Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.
An orthodontist is a specialist who has completed 4 years of dental school and has elected to specialize by completing an additional 2 to 3 years of advanced orthodontic training with an accredited educational program. This additional training allows him/her to learn the special skills required to manage tooth movement and guide facial growth and development.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child's first orthodontic visit occur at age 7 or even earlier if a problem is detected by parents, your family dentist, or your child's physician. Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct and teeth are more easily straightened when detected at an early age. Early treatment may mean that patients can avoid more serious complications and surgery at later ages. Interceptive orthodontics, or starting treatment at an earlier age, can also prevent the need for extractions of permanent teeth.
Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e. expander or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. This early treatment can occur between the ages of six and ten. Treatment may be recommended in order to make more space for developing teeth, correction of overbites, underbites, crossbites or to control harmful oral habits. Most of the time, a second phase of treatment is required. This second part of treatment usually takes place between the ages of eleven and thirteen and is referred to as Phase II Treatment.
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. Everyone wants a beautiful smile with healthy, straight teeth. In fact, 30 percent of our orthodontic patients are adults.
Braces apply a steady gentle pressure and cause teeth to gradually move into proper position. The main components of braces are the brackets that are placed on your teeth and the archwire that connects them. When the archwire is placed into the brackets, the wire tries to return to its original shape. As the wire moves, it applies pressure to move your teeth into a more ideal position. During this process the tooth itself does not change shape, but simply moves into its new position.
The average treatment time is between one and two years but treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis. For example, treatment times can be affected by patient age, the distance teeth need to be moved, the rate of growth and patient compliance. Early treatment procedures or interceptive orthodontics may take as little as six months. Maintaining good oral hygiene, following Dr. Cruz's instructions, and keeping regular appointments are critical in keeping treatment time on schedule.
Having braces put on your teeth does not hurt. However, once the archwires are connected to your braces you may feel some pressure which will progress into soreness. The soreness typically lasts for 3 to 5 days. In order to minimize discomfort, it's a good idea to take an anti-inflammatory, such as Advil, prior to the placement of your braces. Also, your lips and cheeks may need one to two weeks to get used to the braces. Our office provides all of our patients with comfort wax to help reduce this discomfort.
No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouth guard while participating in any sporting activity. We provide mouth guards for our patients who need one.
No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment.
Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist regularly for cleanings and dental checkups.
Yes, you can still use braces for straightening teeth. Missing teeth and crowns do not interfere with having braces and orthodontic treatment.
You can focus on and explain all of the fantastic benefits of braces. Also, your child has the opportunity to design his or her own braces from a selection of 20 different colors. They can pick different colors every time they have an appointment or can choose to use clear braces so that the brackets are less noticeable. Help them remain focused on the end result - a great, happy smile.
