- Not enough space for your permanent teeth.
- Teeth did not erupt into the mouth according to a
specific time frame. - Teeth may be missing.
- You may have an extra tooth.
- Teeth are too big or too small for your jaw.
- Bad habits such as thumb sucking, breathing
through your mouth or press tongue against your front teeth. - Accidental loss of teeth.
- Discrepancies in upper and lower jaw.
Can anybody be treated ?
Orthodontic treatment is generally best carried out in children, but
adults too can have orthodontic treatment. People of all ages
can have their teeth straightened.
What is the right time for braces ?
Most bad bites can be corrected, no matter how old the patient is.
There is no ‘right age’ for braces. The correct time for braces is
best determined by your orthodontist.Orthodontist may place braces
on younger patients, which may shorten and simplify treatment at
a later date. This is called interceptive orthodontics.
Are braces painful ?
They may hirt for a few days, but usually any pain reliver will help.
The pain is not the same as any cut or abrasion to skin. You
may feel sore and eating may be difficult for a day or two after
each visit to the orthodontist.
What if I don’t want my teeth to be straight ?
Most conditions do not improve without treatment. In fact, they
usually become worse. Again, your specific conditions can only
be determined by consultation with and orthodontist. There are
enough foods available that do not require much chewing.However,
with crooked teeth and bad bite, it will be much harder to brush
and clean your teeth.This could lead to more tooth decay, swollen
and bleeding gums and bad breath. It may also affect the way you
talk, swallow and your jaw as well as your smile. The benefits of
being able to chew your food and having straight teeth, a healthy
mouth,an attractive smile and the long term benefit to your gum,
teeth, jaw and your personality would seem to be worth the
time and effort.
How long do I have to wear braces ?
It all depends on how crooked your teeth are.Your orthodontist
will usually be able to give you an estimate of treatment time.
Usually treatment takes about 18 to 24 months.
What is a retainer ?
A retainer is removable wire and plastic appliance. It is worn after
your braces have been removed. Even though your teeth are
straight and where they should be, the size may not be firmly
set in place. A retainer holds the teeth in place while the size hardens.
The retainer can be taken out when you eat but otherwise you
should wear it as instructed by your orthodontist.
How long will I have to wear a retainer ?
It all depends on your teeth. Your orthodontist will be able to tell
you how long you need to wear a retainer.
Who will carry out the treatment ?
The orthodontist often carries out the treatment personally although
in same cases another member of staff may help him. On occasions,
your own dentist will be asked to treat you under the guidance of the
orthodontist.Your dentist will usually carry out any extractions that are
necessary as part of the treatment.
How often do I have to visit the orthodontist for adjustments ?
Usually, the braces will be adjusted about every four weeks, may be
longer. Your orthodontist will tell you how often you should have
your braces adjusted.
Do I have to go to the orthodontist when braces come off ?
In the beginning, probably about every 3 to 6 months, but the time
between visit gradually extends to every year or two for a few years.
The orthodontist usually checks your retainer and make sure your
teeth are not moving back to their old positions.
Will having braces stain or give cavities to teeth ?
No, not if you follow proper oral hygiene procedures and
the instructions or orthodontist, his staff and your dentist.
Do I have to pull out any teeth ?
Not all cases need to take teeth out. Your orthodontist will study
your case with x-rays, models and photographs before deciding
on a treatment plan. Sometimes the dentist will need to take out
some of your baby teeth to make room for your permanent teeth.
Also if teeth are extremely crowded or having severe bite, some of
your permanent teeth may have to be considered for removal.
What will happen to the spaces where teeth have been pulled out ?
These spaces will be made use to correct the crowding and severe bad bite.
At the end of treatment, there should not be any spaces.
