JJ Dental Clinic

Who Needs Orthodontics?

                   Beyond providing a great smile, orthodontics also corrects “malocclusions” or bad bites. A malocclusion (the term for crooked, crowded or protruding teeth) occurs when the teeth are not lined up properly. Malocclusions can affect the way a person chews, talks, or smiles, and in some cases, can affect the jaws causing pain and discomfort. Below are some common conditions treated with orthodontics:

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SEE AN ORTHODONTIST?

                 In our office, seeing an orthodontist is not synonymous with beginning orthodontic treatment. We like to see our patients when any of the eight bit problems are recognized. At best, every child should have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. When early treatment is done in our office, it is usually done to correct problems that interfere with facial growth or proper tooth eruption. Such treatment is designed to be simple and interceptive in nature. We like to intercept crossbites and underbites that cause asymmetric or uneven facial growth. A holding wire might be used to prevent loss of space and later serious crowding. Harmful thumb or finger sucking habits can also be intercepted early to prevent open bites.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO DO ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT?

Since we believe early treatment should be limited to specific problems and the treatment used should be limited as well, most 7-8 year old children we see require only our supervision of their dental and facial growth. During these observation recall visits, we can then determine the very best time for effective orthodontic treatment. By timing our treatment when most of the permanent teeth have erupted, we often eliminate the need for extracting permanent teeth, using palate expanders, head gears, and eliminate two full phases of orthodontic treatment. Most younger patients need two observation recall visits a year for us to supervise the growth development of their teeth and jaw bone structures. These visits are done at no charge and usually include one panoramic x-ray each year. We then advise you and your dentist of any developmental difficulties and the optimum, or “best time”, for effective orthodontic treatment.


WHEN IS IT TOO LATE TO BEGIN ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT?

 

Almost any adult at any age can benefit from orthodontic care. Today, more than 30% of orthodontic patients are over age 18. The major difference between child and adult orthodontic is that adult bones are no longer growing. Consequently, adult treatment may take a little longer and may have some limitation in the amount of correction achieved. The Straight wire Appliance System with its light pressure and low friction levels is especially effective and cosmetically pleasing adult treatment method.

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Know your Braces

Parts of the braces

 

1. BRACKET - The attachment bonded to the tooth or welded to the band

2. ARCHWIRE - A large removable wire that fits around the arch into the bracket slot slide mechanism that holds the wire

3. HOOKS - Used to attach elastics (rubber bands)

4. BAND - A ring of metal with the bracket attached that is glued onto the tooth                                                                                           Back to Top

Orthodontic Smile Care

We want you to have a dazzling smile and a life shaping experience during your time in our practice. Although our patients are able to eat or drink many foods while in their orthodontic treatment, there are certain eating habits that are known to cause breakage of orthodontic appliances and braces as well as increasing the risk of dental problems. Our aim is to allow our patients to achieve the treatment goals with as few disturbances due to appliance breakage as possible, and to minimize the side effects of poor food choices and poor oral hygiene. Remember, teeth move their best in a healthy environment and in individuals with excellent overall dental health. Patient cooperation is key to successful orthodontics.

WHAT FOODS SHOULD I AVOID?
Eating proper foods, minimizing sugar intake and getting enough sleep are essential during the orthodontic treatment. Your braces are precise appliances that can be damaged by eating hard foods. Some soft and sticky foods can cause tooth decay and loosen or dislodge your braces.

Whole fruits and vegetables
should be cooked or cut into
small pieces.
 

Do not suck on
lemons, limes or ice.
 

 

Avoid drinks that
contain sugar.

 
HARD FOODS TO AVOID INCLUDE:

• Hard Candy

• Corn Chips

• Popcorn

• Jerky

• Ice

• Nuts

• Pizza Crust

• Corn on the Cob

• Ground Nuts

 
SOFT SWEETS TO AVOID INCLUDE:

• Bubble Gum

• Gum

• Starbursts

• Sugar Daddies

• Tootsie Rolls

• Gummy Bears

• Caramels

• Taffy

• Other chewy candies

 

PROPER BRACES CARE AND BRUSHING TECHNIQUES
Brushing and flossing your teeth can be challenging when wearing braces, but it is extremely important that you do both consistently.

 

 

REGULAR DENTAL CHECKUPS
Although you are having your braces checked regularly, it is very important to continue to see your family dentist at least every six months for a thorough examination and cleaning of your teeth. Adults will see your dentist every 3-4 months during orthodontic treatment.