Orthodontist Serving Allentown, PA

You already know that braces straighten crooked teeth. What you may not realize is that orthodontic treatment achieves much more than beautiful smiles. This article will briefly explain some basic principles of orthodontics and will answer some of the most common questions asked.

WHAT IS ORTHODONTICS?
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. The technical term for these problems is "malocclusion," which means "bad bite." The practice of orthodontics involves the diagnosis, application and control of corrective appliances (braces) to bring teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment and to achieve facial balance.

WHY DO DENTAL AND FACIAL PROBLEMS OCCUR?
Most malocclusions are inherited, but some are acquired. Inherited problems include:

a.) Crowding of teeth
b.) Too much space between teeth
c.) Extra or missing teeth
d.) Cleft palate and a wide variety of other irregularities of the jaw and face

Acquired malocclusions can be caused by thumb or finger sucking, teeth grinding, tongue thrusting, the airway being restricted by tonsils and adenoids, dental disease or premature loss of the primary (baby) or permanent teeth. Whether inherited or acquired, many of these problems affect not only the alignment of the teeth but ultimately the facial appearance as well.

WHY IS ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT IMPORTANT?
Everyone wants a beautiful smile, and everyone should have a healthy one. The goal of orthodontics is to achieve both for the patient. Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. This may contribute to conditions that cause not only tooth decay but also eventual gum disease and tooth loss. Orthodontic problems can cause abnormal wear of tooth surfaces. It can also cause excess stress on supporting bone and gum tissue or misalignment of the jaw joints with resultant pain in the face or neck. When left untreated, many orthodontic problems become worse. The importance of an attractive smile should not be underestimated. A pleasing appearance is a vital asset to one's self-confidence. Orthodontics changes outlooks - not just looks. A person's self-esteem often improves as treatment brings teeth, lips and face into harmony. In this way, orthodontic treatment can benefit social and career success as well as improve one's general attitude toward life.

WHEN SHOULD TREATMENT BEGIN?
An orthodontic examination is advisable any time a particular problem is noted by the patient, parent, family dentist or physician. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visits an orthodontist by age 7. An early examination allows treatment to proceed to achieve maximum improvements with the least amount of time and expense. In many patients, early treatment achieves excellent results that are unattainable once the face and jaws have finished growing. In young patients, for example, the bony junction connecting the two sides of the upper jaw have not sealed yet. An orthodontic device called a palate expander can widen the roof of the mouth to help overcome tooth crowding and correct dental crossbites. The following early warning signs may indicate that you or your child should have an orthodontic examination:

• Early or late loss of teeth
• Difficulty in chewing or biting
• Mouth breathing
• Finger sucking or other oral habits (a)
• Crowding, misplaced or blocked out teeth (b)
• Jaws that shift or make sounds
• Speech difficulty
• Biting the cheek or into the roof of the mouth
• Protruding teeth
• Teeth that meet in an abnormal manner or don't meet at all (c)
• Facial imbalance
• Jaws that protrude or retrude
• Grinding or clinching of the teeth (d)

WHAT ABOUT ADULT TREATMENT?
Parents are still making regular trips to the orthodontic office, but these days, more are leaving their kids in the waiting room. Nearly one million adults are sporting some form of braces, double the number from 10 years ago. Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. In fact, about 25 percent of orthodontic patients today are adults. The biological process involved in tooth movement is the same in adults and children. The health of an individual's teeth, gums and supporting bone is what is most important in determining the prospects for improving an adult's smile and dental health. Instructions seem to speed things up. Translucent ceramic brackets are often prescribed for adults because they are less visible.

New technology has produced a ceramic bracket that does not stain and has similar capabilities as the more visible metal braces. In fact, ceramic brackets owe their aesthetics and strength to rocket science. They are made of the same material used in the nose cones of missiles. In spite of what most people think, treatment time in adults is not significantly different from that of children. Better cooperation on the part of adults in following instructions seems to speed things up.

ARE THERE DIFFERENT STYLES OF BRACES?
Braces (custom-made appliances) are prescribed and designed according to the problem being treated. The most common are the metal braces, which are made of stainless steel (see Figure 1). They are the most durable and versatile. They are most commonly used on children and adolescent patients. Today's lightweight, streamlined braces are a long way from the steel bands that were previously used. Braces bonded directly to the tooth enamel with specially formulated dental resins have one aim - to use gentle pressure to move the teeth into their proper positions. Color is easily added to the braces by placing multi-toned elastic ligatures around the brackets. This is very popular especially with the adolescent patients. The colors can be changed and allow the patient to "dress up" their braces if they so desire (see Figure 3).

Translucent ceramic brackets are more aesthetic, but they are also more brittle. Because of their fragility, they are used mostly with adults. Some patients are electing to be treated with "gold braces." These are stainless steel braces that are plated with 24K gold to provide another option to the more traditional braces look (see Figure 4). There are a few inconveniences, but most patients adjust to braces quickly. Certain treats, such as peanut brittle, caramels and bubble gum, are off limits, and the teeth may be a little tender after major adjustments. The good news is that the new techniques and materials used today, such as heat-activated nickel-titanium wires, move teeth more gently and precisely. They have also decreased the frequency of office visits and overall treatment time. Headgear is sometimes used in conjunction with braces (see Figure 5). It is used in cases where the upper teeth or jaw are too far forward. The headgear slows the upper jaw in its forward growth and allows the lower jaw to catch up simply by developing at its natural rate during the period of facial growth. Headgear is worn for a minimum of 12 hours per day.

The actual time spent wearing braces depends on the growth of the patient's mouth and face, the cooperation of the patient and the severity of the problem. Mild problems may require less than six months time. The average time in braces is 20 to 24 months. Occasionally, braces need to be worn for longer periods in special situations.

After braces are removed, the patient will be asked to wear a retainer for a period of time to help keep the teeth in their new positions. Contrary to popular belief, the teeth are never fully set. They can shift throughout life. Therefore, the long-term wearing of a retainer during the sleeping hours is important, too. If you wonder what you or someone you love might look like after braces, the American Association of Orthodontists offers a free public service called "Smile Book.” You may call 1-800-STRAIGHT to take advantage of this service. They will give you instructions on how to receive a free photo showing how braces could ultimately improve your smile. Here's looking at you, kid!