Benefits of Braces

Why Braces?

Your dentist may have discussed with you the benefits of having healthy teeth and proper jaw alignment. Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. This can result in tooth decay, worsen gum disease and lead to tooth loss. Other orthodontic problems can contribute to abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, inefficient chewing function, excessive stress on gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth, or misalignment of the jaw joints. These can lead to chronic headaches and face or neck pain. Treatment by an orthodontist can be less costly than the additional care required to treat dental problems arising as a result of orthodontic problems. For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics.  After your braces come off, you'll feel more self-confident.

 

Braces for All Ages

Adults

Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. One out of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over the age of 21.  Treatment can range from the correction of mild crowding to more comprehensive care like jaw surgery. Adult orthodontic patients with more significant problems may require jaw surgery because their jaws have finished growing. Adults may have experienced some breakdown or loss of teeth and bone support. In these cases they may require periodontal (gum) treatment before, during and/or after orthodontic treatment. Gum tissue health can also limit the amount and direction of tooth movement that is advisable.

Kids

It is advantageous to see children by age 7 to screen if orthodontic treatment may be required and the best time for that patient to be treated. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by that time and crossbites, crowding and other problems can be evaluated. When treatment is begun early, the orthodontist can guide the growth of the jaw and guide incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early treatment can simplify later treatment.

How Orthodontic Treatment Works

Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic or plastic. They may be removable or they may be braces or brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to a corrected position. This is a great time to wear braces! Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. You can choose brackets that are metal or clear colour when appropriate. Braces are also less noticeable than they used to be and the latest materials move teeth faster with less discomfort to patients and with fewer appointments.

Duration of Treatment

Treatment time typically ranges from one to three years, depending on the growth of the patient's mouth and face and the severity of the problem. Patients grow at different rates and will respond variously to orthodontic treatment, so the time to case completion may differ from the original estimate. The patient's diligent use of any prescribed elastics or headgear is an important factor in achieving the most efficient treatment. Interceptive, or early treatment procedures, may take as few as six months.