subject: Understanding The Different Phases Of Orthodontic Treatment For A Straighter Smile [print this page] Thinking about getting braces? Scheduled to get braces in the near future? Whether you have already met with your Naperville dentist or you need help deciding which orthodontic method would best suit your dental needs, you probably have a few questions or concerns regarding the process of this orthodontic treatment.
Once you understand what to expect from your treatment as well as how to properly care for your teeth, you can reduce any misgivings or uncertainties you have about the procedure. If you have questions about your braces, always consult with your experienced orthodontist in Baltimore for expert guidance.
Phase One Orthodontics
Early interceptive orthodontic treatment usually begins before the eruption of the permanent teeth or when the child has very few permanent teeth. The purpose of early orthodontic treatment is to guide the growth of the upper and/or lower jaw to make adequate space for the eruption of all the permanent teeth. It is important to have your child evaluated by your Naperville dentist by the age of four to see if there is a bone problem, or a tooth problem.
If your child has a problem such as the upper jaw being too narrow, or an underdeveloped lower jaw, this will require a special appliance called a functional jaw orthopedic appliance to correct the problem. Your dentist can also treat minor tooth crowding early on if it appears as though it may compromise the eruption of other permanent teeth. In the end, it is always less expensive to correct a problem when the patient is younger rather than wait for the problem to become more serious in the future.
Some benefits of early orthodontic treatment include:
*Improved profiles, smiles and self-esteem
*Correct harmful habits, such as thumb sucking and tongue thrusting
*Improved speech
*Reduction of the time in fixed braces
*Increases nasal breathing for improved health
*Eliminates airways constriction
*Creates beautiful broad smiles by developing arches
*Eliminates grinding of the teeth at night
*Prevents headaches and earaches
Phase Two Orthodontics
The second phase of treatment, following the use of functional appliances, involves orthodontics. At this stage, braces would now be placed to move the teeth into alignment to support the development of the bone achieved in the first phase of treatment. Once most of your permanent teeth have erupted is when the second phase of orthodontics can begin.
Braces are small, square metal attachments that are bonded with special orthodontic adhesive to the teeth. In the middle of the bracket, there is a small slot where the orthodontic fits. To hold the wire in place, small tiny elastics are wrapped around the outside of the braces. It is the combination of the braces, the wire, and the elastic that help the tooth move into its proper position.
To help make wearing braces more fun, you can choose from at least 40 different colored elastics. The second phase of treatment usually lasts between 12 and 24 months depending on the amount of tooth movement necessary to align the teeth and to establish a proper bite. After the completion of your second phase, it is necessary to wear retainers to hold the final result.
Visit your Naperville, IL dentist at White Eagle Family Dentistry for further diagnosis and treatment of your smile.
by: Gen Wright
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