| Is orthodontic treatment necessary?(Return to Top)
The main reason for orthodontic treatment is to improve the facial and dental appearance. In cases of very prominent incisors there may be an increased risk of trauma. Crowded teeth may also become a problem as they are more difficult to clean and more likely to suffer from decay.
Dr. Callahan is an orthodontist with over 30 years experience in the Chicago area with an office in Downers Grove, IL.
When should treatment start?(Return to Top)
Age 7 - 8: Some early orthodontic treatment can be carried out at this age to partially treat a severe malocclusion. At this age the use of a functional appliance may be appropriate in attempting to influence facial growth in order to improve the bite and facial appearance.
Age 10 - 11: This is often a good time to begin full orthodontic treatment. Teeth may or may not be required to be extracted. The majority of orthodontics requires fixed appliances to achieve the best results. It is desirable to complete orthodontic treatment during the growing years before a child goes to high school. Patients may be treated during their high school years, late teens or early adulthood if earlier treatment was not possible. However, treatment with adults is more difficult, more costly and takes longer.
What type of brace? (Return to Top)
Removable appliances may be used in some cases, although they rarely fully correct irregularities of the teeth and should be regarded as a limited treatment, unless used in conjunction with fixed appliances. The appliance needs to be worn full time, 24 hours a day. The appliance is only to be removed from the mouth for cleaning, eating and contact sports. A ‘brace box’ is useful to prevent damage or loss of the appliance. The appliance is kept clean using a cleaner provided for this purpose.
Functional appliances are routinely used in growing patients (between 9 and 12 years) to correct an imbalance in the relationship of the jaws, usually where the upper teeth are prominent. It requires a very co-operative and well-motivated patient as success of the treatment depends on whether the brace is worn.
Fixed appliances will bring about the best result in most cases and are usually the appliance of choice. Brackets are used on the teeth to provide correction of the malocclusion. The brace is fixed to the teeth for the duration of treatment, usually between 18-24 months. Excellent oral hygiene is essential, otherwise damage can occur to the teeth leaving white or brown marks. Fixed appliances are delicate and eating habits need to change. Do not bite into hard food, instead cut your food up or break your food up into small pieces before chewing. Avoid all types of hard and sticky foods as these will readily break the appliance.
Sometimes elastics have to be worn as part of the fixed appliance treatment to move the teeth. Elastics usually need to be worn 24 hours a day and replaced every day.
When fixed appliances are removed, the teeth will be slightly mobile (this is normal). In order to prevent teeth relapsing a retainer appliance will be used to hold the teeth in position. These are normally removable braces and need to be worn until growth is completed. The underlying cause of dental irregularity may never go away.
Retention is therefore required to prevent any relapse. A retention regime will be given to minimize post-treatment changes. In some cases permanent retention or “retention for life” may be indicated for greater reassurance The retention period for most patients is 2-5 years.
Do I need to see my own dentist during orthodontic treatment? (Return to Top)
Yes, it is very important that during orthodontic treatment that you see your general dental practitioner for routine dental check ups.
How much co-operation is necessary? (Return to Top)
Orthodontic treatment usually
takes about 18-24 months, followed by retention. For
treatment to succeed full co-operation is required for physical activity. A mouth guard should be worn during all physical activity including practices and games. Also, a patient would be expected to attend regularly scheduled appointments and keep your teeth clean throughout treatment. Avoiding sweets and fizzy drinks can help protect your teeth during treatment. Breakage of orthodontic appliances can prolong and increase the expense of orthodontic treatment. It is important to protect appliances at
all times.
Damaged or broken orthodontic appliances may occur from eating foods harmful to your orthodontic appliances, such as hard or sticky items. Damage to your orthodontic appliances may also occur as a result of hard physical contact. Thus, it is important to protect your appliances at all times. A lack of co-operation is usually the reason for treatment failure.
What happens if the brace breaks? (Return to Top)
If the brace breaks, please contact our office or the emergency phone number you have been given. A broken removable or functional appliance does not constitute an emergency as the brace can be left out of the mouth and the office can be contacted for an appointment as soon as possible. If a fixed appliance breaks, use the supplied wax to relieve any sharp parts and contact me as soon as possible.
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