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Why is Orthodontics Important?
An attractive smile and improved self-image
is just one of the benefits of orthodontics treatment. Alleviating
and preventing physical health problems is just as important.
Without treatment, orthodontic problems can lead to tooth decay,
gum disease, bone destruction, chewing and digestive difficulties,
speech impairments, tooth loss and other dental injuries.
Will braces hurt?
Most orthodontics patients experience
some discomfort the first week after their braces are put on,
and right after the braces are tightened. You can use aspirin,
non-aspirin pain reliever or ibuprofen to ease the discomfort.
At what age should orthodontics treatment
begin?
Orthodontic treatment can be started
at any age, however, many orthodontic problem are easier to correct
if detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Early
treatment may mean that a patient can avoid surgery and more
serious complications.
How long will I have to wear braces?
The time needed to undergo orthodontic
treatment will vary for each patient, and always depends on how
much your jaw needs to change and how far your teeth must move.
We are committed to making your treatment as swift and effective
as possible.
Will I still be able to play sports?
Yes. It is recommended, however, that
patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouth guard when participating
in any sporting activity. Mouth guards are inexpensive, comfortable
and come in an exciting variety of colors and patterns.
Will braces interfere with playing musical
instruments?
Not if you play the violin!
Badump-bump! Just kidding. Actually, no: it shouldn't interfere
with playing any wind instrument such as a brass or a woodwind.
However, there may be an initial period of adjustment. In addition,
brace covers can be provided to prevent discomfort.
Are retainers necessary and how long will
I have to wear one?
A retainer is an appliance worn at night
after braces have been removed. The retainer is designed to prevent
your teeth from drifting or moving whole the bone around your
teeth and stabilizes. The longer you wear your retainer, the
better your chances that your teeth will not relapse. Retainers
provide assurance that your teeth will stay in perfect alignment
while your jaw continues to grow or develop.
Am I too old for orthodontics?
About 25% of orthodontic patients today
are adults. Many adults are correcting problems that were never
treated when they wer children, and can now experience e the
satisfaction of perfect smile.
What is TMJ?
TMJ Dysfunction is a condition of the
jaw that occurs when the Temporo Mandibular Joint is misaligned
or malfunctioning in a way that subjects the joint to excess
pressure. TMJ can seriously affect how your mouth works and often
includes side-effects such a blocked nasal passages, neck pain,
headaches and difficulty chewing.
What is malocclusion?
The technical term for teeth that do
not fit together correctly is ‘malocclusion’. Most malocclusions
are inherited, however, it is possible to acquire a bad bite
from habits such as tongue thrusting and thumb sucking. The premature
loss of baby teeth or the extraction of adult teeth can cause
the dev elopement of malocclusion. Inherited malocclusions are
usually caused by difference between the size of the teeth and
the size of the jaw structure. Whether inherited or acquired,
malocclusion affect not only the alignment of the teeth, but
also the appearance of the face.
How much will it cost?
Costs vary depending on the type of treatment.
Today many dental policies include orthodontic benefits making
orthodontic fees more affordable than ever before. | 
