DENTAL
PROCEDURES Orthodontics
The Restorative and
Esthetic Nature of Orthodontics
Since
malocclusion may interfere with eating and speaking, it is usually considered a
restorative issue. Although, because a malocclusion may prevent the development
of a beautiful, well-aligned smile or facial jaw lines, it may also be
classified as an esthetic issue and categorized as cosmetic dentistry.
No
matter what your age, orthodontics can protect your bite (occlusion), maximize
your teeth's effectiveness in performing their functions and create a
well-aligned smile. Today’s orthodontics involves repositioning of the teeth
and underlying roots, providing better support for the crown of the tooth.
Orthodontic treatment is now associated with the benefits of greater esthetic
appeal, increased comfort and reduced treatment time.
Orthodontic
treatment can also rejuvenate your facial appearance by reshaping the jaw, neck
and lips, especially when combined with maxillofacial surgical procedures. In
addition, well-aligned teeth make oral hygiene easier to maintain.
Orthodontists
are the dentists who focus on the practice of orthodontics. An orthodontist is
typically required to complete an additional two to three years of post-dental
school education before becoming a certified practitioner of orthodontics.
The Orthodontic Evaluation
If
you are a candidate for orthodontics, you will likely be referred by your
general dentist to an orthodontist for evaluation of your bite. During your
first orthodontic visit, your orthodontist may use several methods to develop
an individualized treatment plan, including:
.
Oral, facial and functional evaluation (examination).
. Intraoral and facial photographs.
. Panoramic and cephalometric X-rays.
. Impressions for models of the teeth and bite.
. An orthodontist reviews your dental records, performs a clinical
assessment, takes X-rays
of your mouth and head and makes models of the teeth by creating
an accurate impression
of them. The results of this evaluation are studied in order to
formulate the best orthodontic
treatment plan.
Typically
during the second visit, your orthodontist reviews the treatment plan and
estimates
the number of months for the active phase of treatment. The standard treatment
phase is two years. Following treatment, you may be required to wear a retainer
for a period of time.
The
duration of orthodontic treatment varies based on your age, the extensiveness of
the procedure (some people require more work than others) and how closely you
follow your treatment plan. For example, younger patients may respond more
quickly to treatment than
older patients because the bones supporting young teeth are more pliable than
those supporting older teeth. However, adults tend to follow treatment
instructions more consistently than pre-teens.
In
some cases the treatment time is longer. For example, oral surgery and recovery
may be needed before or during orthodontic treatment.
For more information visit our FAQ
page.