What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a specialty branch of Dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Braces and other appliances are routinely used to correct these problems.

Orthodontics deals mostly with crowded or 'malaligned' (poorly aligned) teeth but is also concerned with the relationship of the jaws to each other as well as the bite, or 'function' of the teeth.

Adults may benefit from orthodontics, just as much as younger people. You are never too old to be your best!

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 a rigorous 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.

Orthodontists are specialized in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

Why is orthodontics important?

An attractive smile and improved self-image is just one of the benefits of orthodontic treatment. Without treatment, orthodontic problems may lead to difficulties chewing, problems like tooth decay and gum disease, speech impairments and tooth loss.

What are the benefits of braces?

Teeth that fit together properly improve function as well as the stability of your bite, thus distributing chewing forces more efficiently. Better distribution of forces helps decrease excessive tooth wear, helps to decrease periodontal breakdown or supporting bone loss and helps to preserve healthy jaw joints (TMJ). Straight, well-aligned teeth make it easier for you and your dentist to keep your teeth clean, thus preserving tooth and gum health. Well-aligned teeth also makes it easier for your dentist to provide restorations, such as bridges, implants and fillings, and can help improve the long-term stability of these restorations. Improving the appearance of the teeth and face and providing a healthy smile improves self-esteem and gives confidence in day-to-day living.

At what age should orthodontic treatment occur?

Orthodontic treatment can be started at almost any age. Many orthodontic problems can be corrected easier if detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid surgery and more serious complications. It is recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists that every child visit an Orthodontist by the age of 7 or earlier if parents, the family dentist or physician detects a problem. Even if no treatment is initiated at this stage, the Orthodontist can ensure that treatment is planned at the appropriate time for each person, according to his or her specific needs. All recall appointments between your initial examination appointment and the start of orthodontic treatment are complimentary and ensure the Orthodontist is able to monitor your dental and facial growth and to best plan for the right time to start treatment if intervention is needed.

Adults can benefit from orthodontic treatment as well. Today, one in every four orthodontic patients is over 21 years of age.

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 5. 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).

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 or very thin wires (called metal ligatures). 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.

There are different kinds of braces. Silver braces are the most common. A multitude of colours of tiny elastics are available, which hold the archwire into the brackets. Every visit, these coloured elastics are changed to your choice of colours.

Clear or transparent braces are also available. These braces are much less noticeable.

What is 'Invisalign'?

'Invisalign' is a relatively recent product, which is a type of clear orthodontic appliance that is practically invisible to the eye. Through a series of clear plastic 'shells', these appliances can gradually straighten teeth that are only mildly crowded. These appliances are not recommended for moderate to serious bite problems or serious tooth malalignment but do work for relatively simple cases involving relatively minor tooth movement. 'Invisalign' is marketed and produced by a company in the United States, who 'certify' orthodontists to be able to submit cases for approval. We are an 'Invisalign' - certified office and can inform you as to whether or not 'Invisalign' might be a reasonable option for your particular malocclusion.

Do I need a referral to see an Orthodontist?

Dentists are trained to identify orthodontic problems and are usually the first to make you aware of potential problems. However, you can obtain the name of an Orthodontist from a friend, relative or the phone book and make an initial examination appointment yourself. Referrals from dentists are not required in order to book an examination.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Treatment time depends on many factors, including the severity of the problem, patient cooperation with appliance and elastic wear, and regular attendance at the scheduled appointments. Treatment can be anywhere from six months in partial treatment cases to 30 months in complex orthodontic cases. The average time for comprehensive orthodontic treatment (full braces) is approximately 20-22 months.

Will I need to wear a retainer?

Retainers are needed after the removal of braces to hold the teeth in their final position while the bone and tissues around the teeth adapt to the new tooth position. Teeth will always have a certain tendency to go back somewhat to their original position, even after the braces have been off for a while. We advise that the retainers be worn full-time for a certain period of time after braces removal (usually 6-12 months, depending on the initial severity of tooth crowding) after which the retainers can be worn less often (nights only). In order to minimize future changes in tooth position as a result of natural facial and tooth changes, it is advised that retainers be kept for periodic wearing (for example, one or two nights per week) on a long-term basis.

Retainers are now available which are practically invisible, so that wearing of retainers is much easier than at one time.

What foods can I eat?

Most foods can be eaten comfortably with orthodontic braces in place if special attention is paid to the way the food is prepared and eaten. Hard food such as candies and nuts can damage the braces and wires and can cause the braces to break away from the teeth. Certain fruits and vegetables that are hard can be cooked or cut up into manageable pieces so that they don't cause damage. Sticky and very chewy foods like certain candies and toffee can pull off the braces from the teeth, as well as get stuck on the sides of the braces, causing decalcification and tooth decay. These foods should be avoided. We will give you a detailed list that tells you which foods you should avoid.

Do braces hurt?

Braces do cause pressure and tenderness when new wires are placed or when adjustments are made to move the teeth. Normally the discomfort is short lasting and will not affect your normal daily activities. The use of an analgesic or pain medication, such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Advil), is recommended for the first couple of days following placement of braces, if required. Less than half of our patients feel the need to take any pain medication.

Modern archwires are made from special metals (alloys) that place much lower and gentler forces on the teeth than the older archwires. Thus, tooth discomfort with tooth movement and archwire changes is not as severe or as long lasting as it might have been previously. If the discomfort you feel from tooth movement is continuous and lasts more than three days, you should contact our office so that we can check your appliances and alleviate the problem.