Patient Inquiries

What is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a specialist in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. The practice of orthodontics involves the design, application and control of corrective appliances and braces that are used to treat and correct these problems so that optimum dental function and stability are achieved. An orthodontist is required to first attend college, then complete a four-year graduate dental program and finally complete an additional two-year orthodontic residency program. Only about 6% of dentists hold these qualifications. When deciding which orthodontist to choose, make sure they have these qualifications and are members of the American Association of Orthodontists.

Why do Dental and Facial Irregularities Occur?

Malocclusion is a term used to describe crooked, crowded, or tipped teeth. Most malocclusions are inherited, but some are acquired. Malocclusions can affect the way a person chews, talks or smiles, and in some cases, can affect the jaws causing pain and discomfort. Some common conditions treated with orthodontics include:

• Crowded Teeth - When teeth are crooked, crowded, turned or spaced too far apart.
• Overbite - When the upper jaw or teeth are too far in front, or when the lower jaw or teeth are too far back.
• Underbite - when the lower jaw or teeth are too far in front, or when the upper jaw or teeth are too far back.
• Overjet (Protrusion) - when upper teeth protrude and do not fit properly together with the lower front teeth.
• Spacing- when teeth have gaps or spaces between them.

Crowding of teeth, spacing between teeth, extra or missing teeth, and a wide variety of other irregularities of the jaws and face are usually inherited malocclusions. Thumb or finger sucking, tongue thrusting, airway being restricted by tonsils or adenoids, dental disease, trauma, or premature loss of baby or permanent teeth can cause acquired malocclusions. Whether inherited or acquired, orthodontists will recommend braces or other appliances to correct the problem and straighten your teeth.

What Do Braces Consist Of?

Standard orthodontic appliance or braces have three basic parts:

• Brackets - the small metal or ceramic modules individually attached to each tooth. They serve as a guide to move the teeth and hold the archwire in place. Brackets are attached to the teeth with a tooth colored bonding adhesive.
• Bands - the larger metal rings that sometimes are placed on back teeth for strength and anchorage.
• Archwires - the wires that you see running from bracket to bracket along the teeth in the upper and lower arches. Archwires are changed periodically during your treatment.

What's New in Orthodontics?

Orthodontics has changed a lot in the past years. New technology allows orthodontists to produce better results with fewer visits and shorter overall treatment times. Technology like nickel-titanium-alloy archwires, developed by NASA, have replaced the traditional stainless steel wires of the past, and provide patients with a temperature-sensitive wire that allows for continuous movement of the teeth over longer periods of time. This means better comfort, shorter treatment time and fewer trips to the orthodontist.

Cosmetic advances are also making braces less visible and more comfortable than in the past. The brackets used in orthodontics today bond directly to the teeth and are much smaller and more comfortable than those of old. You may also want to consider asking about the new tooth colored brackets now available.