Park
Cities Dental
"The
Art and Science of a Healthy Smile"
The Right Time for Braces (Orthodontics)
"Dear Dr. Hibbs, Thank you for the comprehensive consultation regarding my possible foray into orthodontics. While I am not certain what I'll do next, I am blessed to have met you and your staff. You have taken such good care of my husband and two boys, and for that I am most grateful." MM
What is "orthodontics,"
and why do people get braces?
Orthodontics is a special discipline of dentistry concerned
with aligning the teeth and jaws to improve one's smile and oral health.
"Ortho" means correct or straight, and "Odont" means
tooth.
A dentist usually recommends braces to improve the patient's physical "orofacial" appearance. Through orthodontic treatment, problems like crooked or crowded teeth, uneven spacing due to missing teeth, overbites or underbites, incorrect jaw position, and disorders of the jaw joints are corrected.
When is the right time for braces?
Patients with orthodontic problems can benefit from treatment
at nearly any age. But the ideal time for placement of braces is between
10 and 14 years of age, while the head and mouth are still growing and
teeth are more accessible to straightening.
However, because any adjustments in facial appearance can be traumatic to a child during these sensitive years, parents should discuss the matter with their children before braces are applied.
More and more adults are also wearing braces to correct minor problems and to improve their smiles.
Click to see our free, no-obligation Dallas
Orthodontic Report.
What kind of braces will I have
to wear?
Your dentist will know what's best for your particular problem,
but the patient often has a choice. Braces generally come in three varieties:
The most popular type are brackets that are bonded to teeth and are far
less noticeable. The "lingual" type are brackets that attach
to the back of teeth, hidden from view (not provided by most dentists, and
significantly more expensive). Bands are the old-fashioned type
that cover most of your teeth with metal strips. A new alternative is
Invisalign Orthodontics, where you wear a removable clear plastic mouthguard
type appliance for 22 hours a day. Click here to find out more about Invisalign!
BEFORE Orthodontic case by Dr.
Hibbs AFTER
How long will I have to wear
braces?
That depends upon your treatment plan. The more complicated
your spacing or bite problem is, and the older you are, the longer the
period of treatment, usually. Most patients can count on wearing full braces
between 18 and 30 months, followed by the wearing of a retainer for at
least a few months to set and align tissues surrounding straightened teeth.
Click here to help choose the colors of your rubber bands! (a tel e vox creation!)
Will treatment be uncomfortable?
The interconnecting wires are tightened at each visit,
bearing mild pressure on the brackets or bands to shift teeth or jaws gradually
into a desired position. Your teeth and jaws may feel slightly sore after
each visit, but the discomfort is brief. Keep in mind also that some teeth
may need to be extracted to make room for teeth being shifted with braces
and for proper jaw alignment.
Do I have to avoid any foods
or personal habits?
Yes. Cut down on sweets, chips and pop. Sugary and starchy
foods generate acids and plaque that can cause tooth decay and promote
gum disease. Cut healthy, hard foods like carrots or apples into smaller
pieces. Sticky, chewy sweets like caramel can cause wire damage and loosen
brackets. Avoid hard and crunchy snacks that can break braces, including
popcorn, nuts and hard candy. More don'ts: ice cube chewing, thumb sucking,
excessive mouth breathing, lip biting and pushing your tongue against your
teeth.
Brush carefully after every meal with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly and check your teeth in the mirror to make sure they're clean. Take time to floss between braces and under wires with the help of a floss threader.
Who will provide my orthodontic
treatment?
Your family general dentist is responsible for coordinating
your dental treatment, and this could encompass any orthodontic treatment
plan, including diagnosis, examinations and some orthodontic procedures. In very
difficult cases, Dr. Hibbs may refer you to an "orthodontist"-a specialist
trained in the development, prevention and correction of irregularities
of the teeth, bite and jaws, and related facial abnormalities.
Dr. Hibbs now provides traditional and Invisalign Orthodontics to his patients.
What about home care of my teeth
with braces?
With braces, oral hygiene is more important than ever.
Braces have tiny spaces where food particles and plaque get trapped. Brush
carefully after every meal with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled
toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly and check your teeth in the mirror to make
sure they're clean. Take time to floss between braces and under wires with
the help of a floss threader.
How can I pay for braces?
We accept monthly payment plans through our office, or
you could try our fast, interest free financing with Care
Credit!
All services provided by J. Eric Hibbs, DDS, a General Dentist not specializing in Orthodontics.