Monarch Orthodontic Services: Treatment
How Orthodontic Treatment Works
Orthodontic appliances can be removable such as retainers or they may be brackets bonded to the teeth. Brackets or braces can be made of metal or ceramic (clear). By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to a corrected position. You can choose the colour of the ties that hold the wire in brackets. Wires are also less noticeable than they used to be and the latest materials move teeth faster with less discomfort to patients.
Why Screen by Age 7?
While orthodontists can improve smiles at any age, there is usually an optimum age to begin treatment in order to achieve maximum improvement with the minimum amount of time and expense.
Some orthodontic problems are easier to correct of they are detected at an early age. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child's first visit to an orthodontist take place no later than age seven . By this age the permanent first molars and incisors generally have erupted and the Orthodontist can evaluate the position of the teeth and jaws.
“ The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that
a child's first visit to an orthodontist take place no later than age seven. ”
Frequently, problems exist behind seemingly acceptable smiles. While treatment may not be started until years later, early examination allows the orthodontist to detect and evaluate problems and plan appropriate treatment. This may include removing baby teeth in very crowded cases. In some cases, early treatment may be initiated to prevent more serious problems from developing. This early intervention (Phase I) may often make treatment at a later age (Phase 2) shorter, less complicated, and therefore less costly.
Phase 1: Early Interceptive Treatment
Early interceptive treatment usually occurs between ages of 6 and 10. During this phase of treatment, an orthodontist may be correcting improper bites or harmful oral habits or making more space for developing teeth.
Phase2: Comprehensive Treatment
Comprehensive treatment starts after all adult teeth have erupted, which is usually by the age of 12. During this phase of treatment, an orthodontist will use full braces to guide a child's teeth and jaws into alignment.
An Orthodontist is trained to recognize and differentiate between problems that will require Early Interceptive Treatment, from those that can wait until adult dentition, and those that may resolve themselves with growth and supervision.
“ Orthodontics is an investment into your child’s future health and well being. ”
The Benefits of Early Treatment
For those patients who have clear indications for early intervention, early treatment presents the opportunity to:
- Influence jaw growth in a positive manner especially for those with an overbite, underbite, or crossbite
- Harmonize width of the dental arches
- Lower risk of trauma to protruded upper incisors
- Correct harmful oral habits (thumb or finger sucking, tongue thrusts)
- Improve aesthetics and self-esteem
- Simplify and/or shorten treatment time for later corrective orthodontics
- Treatment of impacted permanent incisors
- Improve some speech problems
- Preserve or gain space for erupting permanent teeth
“ For some, a timely evaluation will lead to significant treatment benefits;
for others, the principal immediate benefit is a parent’s peace of mind. ”
Duration of Treatment
Orthodontic treatment averages less than two years but typically ranges from one to three years. Early Interceptive treatment procedures may take as little as six months. Patients grow at different rates and teeth move at different rates, therefore a patient’s response to orthodontic treatment is individual and variable. Diligent use of any prescribed rubber bands or removable appliance is an important factor in achieving the most efficient treatment.
“ The benefits of having straight teeth and aligned jaws:
They look good, they’re healthier, and they work better. ”
Braces for All Ages
Adults
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. One of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over 21. The best person to evaluate the feasibility of orthodontic treatment is an Orthodontist. Your orthodontist will explain any risks related to your treatment: most risks relate to the health of your gums and bones before treatment and your oral hygiene during treatment.
The health of the teeth, gums and supporting bone will determine how well teeth will move and ultimately the success of orthodontic treatment. Orthodontists have a number of options available to adults that makes braces less noticeable and more esthetic such as ceramic braces or clear retainers.
So who can benefit? Most anyone, really, since healthy teeth can be moved at any age. The truth is you're never too old to be your best.
