FAQs
FIRST EVALUATION
When is the best time to begin orthodontics?
Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment.
What are the benefits of early orthodontic evaluation?
Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal.
Why is age 7 considered the optimal time for screening?
By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite. During this time, an orthodontist can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. For example, the presence of erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite, open bite, crowding or gummy smiles. Timely screening increases the chances for an incredible smile.
What are the advantages of interceptive treatment?
Some of the most direct results of interceptive treatment are:
- creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
- creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
- reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
- preserving space for unerupted teeth
- reducing the need for tooth removal
- reducing treatment time with braces
Are you a candidate for orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontics are not merely for improving the aesthetics of the smile; orthodontic treatment improves bad bites (malocclusions). Malocclusions occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment. Malocclusions affect the way you smile, chew, clean your teeth or feel about your smile.
Why should malocclusions be treated?
According to studies by the American Association of Orthodontists, untreated malocclusions can result in a variety of problems. Crowded teeth are more difficult to properly brush and floss, which may contribute to tooth decay and/or gum disease. Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping. Crossbites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear. Open bites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments. Ultimately, orthodontics does more than make a pretty smile it creates a healthier you.
DEVELOPMENTAL CARE
The Two Phases of Treatment
Phase One: Interceptive care helps provide adequate space for permanent teeth, helps align permanent front teeth and improves the bite.
Phase Two: Braces finish the alignment of both jaws and remaining permanent teeth for a healthy attractive smile.
A specialized process that encompasses tooth straightening, jaw and facial improvements is accomplished in two phases. In many cases, Two Phase Treatment can have a dramatic effect on skeletal change and can save permanent teeth. Before Two Phase Treatment techniques were developed, children began orthodontic treatment with full braces after the complete eruption of permanent teeth. Skeletal problems were left untreated, which later compromised the final result. Without the first phase of treatment, it was extremely difficult to align the upper and lower jaws so that they fit together; the skeletal discrepancy was not functionally healthy or stable. Therefore, otherwise preventable adult tooth extraction or jaw surgery was required.
Phase One of Two Phase Treatment is interceptive care. Treatment occurs during a young child’s active growth years, before skeletal problems are firmly set. Treatment plans are designed to guide and enhance a child’s own natural growth to establish proper upper and lower jaw development. An upper or lower jaw that is growing too much or not enough or is too wide or too narrow can be discovered when a child is very young. Because they are growing rapidly, children can benefit enormously from orthopedic orthodontic treatment. Early childhood is also an ideal time to treat aesthetic concerns that may have an impact on a young child’s self-esteem. Phase One therapy rarely extends longer than 12 months.
Phase Two of treatment follows after most of the permanent teeth have erupted. The second phase of treatment finishes the alignment of both the jaws and permanent teeth for proper function and excellent aesthetics. This second phase may last 6 to 24 months depending on the child’s growth and development and the complexity of the treatment.
ADULT ORTHODONTICS
Even if you missed the chance to have orthodontic treatment as a child, it is never too late to have a perfect, healthy smile. More adults are seeking orthodontic treatment than ever before.
An attractive smile is an asset, which will help you in both your personal and professional life. It is one of the best investments you can make for your self-confidence and your health.
New orthodontic treatments are constantly being developed. Today’s braces are smaller, more cosmetically pleasing, more resilient and more comfortable than the appliances used
in past years. New materials have been developed so that treatment time is minimized.
You can choose between clear, silver and gold braces. In some instances, removable appliances may be used to move teeth. The opportunity to have the smile you want is here and now!
APPLIANCE CHOICES
Metal Braces
Metal braces are the most common type. They are made of high grade stainless steel. Today’s metal braces are smaller, comfortable and attractive.
Reichheld Ting Orthodontics uses an incredibly specialized bracket that decreases friction, allowing a significantly increased comfort level and decreased treatment time.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are made of translucent (clear) material. They are most popular with adult patients, due to their cosmetic appeal.
Gold Braces
Gold braces are stainless steel braces coated with 24-karat gold and are popular with patients of all ages.
The Invisalign System is a series of clear overlay templates called aligners that have been generated by computer simulation to gradually move the teeth. This system is available to adults and teenagers with certain orthodontic bite problems. Ask us if you are a candidate for the Invisalign system. For more information on Invisalign, click here.
O-RING COLORS
Your braces can be aesthetically enhanced with different color O-rings. These will be changed at each visit so you can always stay in style. Gray, gold or clear O-rings are also available to cosmetically blend with your braces.
