Orthodontics

FAQs – Orthodontics &DentofacialOrthopadedics

1. What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in diagnosis ,prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Braces are appliances or devices used to make these corrections.

2. What are the early warning signs of a bad bite?

• Upper front teeth protrude or are “bucked”
• Top front teeth cover more than 25% of the bottom front teeth when the back teeth are biting together
• Top front teeth grow in behind the bottom front teeth
• A space exists between the top and bottom front teeth with the back teeth biting together
• Crowded or overlapped teeth or extra teeth
• Baby teeth are slow falling out
• The centers of the top and bottom front teeth don’t line up
• Finger sucking habit continuing after 6 years of age
• Difficulty chewing
• Teeth wearing unevenly
• Jaws that shift off center when the teeth bite together
• Excessive spaces between teeth that persist after the top permanent canine teeth appear
• It is most important to examine your child’s teeth as the permanent teeth grow in. Although children mature at different rates, there are some averages for permanent tooth arrival.

3. Will additional jaw growth allow self-correction of crowded teeth seen in an 8-year-old child?

No.- The space available for the front teeth does not increase after the permanent 6 year molars erupt. In most people, the space available for the front teeth decreases with increasing age.

4. When should orthodontic treatment be started?

The most confusing question for most parents, and some general dentists, is when to actually start treatment. The objective is to treat at the time when it will minimize treatment time, achieve a normal profile, and get the best long term, stable result. Some orthodontic problems start developing at the age of 6 to 7 years, and it is usually a good time to get an initial consultation, especially if the parent or general dentist suspects that a problem may be developing. Though no active treatment may be initiated at this time in most cases, some problems may need to be intercepted to prevent them from later developing into complicated situations. An example of an indication to start early treatment is the presence of a cross-bite of the front or back teeth

5. What causes crooked teeth?

Heredity is the main cause although local factors such as finger sucking, high cavity rate, gum disease, trauma and premature loss of baby teeth can also contribute to a bad bite.

6. Why should I have my teeth straightened?

Poorly arranged teeth can break easily and can trap food particles that cause tooth decay and gum disease. They can also lead to poor chewing and digestion which can be bad for your overall health. Finally, poorly arranged teeth detract from your smile which is one of the more important features of your face.

7. How do braces straighten crooked teeth?

Braces use steady, gentle pressure over time to move teeth into their proper positions. They don’t look like they’re doing much just sitting there, but in fact, during every moment in your orthodontic treatment period, there’s something happening in your mouth, something good for you. The brackets we place on your teeth and the main archwire that connects them, are the two main components. The bracket is a piece of specially shaped metal or ceramic that we stick on each tooth. Then we bend the archwireto reflect your ‘ideal” bite- what we want you to look like after treatment. The wire threads through the brackets and, as the wire tries to return to its original shape, it applies pressure to actually move your teeth. Picture your tooth resting in your jaw bone. With pressure on one side from the archwire, the bone on the other side gives way. The tooth moves. New bone grows in behind. It may look like nothing is happening–but we’re making a new smile here. Thanks to new materials and procedures, all this happens much quicker than ever before. It’s kind of an engineering feat.

8. Can you be too old for braces?

No. If the teeth and gums are healthy, age is not a factor. About 30-40% of orthodontic patients are adultsnowdays. We have successfully treated several patients over 40 years of age.Invisible lingual braces and cosmetic braces make for the appearance problems.

