What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.
What is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has completed an advanced education program following dental school to learn the special skills required to manage tooth movement and guide facial development.
What is a Board Certified Orthodontist?
Both Dr. Loucks and Dr. Buren are Board Certified Orthodontists. Board certification is a voluntary examination process given by The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) and is a demonstration of the orthodontist's pursuit of continued proficiency and excellence. The ABO is the only orthodontic certifying board recognized by the American Association of Orthodontists and the American Dental Association. The certification process involves a thorough Written Examination covering all areas of information on which an orthodontist should be knowledgeable. Successful passage allows the orthodontist to present treated cases which are evaluated by expert examiners of the Board during a Clinical Examination. Certification is now awarded for a time-limited period and the orthodontist must re-examine on a periodic basis to retain the board certified status. Currently only 1 out of 4 orthodontists in the state of Iowa are Board Certified.
What are some possible benefits of orthodontics?
- A more attractive smile
- Reduced appearance-consciousness during critical development years
- Better function of the teeth
- Increase in self-confidence
- Increased ability to clean the teeth
- Improved force distribution and wear patterns of the teeth
- Better long term health of teeth and gums
- Guides permanent teeth into more favorable positions
- Reduces the risk of injury to protruded front teeth
- Aids in optimizing other dental treatment
What are some signs that braces may be needed?
- Upper front teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth ("bucked teeth")
- Upper front teeth cover too much of the lower teeth when biting together (deep bite)
- Upper front teeth are behind or inside the lower front teeth (underbite)
- The upper and lower front teeth do not touch when biting together (open bite)
- Crowded or overlapped teeth
- The center of the upper and lower teeth do not line up
- Finger or thumb sucking habits which continue after 4-5 years of age
- Difficulty chewing
- Teeth wearing unevenly or excessively
- The lower jaw shifts to one side or the other when biting together
- Spaces between the teeth
At what age should my child see an orthodontist?
Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw growth is completed. Early treatment may make it possible for a patient to avoid surgery, permanent tooth extractions or more serious dental complications. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by age 7 or earlier if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist, or the child's physician.
What is Phase I and Phase II treatment?
Phase I, or early/interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e. expander, headgear or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment can occur between the ages of 6 and 11. This treatment is sometimes recommended to make more space for developing teeth, correct crossbites, or eliminate harmful oral habits. Phase I treatment also can begin correcting bite problems so that jaw surgery or tooth extractions may be avoided and that later treatment is easier for the patient.
Phase II treatment is also called "comprehensive" treatment because it involves full braces when all of the permanent teeth have erupted, usually between the ages of 11 and 13.
Would an adult patient benefit from orthodontics?
Everyone wants a beautiful and healthy smile, and orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age! Our most "mature" patient began treatment at the age of 71 after wanting straight teeth her entire life. She loves her new smile and says that getting braces was one of the best things she's ever done for herself. Today 20-25% of orthodontic patients in America are adults, which amounts to over 1 million people every year.
Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. Improving the health of your teeth and gums is equally important. Crooked teeth and a bad bite can contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay and abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces.
How does orthodontic treatment work?
Braces use steady, gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. The brackets that are placed on your teeth and the archwire that connects them are the main components. The orthodontic wires are in the shape of a smooth arch, similar to that of the St. Louis Arch. When the flexible archwire is placed into the brackets on the crooked teeth, it tries to return to its original shape. As it does so, it applies gentle pressure to move your teeth to their new, more ideal positions.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average time is approximately 28 months. Actual treatment time can be affected by rate of growth and severity of the correction necessary. Treatment length is also greatly dependent upon patient compliance, maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments.
Do braces hurt?
The placement of bands and brackets on your teeth does not hurt. Once your braces are placed and connected with the archwires you may feel some soreness of your teeth for 1-3 days as the teeth begin to move. Your lips and cheeks may need a few weeks to get used to the feeling of braces on your teeth.
Will braces interfere with playing sports?
No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their teeth by wearing a mouthguard when participating in any sporting activity. Most "boil and bite" type mouthguards will offer adequate protection to your moving teeth and we are happy to provide you with a mouthguard that is easy to wear over braces.
Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?
No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment as you get used to the placement of your lips and teeth on the mouthpiece. We have patients who play every instrument, including clarinets, flutes, trumpets and trombones! Some patients prefer to use a lipbumper at first to prevent any discomfort.
Should I see my general dentist while I have braces?
Yes! It is very important that you continue to see your general dentist every 6 months for cleanings and dental checkups.
