orthodontist, orthodontics, teeth allignment, invisible braces

Orthodontist Information

Oregon Dentist

Why should I visit an orthodontist?

Skilled orthodontists are devoted to building beautiful smiles by bringing teeth, lips, and jaws into proper alignment through a variety of methods. Straight teeth function better, are easier to clean, and are more likely to last your whole lifetime. 

Why are straight teeth so important?

Straight teeth help you to effectively bite, chew and speak. Straight teeth contribute to healthy teeth and gums, which is linked to overall physical health. Properly aligned teeth and jaws may alleviate or prevent physical health problems. Teeth that work better also tend to look better. An attractive smile is a pleasant “side effect” of orthodontic treatment that contributes to self-esteem, self-confidence and self-image—important qualities at every age. A person's self-esteem often improves as orthodontic treatment brings teeth, lips and face into proportion. In this way, orthodontic treatment can benefit social and career success, as well as improve a person’s general attitude toward life. There are psychological aspects that are also important. It has been clinically proven that a beautiful smile leads to higher self-esteem.

Does orthodontic treatment consist only of metal braces?

No, your orthodontic options may include metal braces, translucent braces or transparent aligners that can be worn at night to improve mild cases of misaligned teeth.

Metal braces are still the most common type of braces used.  Today’s metal braces are smaller, more comfortable and attractive, and are made of high-grade stainless steel.

Clear braces are made of a translucent ceramic material, and are most popular with adult patients.  They can be more fragile than traditional metal braces.

Transparent aligners, such as the Invisalign System, create a series of clear overlay templates called aligners that have been generated by computer simulation to gradually move teeth. This is available to adult patients with certain bite problems—ask your orthodontist if you are a candidate.

Is orthodontics only for children/teenagers?

No, children, teenagers, young adults, middle-aged adults, and seniors can all take advantage of today’s orthodontics.  In fact, one in five orthodontic patients today is an adult.  A skilled orthodontist can improve most tooth and jaw alignment problems at any age. However, the American Association of Orthodontists generally recommends that children see an orthodontist by age seven.

Why is age seven considered the optimal time for screening?

By the age of seven, 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.

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.

What are some signs that my child is ready to see an orthodontist?

• Early or late loss of baby teeth;

• Difficulty in chewing or biting;

• Breathing primarily through the mouth;

• Finger sucking or other oral habits;

• Crowding, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth;

• Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or retrude;

• Speech difficulty;

• Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth;

• Protruding teeth;

• Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don't meet at all;

• Facial imbalance or asymmetry;

• Grinding or clenching of teeth.

My teeth have been crooked for many years – what difference does it make if I have orthodontic treatment now?

It’s never too late! Healthy teeth can be moved at any age. Orthodontic treatment can restore good function. And teeth that work better usually look better, too. A healthy, beautiful smile can improve self-esteem, no matter the age.

I’m embarrassed to be wearing braces as an adult. Are there any other options?

Yes, today's braces may be nearly invisible, made from clear plastic, or unseen, mounted on the back (lingual) side of the teeth. In some cases, brackets may be bonded behind the teeth (lingual braces). Some of today’s wires are made of "space age" materials that exert a steady, gentle pressure on the teeth, so that the tooth-moving process may be faster and more comfortable for patients. Another option may be the use of a series of plastic tray aligners instead of traditional braces to correct some problems.

Don’t braces have to be worn for years at a time to be effective?

It depends on the condition of your teeth, gums, and jaw.  In some cases, braces may only need to be worn for a few months or combined with other treatments.  A consultation with your orthodontist will give you an estimate of how long braces would need to be worn for effective treatment.

I saw an advertisement for perfect teeth in only one or two visits to the orthodontist / dentist—is that possible?

The only way straight teeth could be achieved in one or two office visits is through veneers.  Veneers are a quick fix to temporarily cover crooked teeth. Teeth straightened by an orthodontist are good for life. 

Is it painful to wear orthodontics?

After an initial adjustment period, similar to breaking in a new pair of shoes, braces are comfortable. New technologies have made braces, and orthodontics in general, more comfortable and fun.

Do teeth with braces need special care?

Yes. Patients with braces must be careful to avoid hard, sticky, chewy and crunchy foods, or hard objects, such as pens, pencils or fingernails. Keeping the teeth and braces clean requires more precision and time, and must be done every day if the teeth and gums are to be healthy during and after orthodontic treatment. Clean, healthy teeth move more quickly and can shorten the amount of time spent wearing braces.

Will wearing braces limit the activities I can do, like playing sports or musical instruments?

Generally, you can still participate in all activities you did before wearing braces.  Small adjustments, such as wearing a mouth guard while playing contact sports, may be necessary. With practice and a period of adjustment, braces typically do not interfere with the playing of wind or brass instruments.

Is it true that orthodontic treatment can be very expensive?

There are orthodontic solutions for every lifestyle and budget. Fees for orthodontic care vary with the complexity of the treatment and may vary according to geographic region. Ask your orthodontist about anticipated treatment fees, payment options and insurance benefits.  Many insurance plans now offer coverage for orthodontic treatment, and orthodontists offer payment plans.  Finally, keep in mind that the benefits of quality orthodontia and a healthy, straight smile can last a lifetime.

Why can’t my family dentist just straighten my teeth?

An orthodontist has 2-3 years of specialized training beyond dental school and is a specialist at straightening teeth and insuring proper form and function. An orthodontist practices solely orthodontics and treats hundreds of patients.

Is it possible to begin orthodontic treatment while I am pregnant?

Pregnancy brings on bodily changes that may affect the mouth. Soft tissues such as gums become much more susceptible to infection, so generally it would be discouraged to begin treatment while pregnant. Discuss this question with your medical practitioner/physician and orthodontist before you start orthodontic treatment.

Copyright 2010, 2009