- Initial Visit |
- Nature of Problems |
- Timing of Orthodontic Treatment |
- Finances |
- Techniques |
- Invisalign
You already know that braces straighten crooked teeth. However, what you may not realize is that orthodontic treatment achieves more than beautiful smiles for most patients. On your initial visit to our office, we will determine the nature of any dental problems that you or your child may have. We will be happy to discuss the duration, cost, and methods of treatment at no charge to you.
The technical term for a bite that is off and poorly functional is called a "malocclusion". Most malocclusions are inherited, however some are acquired.
Inherited problems include:
Crowding of teeth, Deep-bite, overjet (“under-bite“), too much spacing, extra/missing/retained
or impacted teeth, growth irregularities of the jaws (too far back or forward) and the
face, cleft palate/lips, and narrow jaws or arches leading to anterior or posterior Cross-bites.
Acquired problems can be caused by:
Finger/thumb sucking or tongue thrusting which all potentially could lead to open-bites as
well as cross-bites of the back teeth. Airway constriction caused by tonsils or adenoids
to cause mouth breathing and vice versa. Premature loss of primary or permanent teeth due
accidents or large cavities and un-restorable teeth.
Whether these problems are inherited or acquired, they affect not only the alignment of the teeth but facial appearance as well. Everyone wants a beautiful smile, and everyone should have a healthy one. Our main goal 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 eventually gum disease and tooth loss. Other problems may include abnormal stresses to teeth or jaw joints with chronic headaches, or pain in the face or neck. When left untreated, many orthodontic problems become worse. Treatment to correct the original problem is often less costly than the additional dental care required to treat the more severe cases that can develop in later years.
The importance of an attractive smile should not be underestimated, as a pleasing appearance is a vital asset to one’s self-confidence. 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, to improve one's general attitude toward life.
It is critical to see a specialist in orthodontics, since teeth and jaw functions are permanently changed by treatment. It is imperative that the treatment is done properly, because to undo most of these changes later is impossible, or timely and expensive.