Orthodontics (also referred to as dentofacial orthopedics) is a specialized form of dentistry, focusing on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial abnormalities.
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An orthodontist is a dentist who furthers his education by attending a 2 or 3 year residency program in orthodontics at an ADA accredited dental school or hospital. Your orthodontist is able to straighten teeth, correct misaligned jaw structure, and improve the function of your smile. Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. It is important that the treatment be appropriate and properly completed. Orthodontic specialists have extensive and specialized training that enables them to provide their patients with professional, personalized treatments.
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An attractive smile and improved self-image are just a few of the benefits of orthodontic treatment. Alleviating and preventing physical health problems is just as important. Without treatment, orthodontic problems can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, bone destruction, chewing and digestive difficulties, speech impairments, tooth loss and other dental injuries.
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The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child be evaluated by age seven. Early detection of some orthodontic problems is important in order to take interceptive corrective action and avoid more difficult treatment later. Most patients, however, are treated during adolescence between the ages of 11-15.
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A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important to adults. No patient is “too old” to wear braces!
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No, it is not. Many of our patients are referred by their family dentist, yet many other patients take the initiative to schedule an examination themselves.
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The amount of time spent in braces can vary depending on the individual patient. Treatment may take between 9 to 30 months or longer, depending on the age of the patient, the severity of the problem, the patient’s cooperation, and the degree of movement possible. Treatment time obviously depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic problem.
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Removing teeth is sometimes needed to get the best orthodontic result. Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are always the goal. However, we are very conservative when it comes to requesting that teeth be extracted. Today’s technology has resulted in advanced orthodontic procedures, which have greatly reduced the need for removing teeth.
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Appointments are scheduled according to each patient’s needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every 4 to 6 weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.
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Unfortunately, we cannot schedule all appointments for students during after-school hours. However, because most appointments are scheduled 4 to 6 weeks apart, most patients will miss minimal school due to their orthodontic treatments. We will, however, make a sincere effort to meet your scheduling needs.
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Most orthodontic patients experience some discomfort the first week after their braces are put on. After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days This results from the teeth moving through the bone to their new position. Pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen will ease the discomfort. Advances in technology have provided much gentler forces, which greatly reduce soreness.
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Yes. There is no reason to miss school because of an orthodontic appointment
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No. Shots are not necessary in orthodontic treatment.
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Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain the complete instructions and provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. Some of those foods include: ice, hard candy, popcorn and all sticky foods (i.e. caramel, taffy and chewing gum). You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.
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If your braces are causing extreme pain or if something breaks, you should call our office. In most cases, we can address these issues over the telephone. If you require an emergency appointment, we will set aside time for you.
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Our office is available after normal working hours. Simply call the office and wait for the answering machine to answer. The recorded message will give you the number where we can be reached in the event of an emergency that will not wait until the next working day.
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Patients should brush their teeth at least three times each day: after breakfast, lunch (or as soon as they get home from school), and before going to bed. We will show each patient how to floss their teeth with braces on and will provide a prescription for a special fluoride toothpaste to help protect the enamel against decalcification and decay.
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Yes! In fact, it’s even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush can’t reach. This causes bacteria to build up and can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your dentist will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces.
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Playing an instrument or a contact sport may require some adjustment when you first get your braces, but wearing braces will not stop you from participating in any of your school activities. If you play a contact sport, it is recommended that you wear a mouthguard to protect your braces or appliance.
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Yes. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention. However, if a patient is not yet ready for treatment, we will follow that patient’s growth and development until the time is right for treatment to begin.
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Phase One treatment is usually initiated for children between the ages of 7 and 10 and typically takes about 12-16 months. Objectives of Phase One treatment include the development of space to accommodate all of the permanent teeth, correcting the skeletal relationship (“overbite, underbite, crossbite, openbite,”etc.) between the upper and lower jaw, and to improve a child’s psychological self-image and self-esteem, both very important during their formative years.
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It is best to assume that your child will need full braces even after Phase One treatment. The period following Phase One treatment is called the “resting period,” during which growth and tooth eruption are closely monitored. Throughout this period, parents and patients will be kept informed of future treatment recommendations.
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Yes. A tooth with a crown will move just like a tooth with a simple filling. When teeth are missing, orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.
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A retainer is a device worn full or part-time after braces have been removed. The retainer is designed to prevent your teeth from drifting or moving while the bone around your teeth hardens and stabilizes. The longer you wear your retainer, the better your chances that you teeth will not relapse. Retainers provide assurance that your teeth will stay in favorable alignment while your jaw continues to grow or develop.
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If you or your child can potentially benefit from orthodontic treatment, simply call our office. When you call to schedule your appointment, our front office staff will request some basic information from you. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for you.
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Appointments are scheduled according to each patient’s needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every 4 to 6 weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.
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