9. Will orthodontics change my lifestyle?

You’ll have to give up extremely hard and sticky foods including gum. These foods can get caught on the braces and pull the braces off. And you’ll have to spend a few extra minutes cleaning your braces after meals. But, for the most part, you’ll find braces don’t cramp your style. You’ll still be able to sing, play your musical instrument, smile, play sports and of course,

10. How can I take care of my teeth if I’m wearing braces or a retainer?

• ALWAYS remember to brush your teeth after every meal and floss at least once a day.
• Make sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, and ask your family dentist if you need a fluoride rinse. This will help prevent cavities!
• If you take out your retainer to eat, make sure you brush your teeth, floss, and remember to keep your retainer safe in its container so that it does not get lost or broken.
• Keep your retainer clean, too, by brushing it gently with a toothbrush and toothpaste. You may also soak it in denture cleaner as instructed by Dr.Willes. Do not put your retainer in boiling water or in the dishwasher.
• During your treatment, try to avoid foods with a lot of sugar, which increases the amount of bacteria that grows in your mouth, and can cause more plaque and potential cavities.
• Avoid sticky and chewy foods (caramel, chewing gum, gummy bears), hard foods (hard candy, nuts, ice cubes), or any foods that could possibly get stuck in your braces (corn on the cob, bagels, ribs, taffy, etc.).
• Be sure to schedule your routine checkups with your family dentist. It is recommended that you continue to visit the dentist every six months.

11. Is orthodontic care expensive?

Well timed orthodontic treatment to correct a problem is often less costly than the additional dental care required to treat the more serious problems that can develop years later. Treatment charges at MANAV RACHNA DENTAL COLLEGE are kept at very minimal for varied kind of treatment options.

12. When is the best time to schedule an initial consultation?

Early consultation allows the orthodontist to determine the optimum time for treatment to begin. In some cases, satisfactory results are unattainable once the face and jaws have finished growing. Seven years old is a good rule of thumb for a child unless you see a noticeable problem earlier. Early examination often permits maximum improvement with the least amount of time and expense.

13. Why should you choose an orthodontic specialist?

Teeth and sometimes faces are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment; therefore, it is very important that the treatment is done right the first time. An orthodontist has undergone years of specialized training in orthodontics, and dedicates his entire professional life to treating orthodontic problems.

14. Do you need a referral from your family dentist to see an orthodontist?

You don’t need a referral from your family dentist. Word of mouth recommendations from friends and families of patients is often the primary way orthodontists meet new patients. Spread the word if you like your orthodontist at MANAV RACHNA DENTAL COLLEGE!

15. Do braces hurt?

Braces do not often hurt, though you may feel a small amount of discomfort for a couple days as your teeth, gums, cheeks, and mouth get used to your new braces.

16. Do I need to brush my teeth more often if I have braces?

With braces, you should brush your teeth at least three times a day to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy and clean. Brushing regularly will help remove any food that may be caught between your braces.You should also floss daily to get between your braces where your brush isn’t able to reach.

17. Does department at MRDC offer all latest orthodontic treatment?

Yes, we offer all possible latest options for orthodontic care,like

• Invisible Braces
• Ceramic
• Partially Visible Braces ,
• New Self Ligation Elastic Free Braces
• Micro Implants Assisted Treatment.

18. Getting Started:

You will be asked what you want to change about your smile and what questions do you have about braces.

Doctors will do a detailed examination of your face, jaws and teeth.

The concerned doctor will recommend records (x-rays, photos and impressions of the teeth) in order to plan treatment.

The staff will answer the following questions:-

• Can the problem be corrected?
• How long will it take?
• How much will it cost?
• When should it begin?
• What kind of appliance or device will be used?
• What does the patient do for treatment to succeed?
• What kind of final result can you expect? After active treatment, what do you need to maintain the results?

The staff will tailor the treatment specifically for a patients problem.

The staff will also indicate if other dental care is necessary before starting braces treatment.

19. What To Expect:

• Special instruction on how to clean your teeth with braces.
• Adjustment of your braces approximately every 4-6 weeks.
• Mild tooth soreness during the first week in braces and after adjustment appointments.
• A treatment time of 12-36 months depending on the complexity of treatment.
• Experienced friendly staff at MANAV RACHNA DENTAL COLLEGE
• A period of retainer wear will follow removal of your braces. .

The degree of success is almost always a reflection of a person’s cooperation during treatment and retention. Active patient participation is always essential for success.