PROCEDURES Orthodontics
The Restorative and Esthetic Nature of Orthodontics
Since malocclusion may interfere with eating and speaking, it is usually considered a restorative issue. Although, because a malocclusion may prevent the development of a beautiful, well-aligned smile or facial jaw lines, it may also be classified as an esthetic issue and categorized as cosmetic dentistry.
No matter what your age, orthodontics can protect your bite (occlusion), maximize your teeth's effectiveness in performing their functions and create a well-aligned smile. Today’s orthodontics involves repositioning of the teeth and underlying roots, providing better support for the crown of the tooth. Orthodontic treatment is now associated with the benefits of greater esthetic appeal, increased comfort and reduced treatment time.
Orthodontic treatment can also rejuvenate your facial appearance by reshaping the jaw, neck and lips, especially when combined with maxillofacial surgical procedures. In addition, well-aligned teeth make oral hygiene easier to maintain.
Orthodontists are the dentists who focus on the practice of orthodontics. An orthodontist is typically required to complete an additional two to three years of post-dental school education before becoming a certified practitioner of orthodontics.
The Orthodontic Evaluation
If you are a candidate for orthodontics, you will likely be referred by your general dentist to an orthodontist for evaluation of your bite. During your first orthodontic visit, your orthodontist may use several methods to develop an individualized treatment plan, including:
. Oral,
facial and functional
evaluation (examination).
. Intraoral and
facial photographs.
. Panoramic and
cephalometric X-rays.
. Impressions
for models of the teeth
and bite.
. An orthodontist
reviews your dental
records, performs a
clinical assessment,
takes X-rays
of your mouth and head
and makes models of
the teeth by creating
an accurate impression
of them. The results
of this evaluation are
studied in order to
formulate the best orthodontic
treatment
plan.
Typically during the
second visit, your orthodontist
reviews the treatment
plan and estimates
the
number of months for
the active phase of
treatment. The standard
treatment phase is two
years. Following treatment,
you may be required
to wear a retainer for
a period of time.
The duration of orthodontic
treatment varies based
on your age, the extensiveness
of the procedure (some
people require more
work than others) and
how closely you follow
your treatment plan.
For example, younger
patients may respond
more quickly to treatment
than
older patients
because the bones supporting
young teeth are more
pliable than those supporting
older teeth. However,
adults tend to follow
treatment instructions
more consistently than
pre-teens.
In some cases the treatment time is longer. For example, oral surgery and recovery may be needed before or during orthodontic treatment.