Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry
that corrects teth and jaws that are positioned improperly. Crooked
teeth and teeth that do not fit together correctly are harder to keep
clean, are at risk of being lost early due to tooth decay and
periodontal disease, and cause extra stress on the chewing muscles that
can lead to headache, TMJ and neck, shoulder pain. Teeth that are
crooked or not in the right place can also detract from one's
appearance.
How do I know if I need orthodontics?
If you have any of the following, you may be a candidate for orthodontic treatment. These conditions need to be evaluated by a dentist or orthodontist:
Overbite. Sometimes called "buck teeth" where the upper teeth lie too far forward over the lower teeth
Underbite. the lower teeth are too far forward or the upper teeth too far back
Crossbite. the upper teeth do not come down slightly in front of the lower teeth when biting together nornally
Open Bite. Space between the biting surfaces of the front and/or side teeth when the back teeth bite together
Misplaced Midline. when the center of the upper teeth does not line up with the center of the lower teeth.
Spacing. Gaps, or spaces, between the teeth as a result of missing teeth or teeth that do not fill up the mouth
Crowding. Too many teeth for the dental ridge to accommodate
What age should my child see an orthodontist?
Generally, by age
7 enough permanent teeth have come in and enough jaw growth has
occurred that the dentist or orthodontist can identify current
problems, anticipate future problems and alleviate parents' concerns if
all seems normal. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually
come in b age 7, and crossbites, crowding and developing injury-prone
dental protrusions can be evaluated. Any on-going finger sucking or
other oral habits can be assessed at this time also.
How does orthodontic treatment work?
There are many different way of treatment and appliances. Some appliances are removable, some fixed, others move teeth, while others retrain muscles. Appliances work by placing gentle pressure on teeth and jaws. Below is a list of different kind of appliances. Dr. McCombs is able to prescribe a treatment plan that is specific to your individual needs.
Fixed Appliances (not removable):
Braces. These are the most common.
Special Fixed Appliances.
Fixed Space Maintainers.
Removable Appliances:
Aligners
Removable Space Maintainers
Jaw Repositioning Appliances
Lip & Cheek Bumpers.
Palatal Expander.
Removable Retainers.
Headgear.
Types of Orthodontic Appliances
To successfully complete your orthodontic treatment plan, patients must work together with the orthodontist. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions if the patient uses the necessary appliances as prescribed. The following are types of appliances that may be used during your treatment:
Separators (Spacers)
Separators are little rubber doughnuts that are placed between your teeth so that orthodontic bands may be placed during your next appointment. The separators will be removed before the bands are placed. Care must be taken to not dislodge your separators with sticky foods, toothpicks, or floss.
Elastics (Rubber Bands)
Elastics are small rubber bands worn between the upper and lower teeth to improve the fit of your bite. They attach to hooks on your braces. It is very important to wear elastics as prescribed for them to be effective and for you to finish your orthodontic treatment on time.
"Functional" Appliances
These appliances may be fixed to the teeth or removable. They reduce an “overbite” by encouraging the lower jaw forward and the upper molars to move backward. These appliances are called “functional” because they are designed to make the jaw function in a different place. They attempt to elicit a growth response in a growing patient. These appliances therefore are used mostly in younger, growing children and are worn typically for about a year.
Expanders
Expanders "expand" (widen) your jaw by putting gentle pressure on your molars each time they are activated. If expansion is indicated, your orthodontist will instruct you about when and how to activate your expander. When you achieve the desired expansion, you will continue to wear the expander for several months to solidify the expansion and prevent relapse.
Retainers
Retainers may be removable or fixed. They are mandatory. They hold your teeth in their new, correct positions after your treatment is completed. Your teeth are capable of moving throughout your lifetime, in spite of how perfectly they may be aligned and fit at the end of treatment. Therefore, it is extremely important to preserve your investment in your smile by following retention instructions. Your orthodontist will advise you on how to care for your retainers and about the duration of the wear. Wearing your retainers as directed is absolutely crucial to prevent any unwanted changes.
