Why Braces?
The goal of orthodontics is not just to have a beautiful smile but to have a healthy one, as well
Crooked and crowded teeth harbors more food and bacteria than straight teeth and are very hard to clean and maintain. This may contribute to conditions that cause tooth decay and gum disease which leads to tooth loss. Other orthodontic problems can cause abnormal wear of teeth, inefficient chewing function, excessive stress on the supporting bone and gum tissue, or misalignment of the jaw joints (TMJ) that results to chonic headaches or pain in the face and/or neck.
kids
It is best to see children by the age of 7 to determine if orthodontic treatment is required and the best time for that patient to be treated. Early treatment can guide the growth of the jaw and guide incoming permanent teeth. It 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 tooth, correct thumb-sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problem. In short, early treatment can simplify later treatment
Adults
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. One of every five patients is over 21. Jaw surgery is more often required for adult orthodontic patients because their jaws are not growing. Adults also may have experienced some breakdown or loss of their teeth and bone that supports the teeth and may require periodontal treatment before, during and/or after orthodontic treatment. Bone loss can also limit the amount and direction of tooth movement that is available.
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 is an important factor in achieving the most efficient treatment. Interceptive or early treatment procedures, may take as few as six months.
