Patient's Orthodontic Questions Page
The information on this page is meant as a guide only and is not meant to take the place of a professional consultation with your orthodontist or dentist. If you have any questions, please speak to your orthodontist, or ask your dentist for a referral to one.
Questions Regarding Orthodontics...
Looking for an
Orthodontist in Australia?
What is
Orthodontics?
What is an
Orthodontist?
When Should
Orthodontic Treatment be Done?
What Does Orthodontic
Treatment Involve?
Functional
Appliances and Headgear... Wear and Care.
Risks and Benefits
of Orthodontics
Ask your dentist for a referral to an orthodontist or contact the Australian Society of Orthodontists for the names of orthodontists in your area. They can be contacted at their Sydney office on;
(02) 9331 6920 or fax (02) 9331 7296, or at their web site at;
Australian Society of Orthodontists
Click Here
To Go Back To The Table Of Contents
Orthodontics is a specialised branch of dentistry that involves the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of facial and dental problems. The word literally translates as "Straight Teeth" however contemporary orthodontics is not limited to straightening teeth only. Our goal is to achieve the ideal dental and facial appearance, and obtain an ideal occlusion (bite) which can be maintained a lifetime with an appropriate retention program (ask your orthodontist about the importance of retainer wear).
Click Here
To Go Back To The Table Of Contents
An orthodontist is a specialist in dentistry restricting their practice only to the treatment of orthodontic problems. An orthodontist has devoted two to three years full-time comprehensive training at an accredited University or Hospital program in addition to their previous dental training. This advanced training includes topics such as growth and development, genetics, biomechanics, anatomy as well as the clinical skills in the design, application and control of removable appliances (plates) and braces.
Click Here
To Go Back To The Table Of Contents
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening examination for every child by the age of 7. This does not imply that all children should receive treatment at this age but it does allow the orthodontist to assess each individual case to determine who could benefit from early intervention. In appropriate cases, early intervention can prevent the need for future treatment or at least reduce the complexity of future treatment, reduce the need for extractions and gain a better overall result both dentally and facially. Treatment is not only limited to children with approximately 20 per cent of patients being adults.
Click Here
To Go Back To The Table Of Contents
As mentioned above, some patients benefit from early treatment to lessen or eliminate the need for treatment at a later age. Early intervention or treatment may range from simply maintaining space for developing adult teeth when a baby tooth is lost early, the use of functional or growth appliances to enhance facial growth, expansion appliances, removable plates or partial braces.
Full braces allow maximum control over the movement of teeth whereas plates and other similar appliances can only tip teeth in certain directions. The correction of rotated teeth, and any movement of teeth that involves more than simple tipping movements is best achieved with braces.
Braces now come in several varieties including cosmetic (clear), mini-braces (small metal), and lingual braces (on the inside of the teeth). There are also clear plastic aligners for moving teeth in certain cases. Each type has particular advantages and disadvantages over the other and you should ask your orthodontist to explain these to you in detail.
Click Here
To Go Back To The Table Of Contents
Your best effort to follow instructions will move your teeth and change your jaws faster and achieve the best treatment results. To do this your appliance must be worn as instructed, usually only to be removed when brushing, eating and playing active sports. This means you will need to wear it all night and most of the time you're at school. When it is not in your mouth it should be placed in its case to prevent it from being misplaced or damaged.
If you are having difficulty with your appliance wear, contact your orthodontist. Don't wait for your next visit! It is also important to bring it with you to every appointment.
Your functional appliance positions the lower jaw forward to stimulate its growth. It is very important that your lower teeth sit forward firmly into the appliance and a gentle biting is needed. This may result in sore or tired muscles until you become used to your new jaw position.
Clean your appliance with your brush and tooth paste after teeth cleaning each night. It is important to remember once again, that regular use of your headgear achieves the best results. You can help your orthodontist by recording the number of hours you wear your appliance and/or headgear each day on a chart.
