Ortho 101
Why Orthodontics?
- To protect your health. Healthy teeth and proper jaw alignment are the foundation of good oral health. Crooked or crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain and can result in tooth decay, worsen gum disease and lead to tooth loss. Other orthodontic problems can contribute to abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, inefficient chewing function, excessive stress on gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth, or misalignment of the jaw joints. These can lead to chronic headaches and face or neck pain.
- To minimize costs. Treatment by an orthodontist can be less costly than the additional care required to treat long term, dental problems arising from neglected orthodontic issues.
- To enhance your looks. For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics.
- To boost your self esteem. After your braces come off, you’ll feel more self-confident and experience a greater sense of well being.
How Orthodontic Treatment Works
Orthodontic appliances are made of metal, ceramic or plastic. Whether removable or bonded directly to your teeth, they work by placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction to slowly move teeth into a corrected position.
This is a great time to wear braces! Gone are the days when heavy, metal bands and brackets were placed around each tooth. Today, wires are also less noticeable and the latest materials move teeth faster with less discomfort.
Duration of Treatment
Treatment time typically ranges from 18-24 months, depending on the growth of the patient’s mouth and face and the severity of the problem. Patients grow at different rates and respond differently to orthodontic treatment, so case completion time may vary from the original estimate. Patient compliance is probably the most important factor in achieving effective treatment. This includes regular orthodontic visits, consistent brushing and flossing, eating the right foods, prompt repair of broken appliances, and diligent use of any prescribed functional appliance. Interceptive, or early treatment procedures, may take as few as six months.
Appointments are scheduled no sooner than 6-10 weeks apart due to the advanced orthodontic techniques used by Apple Orthodontix. This means fewer appointments and less time away from school or work.