INFORMATION ABOUT APPLIANCES
Separators/Spacers
Separators are little rubber elastics which fit in between your back teeth. They gently open small spaces between these teeth so that bands can be placed at your next visit. Your teeth may be sensitive. Any discomfort should disappear in a few days. To relieve any soreness, Tylenol or what you normally take for a headache would be fine. Foods that are sticky or chewy like gum should be avoided. Please continue to brush regularly and floss only between teeth that do not have separators in them. If a separator happens to fall out, don’t worry, enough space has been made. If you have any questions, please call during our regular office hours. A lost separator does not have to be replaced.
Food Guidelines
Avoid any hard, sticky or chewy foods
Hard: Popcorn, nuts, peanut brittle, ice, corn chips, Doritos, pretzels, bagels, subrolls, pizza crust, hard candy, lollipops, jawbreakers, etc. Corn may be eaten as long as it is cut off the cob first. Slice hard fruits and vegetables such as carrots, celery, and apples into bite size pieces and chew on your back teeth.
Sticky: Gum (sugarless, Freedent and Stick Free gum), caramel, taffy, gumdrops, Starbursts, Gummy Bears, Sugar Daddy, Charleston Chew, Snickers, Fruit Roll Ups, etc.
Chewy: Beef jerky, Slim Jims, granola bars. Meats such as chicken, steak, spare ribs, and pork chops may be eaten but please cut meat from the bone.
Hints: Instead of biting down into foods with your front teeth, you may find it easier to use a fork and knife to cut food into bite size pieces. One way to damage your appliances is picking at them or playing with them. Chewing on pens and pencils can cause brackets to break.
Remember: If anything becomes loose or broken, call the office as soon as possible for instructions.
Palatal Expander
The palatal expander is used to widen your narrow top jaw. It is usually painless, but some pressure may be felt as the expander is activated.
1. Your appliance needs to be activated each a day, for the number of turns you have been instructed to apply.
a. Insert the key into the hole in the middle of the appliance.
b. Gently and steadily push the key toward the back of your mouth. Push it as far back as possible.
c. Remove the key towards the back of your throat trying not to pull forward which would reverse the previous turn!
2. You will experience a tingling sensation around your nose for a minute.
3. After several turns (or after several days), you may notice a space between your front teeth. This is a good sign!! This is only temporary and will be closed.
4. Be sure to keep your appliance free of food particles.
a. You can do this by brushing your appliance while you brush your teeth, by directing your toothbrush towards the roof of your mouth.
b. Rinsing with a glass of water will also help loosen food particles which my become lodged on the top of your expander.
5. If at any time you experience discomfort that does not go away or if your appliance becomes loose, please call the office.
6. If for any reason you cannot keep your scheduled appointment, do not activate your appliance beyond the instructed number of turns.
Elastics
Elastics help us move your teeth by a gentle but continuous force. Teeth move best when elastics are worn consistently.
Rules to follow:
- Elastics need to be worn 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your teeth to move.
- If possible, leave elastics on while eating to gain maximum benefit.
- Remove elastics to brush your teeth.
- Change them once a day because they lose their strength.
- It’s a good idea to leave elastics in the same area when you brush your teeth.
- This way you will see them and remember to put them back on.
- ALWAYS carry elastics with you so that if an elastic breaks you will be able to replace it right away.
- Your teeth may be a little tender for a couple of days.
- If you wear them as instructed, any discomfort will soon disappear.
- If you take them on and off, your teeth will never get a chance to become accustomed to them, and your teeth will always be sore.
Please call the office if you run low and we will gladly mail some to you.
Headgear
Headgear is an added force that will move your teeth to their proper position.
Now that you are wearing a headgear we need your full cooperation wearing it as instructed, otherwise the headgear will not work. It’s up to you now; you are playing a big part in creating the smile of your life. Your Headgear must be worn at least 12 hours a day. To build up to this, wear it: 4 hours the first day, 8 hours the second day, 12 hours the third day. The best time to wear your headgear is during quiet times . . . immediately after school while doing homework, watching television, and while sleeping.
To avoid serious injury:
- Never wear while playing active sports
- Never wear while riding in an automobile
- Don’t let anyone pull or play with it at all!
Some temporary discomfort may be experienced during the first night or two. Your upper molars may become tender and even seem a little loose. This is normal and will subside. Remember, DO NOT miss any days; you can put yourself behind schedule . . . for one day lost it takes THREE to catch up.
Please bring your headgear to every appointment so it may be adjusted to assure a proper fit.