Your headgear is worn to hold back the upper jaw and teeth while the lower jaw moves forward. You usually do not need to wear it outside the house, but it should be worn at night and several extra hours. It is very important to never wear your headgear and appliance when being rough or playing active sports and never allow anyone to grab or pull on your headgear.
Although you'll be seeing your orthodontist for regular visits, the emphasis is on your orthodontic treatment! It doesn't take the place of regular dental visits. So it is very important to continue your check-ups, cleaning & fluoride treatments with your family dentist.
Click Here
To Go Back To The Table Of Contents
While recognising the benefits of healthy teeth and a pleasing smile, you should also be aware that orthodontic treatment has limitations and potential risks. These are seldom enough to avoid treatment, but should be considered in making the decision to undergo orthodontic treatment. Fortunately, complications are infrequent and when they do occur they are usually of minor consequence. This is not a complete list of possible complications and your individual case should be discussed with your orthodontist. The major risks involved in orthodontic treatment may include:
1. Tooth decay, gum disease, and permanent markings (decalcification) on the teeth can occur if orthodontic patients eat foods containing excessive sugar and/or do not clean their teeth frequently and properly. Excellent oral hygiene and plaque removal is essential as well as avoiding sugars and between meal snacks. Be sure to continue to visit your family dentist at least every 6 months while orthodontic treatment is progressing.
2. In some patients the length of the roots of the teeth may be shortened during orthodontic treatment. This is called root resorption. Some patients are prone to this happening, some are not. Usually this does not have significant consequences, but on occasion it may become a threat to the longevity of the teeth involved.
3. Teeth may have a tendency to change their positions after treatment. This is called relapse. Throughout life the bite can change from various causes, such as: growth and/or maturational changes, and other oral habits, all of which may be out of the control of the orthodontist. Probably, the only way to ensure stable alignment of teeth after braces are removed is to wear retainers on a part-time basis for a life time.
4. Generally, the literature demonstrates that orthodontics plays a neutral role in regards to jaw joint problems. It does not help nor hurt the jaw joints (Temporo-Mandibular Joints or TMJ). Occasionally problems may occur in the TMJ, causing joint pain, limited opening, or headaches. These problems may occur with or without orthodontics, however they should be reported to your orthodontist.
5. Sometimes a tooth may have been traumatised by a previous accident or a tooth may have large fillings which can cause damage to the nerve of the tooth. Some can die for no remembered or obvious reason. Should such a tooth flare up during orthodontic movement, endodontic (root canal) treatment may be required to maintain it.
6. Sometimes orthodontic appliances may be accidentally swallowed or aspirated, or may irritate or damage the oral tissues. Usually post adjustment tenderness should be expected, and the period of tenderness or sensitivity varies with each patient and the procedure performed. (Typical post-adjustment tenderness may last 24-48 hours). You should inform your orthodontist of any unusual symptoms, or broken or loose appliances, as soon as they are noted.
7. If improperly handled, the headgear may cause injury to the face or eyes. Patients are warned not to wear the appliance during times of horseplay or competitive activity. Although our headgears are equipped with a safety system, we urge caution at all times.
8. Atypical formation of teeth, or insufficient or abnormal changes in the growth of the jaws may compromise our original treatment objectives. Growth disharmony and unusual tooth formations are biological processes beyond the orthodontist's control and may alter the quality of treatment results.
9. The total time required to complete treatment may exceed the estimate. Excessive or deficient bone growth, not wearing appliances the required hours per day, poor oral hygiene, broken appliances and missed appointments can lengthen the treatment time and affect the quality of the end results.
10. General medical problems can affect orthodontic treatment. You should keep your orthodontist informed of any changes in your medical health.
For the vast majority of patients, orthodontic treatment is an elective procedure. One possible alternative to orthodontic treatment is no treatment at all. You could choose to accept your present oral condition and decide to live without orthodontic correction or improvement.
Click Here
To Go Back To The Table Of Contents
©Dr. Peter G. Miles.
