- What is orthodontics?
- What is an Orthodontist?
- Why should I look for a Certified Specialist in Orthodontics?
- What are the benefits of orthodontics?
- What is the best age to begin orthodontics?
- What is my role if I get braces?
- Will my teeth get ‘white spots’ after the braces are removed?
- What is a Herbst?
- What about sports?
- Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?
- What do I do if I have an emergency?
- Should my wisdom teeth be removed?
- Why do baby teeth sometimes need to be pulled?
- How long will treatment take?
- Will I have to wear retainers?
- Will thumb-sucking cause orthodontic problems?
- Do braces hurt?
What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the specialty branch of dentistry that deals with malocclusions (mal – bad, occlusion – bite). In orthodontic treatment, corrective appliances are used to bring lips, teeth and jaws into alignment and improve facial balance.
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What is an Orthodontist?
Orthodontists are graduate Dentists, with at least three years of post doctoral advanced specialty education in orthodontics, from a University accredited by the Canadian and the American Dental Association. Certified Specialists in Orthodontics are uniquely educated individuals who specialize in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. They limit their practices specifically to orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.
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Why should I look for a Certified Specialist in Orthodontics?
Only Certified Orthodontists have completed the Canadian Board of Orthodontics Specialty Certification exams, and have unique qualifications to practice orthodontics. Orthodontists must first obtain an undergraduate degree from a University, and then they must complete a four year graduate program in Dental School, at a University accredited by the Canadian and the American Dental Association, to become a Dentist. Orthodontists must then successfully complete a residency program, of at least three academic years of advanced education in Orthodontics, again accredited by the Canadian and the American Dental Association. This program is supervised by Certified Specialists in Orthodontics. This advanced training includes such diverse studies as genetics, embryology, human growth and development, and biophysics. Only Dentists with this advanced specialty education can present themselves as Orthodontists.
Look for the logos to identify members of the Canadian and American Association of Orthodontists. You can be confident of the treatment provided by these Orthodontists.
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What are the benefits of orthodontics?
A beautiful healthy smile is just one of the benefits of Orthodontics. Teeth that are straight function more effectively, and are easier to clean. Increased confidence and self-esteem are significant psychological benefits to treatment. Function and appearance improve as the teeth, lips and face are brought into balance.
Untreated orthodontic problems can lead to improper jaw function, speech impairments, tooth decay, gum disease, and bone destruction. It can lead to misalignment of the jaw joints, resulting in chronic headaches. Orthodontic treatment in young patients can prevent more serious problems from occurring later in life.
Orthodontic treatment delivers MORE THAN A SMILE!
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What is the best age to begin orthodontics?
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that all children get a check up with an orthodontist by age 7. Orthodontists are trained to spot problems with jaw growth and erupting teeth, even while the primary teeth are still present. Early treatment may prevent or intercept more serious problems from developing, and may make treatment at a later age faster and easier. In some cases, this may allow the orthodontist to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.
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What is my role if I get braces?
You are the key player on the Team with Our Office and Your Dentist, during your Orthodontic treatment. Your teeth and jaws can only move toward their desired positions if you wear your elastics and appliances as instructed. Braces broken from eating hard and sticky foods will lengthen the estimated treatment time, and can adversely affect your final result. Keeping your teeth clean and gums healthy is more important now than ever before! Poor oral hygiene can cause permanent damage. Our Doctors recommend getting a thorough examination and cleaning, with your family Dentist, before the braces are placed. Remember to continue regular checkups and cleanings at least every six months, throughout your treatment.
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Will my teeth get ‘white spots’ after the braces are removed?
‘White spots’ are the results of demineralization of the tooth enamel. This may occur around the orthodontic bracket if the teeth are not cleaned properly. The good news is that attention to good brushing, and following dietary guidelines, will prevent this from happening.
Orthodontists take special care to ensure that the part of the tooth under the bracket is sealed and protected from plaque and bacteria. Inadequate brushing during orthodontic treatment can weaken the enamel, causing decalcification. When the bracket is removed, a small square of healthy enamel appears, resulting in the appearance of “white spots”.
