Are Braces Right For You?
When should orthodontic treatment be started
In children the most common time to start orthodontic treatment is when all the primary (milk) teeth have been replaced. There are situations where treatment should start earlier to take advantage of the child's growth potential to help deal with problems like bite mismatch due to jaw size and relationship.
Orthodontic treatment can be done at almost any age so long as the teeth and gums are healthy. Adults usually require a longer treatment duration and there is no possibility to harness growth potential but otherwise treatment is similar to that in teenagers and children.
In children the most common time to start orthodontic treatment is when all the primary (milk) teeth have been replaced. There are situations where treatment should start earlier to take advantage of the child's growth potential to help deal with problems like bite mismatch due to jaw size and relationship.
Orthodontic treatment can be done at almost any age so long as the teeth and gums are healthy. Adults usually require a longer treatment duration and there is no possibility to harness growth potential but otherwise treatment is similar to that in teenagers and children.
Before you begin
It is very important that you understand the advantages and limitations of any dental procedure as well as the potential risks in coming to a decision about your treatment.
Other possible options
Braces are one of a few options you have to achieve straighter teeth. Other options are
Each option has it's own advantages and disadvantages and are better suited to certain situations and not others so you should feel free to discuss the various options with us during consultation if you have any doubt as to which one would best meet your objectives.
Once you have decided that braces are the correct approach to deal with your situation, you will need to decide on the type of appliance you wish to use
Limitations
As with all things, braces do have their limitations. Some things that braces will NOT be able to correct are
**Asymmetry is present in all human beings and will have some effect on our ability to achieve ideal aesthetics. For example if your lips do not rise symmetrically when you smile it can seem as though the teeth are not level when, in fact, they are. Another common issue is the midlines of the face, teeth, gums, lip, nose and chin. It is rare for all these midlines to be exactly coincident so that we usually have to decide on a "best fit" when moving teeth around.
Teeth become crooked for a variety of reasons but the most common is that there is insufficient space. Space issues often dictate that, in order to fit everything in extractions or stripping of enamel from the sides of teeth to make them smaller is necessary. You must be prepared for this.
There may be specific limitations for each individual case (for example if a person has an embedded extra tooth it may block movement of teeth in that area) and these are usually discussed during consultation.
Potential Risks and Complications :
Patient responsibilities
Good patient cooperation is absolutely critical to the success of orthodontic treatment. Before embarking on a course of orthodontic treatment please be sure that you will be able to :
Like all dental treatment orthodontic treatment carries an element of risk. No warranty of absolute success or a perfect result can be given.
Types of orthodontic appliances
During Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic After care
Professional Oral Hygiene Maintenance and Gum Treatment
It is very important that you understand the advantages and limitations of any dental procedure as well as the potential risks in coming to a decision about your treatment.
Other possible options
Braces are one of a few options you have to achieve straighter teeth. Other options are
- crowns and/or veneers
- Aesthetic bonding
Each option has it's own advantages and disadvantages and are better suited to certain situations and not others so you should feel free to discuss the various options with us during consultation if you have any doubt as to which one would best meet your objectives.
Once you have decided that braces are the correct approach to deal with your situation, you will need to decide on the type of appliance you wish to use
Limitations
As with all things, braces do have their limitations. Some things that braces will NOT be able to correct are
- Jaw /Face/Lip asymmetry**
- Too much gum showing when you smile - this is usually a result of the upper jaw being too long and may require surgery to correct.
- Tooth shape issues
- Gum contour issues
**Asymmetry is present in all human beings and will have some effect on our ability to achieve ideal aesthetics. For example if your lips do not rise symmetrically when you smile it can seem as though the teeth are not level when, in fact, they are. Another common issue is the midlines of the face, teeth, gums, lip, nose and chin. It is rare for all these midlines to be exactly coincident so that we usually have to decide on a "best fit" when moving teeth around.
Teeth become crooked for a variety of reasons but the most common is that there is insufficient space. Space issues often dictate that, in order to fit everything in extractions or stripping of enamel from the sides of teeth to make them smaller is necessary. You must be prepared for this.
There may be specific limitations for each individual case (for example if a person has an embedded extra tooth it may block movement of teeth in that area) and these are usually discussed during consultation.
Potential Risks and Complications :
- if poorly maintained enamel of the teeth can be permanently damaged. This will appear as permanent white, yellow or brown stains. Poor oral hygiene may also lead to decay, gum inflammation and bone loss.
- Movement of the teeth can result in loss of root length by 1-2mm and this is known as root resorption. Rarely some teeth may undergo marked resorption which can result in their early loss.
- In rare cases teeth may “die” or undergo loss of vitality. Both root resorption and loss of vitality are usually associated with past damage or trauma to the teeth.
- The prospect of the teeth staying straight after treatment varies from one individual to another. Minor changes after treatment are to be expected. (It is critical to wear retainers as directed)
- On an individual basis, dark triangular spaces may appear. This is especially so in patients with thin or receding gum and or severe crowding of teeth.
- Excessive force during chewing may result in damage of the braces. Patients may also experience pain, discomfort and inconvenience arising from this. In rare instances patient may ingest/inhale parts of the braces in the event of damage and trauma.
Patient responsibilities
Good patient cooperation is absolutely critical to the success of orthodontic treatment. Before embarking on a course of orthodontic treatment please be sure that you will be able to :
- keep all appointments as scheduled;
- follow all instructions on the care and usage of appliances, elastics, headgear, retainers etc.
- maintain good oral hygiene - this is a significant and critical commitment
- Upon completion of treatment, to use retainers as instructed to minimize relapse
Like all dental treatment orthodontic treatment carries an element of risk. No warranty of absolute success or a perfect result can be given.
Types of orthodontic appliances
During Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic After care
Professional Oral Hygiene Maintenance and Gum Treatment