FAQ - Orthodontics

Q. There has been a lot of media attention recently about extreme makeovers. How can orthodontic treatment help achieve an ideal smile makeover?

A. Orthodontic treatment can be extremely helpful to achieve a smile makeover. For example, orthodontic treatment can place the teeth in better positions to correct the bite and eliminate crowding so that it is easier for the restorative dentist to improve the appearance of the teeth. A smile makeover without orthodontic correction may require reshaping and removal of tooth structure to adjust for crowding or faulty positions of the teeth. Often, an extensive makeover can be eliminated with orthodontic treatment and patients may only desire whitening or relatively small corrections of blemished or worn teeth.

Q. I know orthodontic treatment provides cosmetic benefit, but what are some of the other reasons for having braces?

A. Adults and children benefit from orthodontic treatment to correct the bite, alleviate crowding and improve alignment, thus improving function, facilitating proper oral hygiene, and preventing possible future dental problems such as increased wear of teeth. For children, orthodontics is not only important for alignment of teeth, but treatment may help correct jaw discrepancies through some modification of jaw growth in combination with tooth movement and bite correction. Children also benefit through correction of problems when teeth do not erupt normally and reduction of overjet (“buck teeth”) to minimize trauma and fracture of front teeth.

Q. My dentist has recommended my daughter see an orthodontist because her canine teeth are not coming in correctly. How will this be corrected?

A. Depending on the exact position of the canines and if the patient is seen early enough, the orthodontist may be able to help redirect the eruption path of the canines so that they will erupt normally. However, if the patient is already past the age of the normal canine ruption time or the positions of the teeth are significantly abnormal, the orthodontist may need to assist in the eruption of the teeth by employing surgical uncovering of the tooth and orthodontic tooth movement.

Q. Can I select my orthodontist myself?

A. Yes. A good starting point is for your family dentist to make a recommendation. If this is not an option, a good source of information is the American Association of Orthodontists (www.braces.org or 1-800-787-2444). There will be a directory of orthodontists in your area who have graduated from an accredited orthodontic program.

Q. What is Invisalign?

A. Invisalign is a form of orthodontic treatment that utilizes a series of custom made clear retainers to move teeth. Each retainer moves select teeth a tiny amount and then the patient progresses to the next retainer. It is usually more expensive than fixed orthodontics and is more limited in the scope of what can be accomplished compared to traditional fixed braces. It is not recommended for children and is designed for the adult who does not want to wear traditional braces.