Orthodontics:

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that is officially known as Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. The purpose of orthodontics is to treat any type of malocclusion, which is simply another way of saying "bad bite".

When you have a malocclusion, that means your teeth, lips and/or jaws don't line up the way they should. As a result, your teeth may be crooked, your bite may not work correctly and your jaws may look unbalanced.

To fix bad bites, orthodontists - dentists who are specially trained - use braces and other corrective procedures, including materials often called "appliances," to achieve tooth and jaw alignment. This correction of the teeth and their supportive structures makes for a healthy, attractive smile.

An orthodontist is a specialist in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. All orthodontists are dentists, but only about six percent of dentists are orthodontists. Admission to orthodontic programs is extremely competitive and selective. It takes many years to become an orthodontist and the educational requirements are demanding.

An orthodontist must complete college requirements before starting a three- to five- year graduate program at a dental school accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA). After dental school, at least two or three academic years of advanced specialty education in an ADA-accredited orthodontic program are required to be an Orthodontist. The program includes advanced education in biomedical, behavioral and basic sciences. The orthodontic student learns the complex skills required to manage tooth movement (orthodontics) and guide facial development (dentofacial orthopedics).

Only dentists who have successfully completed these advanced specialty education programs may call themselves Orthodontists.

Examination:

In consideration that many of our patients are coming quite a distance and wish as few trips to the orthodontist as possible, we will do a very thorough examination at this first appointment. If an orthodontic problem exists that is ready for correction, we will be able to take any necessary records (x-rays, study models of the teeth, etc.) discuss: treatment options, treatment times, fees, financial arrangements, and answer any questions you may have at the time. You can expect this initial appointment to take approximately 40 minutes to 2 hours. We will have you back every three to nine months to monitor the growth of the face for proper treatment timing. As a courtesy, this examination, the consultation, and the recall visits are done at no charge. However, if x-rays, photos, models or other diagnostic materials are needed, there would be a charge for these procedures.

Treatment:

FIRST PHASE TREATMENT
The goal of the first phase treatment is to develop the jaw size in order to accommodate all the permanent teeth and to relate the upper and lower jaws to each other.
Children sometimes exhibit early signs of jaw problems as they grow and develop. An upper and lower jaw that is growing too much or not enough can be recognized at an early orthodontic appointment.

Because they are growing rapidly, children can benefit enormously from an early phase of orthodontic treatment utilizing appliances that direct the relationship of the upper and lower jaws. Thus, a good foundation can be established providing adequate room for eruption of all permanent teeth. This early correction may prevent later removal of permanent teeth to correct overcrowding and/or surgical procedures to align the upper and lower jaws. Leaving such a condition untreated until all permanent teeth erupt could result in a jaw discrepancy too severe to achieve an ideal result with braces.

Orthodontic records may be necessary to determine the type of appliances to be used, the duration of the treatment time, and the frequency of visits. Records consist of models of the teeth, x-rays, and photographs.

At the end of the first phase treatment, teeth are not in their final positions. This will be determined and accomplished in the second phase of treatment. Therefore, periodic recall appointments for observation are necessary, usually on a four to six month basis, between the end of the first phase and the start of the second phase.


SECOND PHASE TREATMENT
Each tooth has an exact location in the mouth where it is in harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other teeth. When this equilibrium is established, the teeth will function together properly. They will stay healthy and look attractive. This is the goal for the second phase of the treatment.

At the beginning of the first phase, orthodontic records were made and a diagnosis and treatment plan established. Certain types of appliances were used in the first phase, as dictated by the problem. The second phase is initiated when all permanent teeth have erupted and usually require braces on all teeth. Retainers are worn after this phase.

ADVANTAGES TO TWO-PHASE TREATMENT
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a very specialized process that encompasses tooth straightening and physical, facial changes. The emphasis today on living longer, staying healthy, and looking attractive requires optimum treatment results. The major advantage of a two-phase treatment is to provide the opportunity to accomplish an ideal, healthy, functional, and aesthetic result that will remain stable.

The disadvantage of waiting for complete eruption of permanent teeth and having only one phase of treatment, especially for someone with a jaw discrepancy, is having to face the possibility of a compromised result that may not be completely functionally healthy and may not be stable.

We are very pleased to see the number of adult patients that come to us for treatment. They are sometimes nervous about the "process", but find that with the clear braces and high-tech wires, treatment progresses without much discomfort or hassle. The results are quite amazing. You're never too old to have orthodontic treatment and achieve the smile you've always wanted.

In some cases when the teeth and the jaws do not meet properly and can not be aligned with the braces alone, a combination of braces and surgery can put them back in balance and create an esthetic smile and proper bite. We are very experienced with this treatment and have an excellent oral surgeon as part of the team.

Many people who suffer from such seemingly disparate symptoms as, joint noises, headaches, earaches, tenderness of the jaw muscles, or dull, aching facial pain often share a common problem. These people may suffer from a family of problems relating to the jaw (temporomandibular, or "TM") joint. These problems are often referred to as TM disorders. The muscles and joints may not function properly, resulting in cycles of pain and spasms. TM disorders can have a variety of causes and, in many cases, can be successfully treated.

Although we will always present an ideal treatment to our patients, there are times when optional treatments or a compromised treatment is preferred by the patient. We respect and honor our patients' right to choose, and will do our best to obtain the finest result possible.


  
   
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