Ron Hessamfar, DMD

Straight teeth help an individual to effectively bite, chew and speak, and contribute to healthy teeth and gums. Properly aligned teeth and jaws may alleviate or prevent physical health problems. Teeth that work better also tend to look better. An attractive smile is a pleasant “side effect” of orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontists do more than align teeth; they modify and correct problems with facial growth. Different orthodontic appliances are used for different purposes in an orthodontic treatment. Some are designed to primarily move teeth (orthodontic), while others are used “orthopedically” to modify facial growth. Some appliances have both orthodontic and orthopedic treatment effects.

Appliances come in two types fixed, ones that dont come out, and removable. Removable appliances are easier to keep clean, but can be lost or misplaced. Fixed appliances are worn all the time and are often used for problems that require a more aggressive or time-sensitive treatment.
Here is some beneficial information for you to understand more about orthodontic treatment

What is Phase One (early) Treatment?
Phase one treatment, if necessary, is usually started on children between the ages of seven and 10. Phase one treatment lasts about 12-21 months. The main objective for phase one treatment is to address significant problems and prevent them from becoming more severe.

The benefits of early treatment

Influence jaw growth in a positive manner.

Harmonize width of the dental arches.

Improve eruption patterns.

Lower risk of trauma to protruded upper incisors.

Correct harmful oral habits.

Improve aesthetics and self-esteem.

Simplify and/or shorten treatment time for later corrective ortho-dontics.

Reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth.

Improve some speech problems.

Preserve or gain space for erupting permanent teeth.

Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?
Yes. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention. However, if a patient is not yet ready for treatment, we will follow that patients growth and development until the time is right for treatment to begin.

Will my child need full braces if he/she has Phase One treatment?
It is best to assume that your child will need full braces even after phase one treatment. The period after phase one treatment is called the “resting period,” during which growth and tooth eruption are closely monitored. Throughout this period, parents and patients will receive recommendations in regard to future treatment.

Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?
A great percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, about 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. Health, happiness and self-esteem are significantly important to adults. No patient is “too old” to wear braces.

Can I wear braces even though I have crowns and missing teeth?
Yes. A tooth with a crown will move just like a tooth with a simple filling. When teeth are missing, orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.

Why should you choose an orthodontic specialist?
Teeth, and sometimes, entire facial structures, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. It is important that the treatment be appropriate and properly completed. Orthodontic specialists have extensive and specialized training that enables them to provide their patients with professional, personalized treatments.