Braces are special fixed appliances (which patients can not remove) that consist of specifically designed brackets (metal, ceramic or hard plastic) and arch wires that are made of certain materials (stainless steel, nickel titanium and other material). Each bracket is bonded to the tooth surface (in a very precise area of the tooth) using non-toxic dental bonding adhesive. An arch wire will be selected by the orthodontist to start the treatment. This usually happens with the pressure exerted from the wire, onto the teeth, which results in tooth movement.
People need braces to have better dental health and a more attractive smile. If the teeth, and/or jaws do not align well and if the bite does not fit properly, then many problems may arise. For example, one can develop tooth decay, gum disease or jaw articulation problems. Wearing braces not only treats dental problems, treatment significantly improves facial aesthetics and builds self-confidence.
A number of factors could cause dental problems. For example, the malocclusion could result from inheriting large or small jaw, large/or small teeth. In other words, excess spacing or crowding. Baby teeth that stay longer than they are supposed to could lead to problems such as; erupting teeth may become impacted in the jawbone or mal-aligned. As early loss of baby teeth may cause shifting of adult teeth already erupted.
Bad oral habits like thumb sucking, mouth breathing, finger biting and/or tongue thrust could also lead to significant bad-bite or malocclusion.
You should see an orthodontist. He is the trained specialist that practices Orthodontics exclusively. Orthodontics, also known as dento-facial orthopedics, is a special branch of dentistry that deals with straightening teeth and correcting jaw positions, which in turn gives healthier muscle function, healthier jaw joints and a beautiful smile.
The more experienced and qualified the orthodontist, the more competent and skilled he is.
This all depends on the specific dental problem and the way the teeth and jaws are developing, we are all unique, even siblings.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist at age 7. The reason for this early examination is to allow the specialist to determine when is the ideal time (if any) for the child to be treated for optimal improvement.
Early treatment can give the orthodontist the chance to:
- Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth.
- Guide the facial and dental growth.
- Correct harmful oral habits.
- Improve appearance and self-esteem.
- Improve some speech problems.
Early orthodontic screening can lead to simpler, more effective treatment for greater peace of mind.
The biological process involved in tooth movement is the same in both adults and children. The health of an individual’s teeth, gums and supporting bone is what is most important in determining the prospects for improving an adult’s smile and dental health.
In general, active treatment time using braces ranges from one to three years. The treatment time depends significantly on the growth pattern and pace of growth of the patient’s mouth and face. Patient cooperation, severity of the dental malocclusion, and individual patient response to the treatment play an important role in determining the length of the treatment.
Patients are fitted with retainers when their braces are removed because teeth want to return to their previous positions. Retainers hold the teeth in their new corrected position while the bones and gums adapt to this new position.
It is very important to remember that without the retainers, your teeth would soon go back to their old position, and all that time of wearing braces would be lost.
Retention duration varies in time, and the orthodontist, based on his experience, would have to determine the length of time. Usually the retainers are far more comfortable to wear and require significantly less visits than the braces.
There are all types of retainers, and you will be fitted with the type that is most suited to your requirements.
The cost of any orthodontic treatment depends on the nature of the dental problem and its severity. Many orthodontic problems require limited treatment at relatively inexpensive fees.
You ask if the treatment is worth the cost. The answer is definitely yes. The reason is that the cost of not getting treatment will cost far more money. It is hard to see into the future, to tell how the lack of orthodontic treatment will affect the patient, being you personally or your child. Certainly, a child who needs treatment and does not get it will have problems with their teeth for years to come.
The health issues go well beyond good oral hygiene. For example; if a young child requires orthodontic treatment for jaw/dental problems, his growth is an essential part of having a successful result. Assuming this child did not have the treatment early enough, it would most likely require surgery and be more expensive to treat at a later age.
When you consider the cost of orthodontic treatment, be sure to keep in mind the many benefits of having a lifetime of beautiful, health smiles.
We offer reasonable fees with affordable; no interest financial plans to suit most budgets. Your first step is a consultation.