Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Braces and other appliances are used to make these corrections by moving teeth and bones.

Just as there are specialists in medicine (such as cardiologists, pediatricians, etc.), there are specialists in dentistry. Orthodontists are dental specialists that have the training and the clinical experience to diagnose and treat child and adult orthodontic problems. Orthodontists must complete college, graduate from a four year accredited dental school and successfully complete a two year full time orthodontic residency program. Only those who have completed this rigorous education may call themselves “orthodontists” and only orthodontists may be members of the American Association of Orthodontists.

It is most important to examine your child’s teeth as the permanent teeth grow in. Although children mature at different rates, there are some averages for permanent tooth arrival. Some signs that may indicate the need for an early orthodontic examination:

• early or late loss of baby teeth
• difficulty chewing or biting
• crowding, mal-positioned, or blocked out teeth
• jaw joints that make sounds
• biting the cheek or the roof of the mouth
• teeth that do not meet at all
• jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face
• finger sucking or pacifier habits continued beyond the age of seven
• top front teeth that protrude or stick out too far
• baby teeth that do not grow to full height like their neighbors
• top front teeth that bite behind the bottom front teeth
• top front teeth that cover more than 50% of the bottom front teeth when the back teeth bite together
• top front teeth that cover more than 50% of the bottom front teeth when the back teeth bite together
• neighboring teeth shifting into the space left behind when a tooth has been removed
• centers of the top and bottom front teeth don’t line up
• teeth that show wear patterns
• jaws that shift off center when the teeth bite together
• excessive spaces between teeth
• embarrassing teeth

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial consultation no later than age 7. By age 7, enough permanent teeth have come in and enough jaw growth has occurred that problems can be identified. Early consultation allows the orthodontist to determine the optimum time for treatment to begin. Many parents and some family dentists assume that they must wait until a child has all of his or her permanent teeth, only to find out that treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. Early treatment can eliminate the need for more drastic measures. In some cases, satisfactory results are unattainable once the face and jaws have finished growing.

Adults can be treated at any age as long as the gums and bone holding the teeth are healthy.

Early examination allows us to discover when your child’s teeth should be treated for maximum improvement. Certain early treatment techniques provide significant benefits for patients seven to ten years old. Treatment during these growth stages can achieve results not possible once face and jaw structures have finished growing.

Not every child needs early treatment. Full orthodontic treatment is generally started when most of the permanent teeth are in place, usually at ages eleven to thirteen. The best time to start treatment for your child will be discussed with you at your initial examination. When orthodontics is started at the right time we can achieve the best results.

Adults now account for nearly 20% of our patients. Advanced technology, including more gentle wires, and clear, less visible braces, have allowed many more adults to enjoy the health and appearance of a comfortable bite and a beautiful smile. Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age.

If you rely heavily on the opinion of others before making treatment commitments, you are encouraged to bring all the decision makers with you to this consultation. Your orthodontist doesn’t want information lost in translation if the decision maker does not come and you have to relay the consultation outcome to them.

The reason that treatment is needed. The optimal time for starting treatment. The treatment approach that will be used. The length of treatment. The expected appearance when treatment is completed. The past success rate of the recommended treatment with other patients. The pros and cons of treatment. The treatment cost and the financing options. The possible outcome if nothing is done.

No. The space available for the front teeth does not increase after the age of nine. In most people, the space available for the front teeth decreases with increasing age.

• guide the growth of the young jaw bones creating a better environment for the emerging permanent teeth
• guide incoming teeth into optimal positions
• regulate the width of the jaws
• lower the risk of trauma to prominent front teeth
• correct harmful sucking habits
• reduce the likelihood of teeth becoming stuck or impacted under the gums
• preserve or gain space for arriving permanent teeth

Phase One treatment, if necessary, is usually initiated for children between the ages of 7 and 10. Phase One treatment usually lasts about 6-18 months. The primary objective for Phase One treatment is to address significant orthodontic problems and to prevent them from becoming more severe later on. Some orthodontic improvements are not possible at a later age. An additional goal of Phase One Treatment can be the improvement of self-esteem when cosmetic concerns are corrected.

Just as we inherit eye color from our parents, mouth and jaw features are also inherited. Local factors such as finger sucking, pacifier sucking, high cavity rate, gum disease, trauma and premature loss of baby teeth can also contribute to a bad bite.

An attractive smile and improved self-image is just one of the benefits of orthodontic treatment. You only have one chance to make a first impression. Without treatment, orthodontic problems can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, periodontal bone loss, chewing and digestive difficulties that can affect your overall health, speech impairments, tooth loss and other dental injuries. Straight teeth make it easier for you and your dental team to keep them clean and healthy. If you ever need a filling, crown or bridge, your dentist can do better restorations if the teeth are aligned properly.

Orthodontic appliances are made of stainless steal or clear, ceramic materials. Individual braces are attached with adhesive to each tooth. Orthodontic wires connect all the braces together and provide forces to move teeth. All corrective appliances have one aim, to use gentle pressure over time to move teeth into proper alignment. Thanks to new materials and procedures, all this happens much quicker than ever before.

Rubber bands (or elastics) are major helpers in making your teeth become straighter. Attached to your braces, elastics exert the force that creates the right amount of pressure to move your teeth in directions that the braces alone cannot. It’s important to wear your elastics consistently, removing them only for eating and brushing. A lack of consistency in wearing rubber bands can bring treatment to a standstill.

Our teeth are covered with enamel, the hardest material in the human body. But even enamel is susceptible to damage from acids created when bacteria (plaque) accumulate on the tooth surface. When bacteria consume the sugar that we provide to them, they leave behind strong acids. Pop and sport drinks contain a lot of sugar (11 tablespoons in one can of Mountain Dew). They also contain acidic preservatives which contributes to the acid attack on the enamel. When brushing is not adequate, and if a person frequently drinks these beverages, the enamel will dissolve leaving “white spots” on the teeth. White spots are unsightly permanent stains and can eventually become decay if the acid-sugar-plaque combination continues.

Everyone appreciates the importance of a winning smile. It makes a pleasing appearance, promotes self-esteem, and is valuable to social and career success. Creating beautiful smiles is what orthodontics is all about. Today, orthodontic treatment is convenient and affordable, so that individuals from childhood through retirement can enjoy its important benefits. Orthodontics is important not only to a great smile and improved self-confidence, but to better dental health. Teeth in correct alignment are easier to clean, and that can make them more resistant to decay and less susceptible to gum disease. Alignment may also prevent tooth and jaw discomfort that can come from uneven wear. By choosing to wear braces, you are taking a positive step in improving your overall dental health and comfort.