What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is the dental specialty that specializes in diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. An orthodontist is also concerned with correctly positioned teeth, jaw bones, jaw joints and chewing muscles.

Straightening your teeth will give you a beautiful smile, but that is not all that orthodontics is concerned with! Aligning your teeth helps your teeth function better and makes your teeth easier to clean. In addition, a healthy smile enhances self-confidence.

What is an Orthodontist?

An Orthodontist is a dental specialist who has a minimum of two to three years of full-time post-graduate training following Dental School at a recognized, accredited University program. Orthodontists must also pass an intensive Royal College National examination process in order to qualify as a specialist. Only dentists with this advanced specialty training and successful completion of the Royal College examinations can present themselves as Orthodontists.

What are the benefits of orthodontic treatment?

• You'll have a nicer smile and straighter teeth
• Psychological benefits - With better esthetic appearance,you may have increased
  confindence and self-esteem
• Your teeth will be easier to brush, floss and take care of. You'll be less likely to
  have cavities, gum disease or jaw problems
• You will have a better ability to chew
  

Do I need a referral to see an Orthodontist?

Your dentist is specially trained to notice problems in your bite and development of your teeth. It is always important to maintain teeth and gums with regular check-ups and cleanings by your dentist! However, you can obtain the name of an orthodontist from friends, family and coworkers or from the yellow pages. You do not need a referral to see an Orthodontist. We welcome patients from all sources and you can call and make your own appointment.

When should I see an Orthodontist?

There is no rule regarding the right age for orthodontic treatment. It can vary from person to person depending on the specific orthodontic needs. It is a good idea to consult an orthodontist when your child is approximately 7 years old. Even if no treatment is initiated at his age, the orthodontist can ensure that treatment is planned for the future and can monitor your child's growth and eruption of teeth. Early treatment may mean avoiding surgery or more extensive corrections later on.

Is orthodontics just for kids?

Today, more than one in every four patients are over the age of 21. You are never too old to consider a change for a brighter smile and a better bite.

What are some signs of orthodontic problems?

• Early or late loss of baby teeth.
• Late or lack of appearance of adult teeth.
• Difficulty in chewing or biting. Finger or thumb sucking beyond the age of five.
• Overlapped, misplaced, or blocked teeth.
• Extra teeth.
• Missing teeth.
• Teeth erupting toward the lips, cheek, tongue, or roof of the mouth.
• Upper front teeth protruding excessively in front of the lower front teeth (large overjet).
• Lack of vertical overlap of the front teeth (open bite).
• Too much vertical overlap of the front teeth (deep overbite).
• Lower front teeth biting in front of the upper front teeth (reverse bite).
• Upper side teeth inside of the lower side teeth, or excessively outside the lower side teeth (crossbite).
• Difficulty in touching the lips together without strain.
• Dental midline drift to one side.
• Jaws that shift to one side or make sounds.
• Jaws that protrude (positioned too far forward) or retrude (positioned too far back).
  

How long does treatment take?

The length of your treatment depends on your bite problem, age, response to treatment, and cooperation with wearing appliances as advised.

Will I need to wear a retainer?

Shifting or settling of teeth following treatment and retention often occurs in varying degrees. Some undesirable changes may include rotations, crowding of the lower front teeth, spaces at the extraction sites, and spaces between the upper front teeth. The eruption of wisdom teeth, previously rotated teeth, mouth breathing, and uncontrolled muscle habits are the most frequent causes. The best way to minimize undesirable changes is to wear retainers as prescribed by the orthodontist.

What foods can I eat?

Wearing braces doesn't have to mean giving up your favourite foods. Special care needs to be taken with your braces and appliances because they can be easily damaged. Troublemakers include sticky, hard, and crunchy foods.

What are braces and how do they work?

Braces are small ‘brackets’ that are bonded to the teeth. Wires (called ‘archwires’) are held into these brackets by tiny round elastics, very thin wires (called metal ligatures), or by special clips. Wires move teeth by applying gentle pressure to each tooth. Sometimes elastics are worn from one tooth to another to help control and direct tooth movement.

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Are there different kinds of braces?

With today's technology there are many options and many different types of braces. According to your personal needs we have the following kinds available:

• Silver - These are the conventional braces that most people wear when having orthodontic treatment.
• Transparent/Ceramic - These braces are the same colour as your tooth structure and are virtually undetectable.
• Clear Aligners - These braces are a series of removable appliances constructed of a hard clear plastic material and are ideal for anyone with a prominent job working with the public.

What is headgear?

Headgear is used primarily for bite problems. It most often has a neck or head strap and a facebow. The facebow is connected to special tubes attached to the braces on the back teeth. The facebow puts pressure on the upper teeth and jaw to slow growth of the upper jaw. Some, but not all patients need to wear headgear as part of their treatment.

What do orthodontic elastics do?

Elastics provide the force necessary to move teeth along the wires to straighten teeth, close spaces and allow teeth in either jaw to meet with their counterparts.

Do braces hurt?

It is normal to have some tenderness and discomfort for 3-7 days following the placement of new wires or when adjustments are made to appliances attached to the teeth. The discomfort is usually short lived and should not interfere significantly with your level of activity. The braces themselves may also rub into cheeks, tongue and lips. Ask your orthodontist for some wax to stop these areas from rubbing and be sure to call if something is poking or is loose.

Do you have more questions?

Please feel free to visit www.braces.org (American Association of Orthodontists) or www.cao-aco.org (Canadian Association of Orthodontists) for more insightful information on what Orthodontics is all about.

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