Demineralization results in permanent weakening of the enamel, and detracts from an excellent orthodontic result. Decalcified areas may be treated with fluoride treatments, to strengthen the enamel. Expensive bonding treatments, or laminate veneers, may be placed if the damage is extensive. It is well worth taking special care to keep your teeth clean during orthodontic treatment.
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What is a Herbst?
A Herbst is a cemented functional appliance which is used to correct severe overjet. Our office has been using the Herbst appliance successfully for over twenty-five years. We are very excited to offer this form of treatment which gives our patients an alternative to jaw correction through surgery.
The appliance is bonded to the upper and lower molar teeth, and may not be removed by the patient. The Herbst appliance encourages changes in the lower jaw, upper jaw, and teeth, increasing the effective length of the lower jaw, while restricting growth in the upper jaw. The Herbst is worn for approximately 9-14 months. After the Herbst is removed, the patient will either wear full upper and lower braces, or a retentive appliance to maintain the new bite, while waiting for the remainder of the permanent teeth to erupt. When the Herbst is first cemented, patients may find eating to be a challenge, and may notice some discomfort in the lower jaw. We recommend eating soft foods for the first few days and cutting food into small pieces. After the bite settles in its new position, most foods can be eaten easily. The spectacular results of Herbst treatment make all the difficulty of the first few days worthwhile.
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What about sports?
You can continue to play sports, but wearing a protective mouth guard is advised for contact sports. Once your orthodontic treatment is completed, we can make you a custom mouth guard. While your teeth are moving, we recommend an inexpensive moldable mouth guard, purchased from a sports store. It can be reformed as your teeth move.
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Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?
Playing wind or brass instruments, such as the trumpet, will most likely require some adaptation to braces. With lots of practice and a period of adjustment you should be able to excel at playing your instrument.
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What do I do if I have an emergency?
Please refer to the Emergency Info section of our website for suggestions. If you are still uncomfortable, please call our office, and we will schedule an appointment for you. Whatever your concern, rest assured we are here for you! If your emergency occurs after hours, your call will be forwarded to our emergency cell phone and one of the Doctors will return your call. If the Doctors are unavailable, our message system will direct you to the dental office that we have arranged to care for our patients in our absence.
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Should my wisdom teeth (third molars) be removed?
If there is not sufficient jaw space to accommodate the wisdom teeth (third molars), it may be recommended to remove them. Wisdom teeth erupting at the wrong angle or in a small mouth can cause your anterior teeth to crowd or overlap. The Doctors, in consultation with your family dentist or oral surgeon, can determine if and when, this is necessary for you.
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Why do baby teeth sometimes need to be pulled?
Pulling baby teeth may be necessary to allow severely crowded permanent teeth to erupt in the right place, and at the right time. When severe crowding exists, permanent teeth can remain impacted or erupt in an undesirable position, and may even require extraction.
Orthodontists are trained to spot problems with jaw growth and erupting teeth. Our office recommends early treatment, to prevent or intercept more serious problems from developing. This allows us the possibility to achieve results that may not be possible, once the face and jaws have finished growing.
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How long will treatment take?
Length of treatment is specific to each individual case. Severity of the problem, growth, and patient cooperation, affect how long you will have to wear braces. The average length of treatment is from 18 -24 months. Drs. Brown and Van Elslande will give you an estimate of how long your treatment will take, at your initial consultation appointment.
Remember estimates of treatment time are only estimates. Growth and tooth movement occur at individual rates.
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Will I have to wear retainers?
Absolutely! Retention is critical in order to maintain your new tooth position.
These are a few examples of retainers that you may be asked to wear. Initially you will be instructed to wear the retainers more frequently, but as the teeth stabilize less frequent wear is required. Occasional wear of the retainers for life is recommended to minimize tooth movement. You want to retain that new smile forever!
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Will thumb sucking cause orthodontic problems?
Long term habits like thumb sucking, tongue thrust, and lip biting can affect the way the teeth grow and the shape of the mouth. Early intervention to stop the habit can help to minimize these problems.
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Do braces hurt?
Placing braces on the teeth does not hurt. However, as the teeth begin to move to their new position, they may feel a little sore. Everyone’s experience is a little different. Our offices use Damon technology, which utilizes much gentler forces, so discomfort is minimized. Taking Ibuprofen is usually adequate to provide relief, after the braces are placed or adjustments are made.
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