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|
| Q. |
What is an orthodontist? |
| A. |
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has completed at least
a two year residency in the study of orthodontics at an accredited
dental school. As orthodontic specialists, our practice is limited
to the prevention and correction of irregularities in the teeth
and jaws and other deformities of the face caused by these conditions.
|
| Q. |
What are the benefits of orthodontic treatment?
|
| A. |
In addition to a nice smile, we are also concerned with the health
of your teeth and gums. Crooked teeth and bad bites can seriously
affect general oral health.
|
| Q. |
What
are the possible results of untreated problems?
|
| A. |
Depending on the severity of the case, untreated orthodontic problems
may increase the risk for tooth decay, gum disease, jaw joint problems,
and loss of teeth. Protruding teeth can be easily chipped or damaged.
An untreated malocclusion (or “bad bite”) may also play a role in
one’s self image. You naturally feel better when you look better,
and a pleasing appearance is a vital asset to one’s self-confidence
and self-esteem.
|
| Q. |
What
is the best age to first see the orthodontist?
|
| A. |
The rule of thumb is to see an orthodontist as soon as a possible
problem is noticed. It’s a big advantage if we see younger patients
for the first time at about age 7 or 8. This is the opportune time
to begin a guidance program. Sometimes removal of baby teeth can
prevent improper eruption of permanent teeth.
|
| Q. |
Am
I too old for orthodontics?
|
| A. |
Orthodontics is for adults too. Since the biological process in
tooth movement is the same in both adults and children, you’re never
too old to be at your best. Our oldest patient so far has been 72
years young! About 20% of our practice is adults, and the number
is growing.
|
| Q. |
What
is jaw surgery?
|
| A. |
Jaw (or orthognathic) surgery involves the combined effort of the
orthodontist and an oral surgeon. In some cases, the jaw bones are
positioned in a way that makes it difficult, if not impossible,
to obtain good results with orthodontics alone. The most common
problems corrected with jaw surgery include a protruding upper jaw
(which sometimes causes a “gummy smile”), a protruding lower jaw,
or a recessed lower jaw. Dramatic improvements in facial features,
as well as straight teeth, can be obtained when surgery is done
in conjunction with orthodontic treatment.
|
| Q. |
How
frequent are my appointments?
|
| A. |
After the braces are on, appointments are scheduled every four to
six weeks. Most appointments last about 30 to 40 minutes.
|
| Q. |
How
long will I have to wear braces?
|
| A. |
The average treatment time for children is about two years while
adults may take slightly longer. The exact treatment time is dependent
on many variables such as patient cooperation, difficulty of the
case, keeping regular appointments, etc.
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