Shortcuts: Why orthodontics | How orthodontic treatment works | Duration of treatment

Why orthodontics?

In the history of mankind, there has never been a better time to obtain orthodontic care! Computer applications, space age materials, modern and innovative manufacturing technlologies, and scientific advances in orthodontics now permit treatments that are faster, easier, more comfortable, and more esthetically pleasing than ever before. With innovative new appliance designs, vast improvements in traditional designs, and the advent of near invisible approaches to treatment, legions of needy individuals who earlier refused to wear braces are now seeking care.

Modern materials and innovative appliance designs now allow more effective and efficient tooth movements. Self-ligating, friction-free bracket designs and space age nickel-titanium arch wires allow faster tooth movement, fewer and shorter office visits, longer intervals between appointments, and shorter treatment times. To the patient's further advantage, the era of uncomfortable heavy intermittent forces, or tightening braces, to move teeth is nearing its end. As orthodontists adopt modern technologies, they are abandoning uncomfortable, heavy intermittent forces in favor of very light continuous force techniques to move teeth more rapidly with little or no discomfort.

In a paradigm shift and on an entirely new front, Align Technology's Invisalign system, and several smaller providers custom manufacture near invisible clear aligners to move teeth. The aligners are designed according to your doctor's prescription. Every aspect ot the treatment is controlled by your doctor. Align Technology's proprietary technology allows your orthodontist to develop customized treatment plans in 3-D virtual reality before your aligners are manufactured and your treatment begins. These aligners are not commodities bought off the shelf but are custum designed by your doctor specifically for you. The doctor fully controls the treatment plan, the aligner's design, and the implementation of your treatment. Your aligners are not manufactured until the virtual treatment plan has been fullly optimized for you by the doctor. Amazingly, your treatment can be visualized in 3-D virtual reality from beginning to end, and from perspectives never before available, before your aligners are manufactured and treatment begins.

Your dentist may have discussed the benefits of healthy teeth and proper jaw alignment with you. Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. This can result in tooth decay, worsen gum disease and lead to tooth loss. Other orthodontic problems can contribute to abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, inefficient chewing function, excessive stress on gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth, or misalignment of the jaw joints. These can lead to chronic headaches and face, neck, and jaw pain. Treatment by an orthodontist can be less costly than the additional care required to treat dental problems arising as a result of orthodontic problems. For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics. After your braces come off, you'll enjoy greater self-esteem and confidence.

How orthodontic treatment works

Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic or plastic. They may be removable or they may be brackets or bands bonded to the teeth and archwires. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to their corrected positions. This is a great time to wear braces! Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. You can choose brackets that are clear, tooth-colored, metallic silver or gold. You can choose the color of the ties that hold the wire in brackets. Wires are also less noticeable than they used to be, and the latest super elastic nickel titanium archwires move teeth faster with less discomfort to patients.

Duration of treatment

Treatment time ranges widely from less than 6 months to more than six years. Interceptive or early treatment procedures may take as few as six months. Complex skeletal malocclusions or "bad bites" associated with skeletal imbalances and poor facial growth patterns may benefit from multiphase treatments beginning in the mixed dentition at an early age and continuing to maturity. A good guiding principal is "Do what needs to be done, when it needs to be done without regard to time." Many of the best treatment outcomes begin in the mixed dentition and extend to maturity.

Treatment extended over long periods of time need not be continuous. Rest periods need to be interspersed during which minimal or no appliances are being worn. Periodic observations during rest periods commonly occur near the end of the mixed dentition from ages10 to 11 1/2 while the last of the primary teeth are lost and exchanged for permanent teeth.

Treatment time varies with the severity of the patient's problems, the biological response to treatment, and the patient's compliance during treatment. Factors affecting treatment time include the patient's skeletal, dental, and emotional maturation and the development of the dental arches, jaws and face. Patients grow at different rates and will respond variously to orthodontic treatment, so the time to case completion may differ from original estimates. The patient's diligent use of any prescribed rubber bands or appliances, maintenance of good oral hygiene, and periodic appointments at the doctor's recommended intervals are important factors in achieving the most effective and efficient treatment outcome.