the ultimate guide - reese orthodontics · why do people need braces? most people assume that...

Dr. Reese McElveen

The Ultimate Guideto

Orthodontic Treatment

The Ultimate Guide to Orthodontic Treatment

843.573.7279www.ReeseBraces.com 1

1. Why Do People Need Braces? 2

2. At What Age Should My Child Be Evaluated for Orthodontic Treatment? 3

3. What Is the Best Age to Be Fitted for Braces? 5

4. Does Orthodontic Treatment Work As Well for Adults As for Children? 6

5. What Are Some of the Latest Options in Orthodontic Treatments? 7

5a. Invisalign 8

5b. Suresmile 9

6. When Might Surgical Orthodontics Be Necessary? 10

7. How Long Is the Retention Phase Once Braces Are Removed? 11

Table of Contents



For most people, achieving a healthy, beautiful smile is the reason for choosing to receive orthodontic treatment. If you are self-conscious about your smile, braces will help improve the way you look and feel. When you

more attractive smile!

Why Do People Need Braces?Most people assume that braces are needed to straighten teeth and correct a crooked smile. Not only are there cosmetic reasons to wear braces but medical and dental issues to improve your overall oral health. Your need for braces may be the result of genetics, whereby you inherited space or overbite issues. You may do things that overtime result in the

sucking, breathing through your mouth, dental decay, poor nutrition or having an accident. One telltale sign that you

food. Your teeth may become overcrowded or crooked, or the jaw may not align

a few dental issues that may indicate the need for braces.



At What Age Should My Child Be Evaluated for Orthodontic Treatment?

age, but there is no set time to get started. If your child has a crowded set of adult teeth coming in, or if the permanent front teeth came in early, these are

to be seen for an initial orthodontic evaluation is based more on the “dental

year old may actually be that of a 13 year old. It is the job of the orthodontist to determine the dental age and make appropriate recommendations for treatment to resolve any issues.

visit the orthodontist by age seven or eight or earlier if a problem is detected



by the parents, dentist, or pediatrician. At this stage early treatment may not be necessary, but vigilant examination will help anticipate the best time to begin treatment, and may help correct situations before they become

adult molars may have erupted, which establishes the child’s bite at the back-

side tooth placement.

Timely screening can also detect the presence of erupting incisors, which may cause problems with an overbite, open bite or overcrowding of teeth.



What Is the Best Age to Be Fitted for Braces?Most full orthodontic treatment begins between the ages of nine and 14, and lasts from one to three years, with two years the average length of time for treatment. Children and adolescents in this age range have at least some permanent teeth and are still growing. Treatment time will vary from

Treatment times depend on how quickly your body responds and how much work is needed to give you the attractive smile you expect. Listening to your orthodontist’s instructions about using your appliances properly is a major factor in determining the length of time it takes to complete your orthodontic treatment. Taking care of your braces and appliances will help make sure that you have a shorter treatment time!

Teens especially dread these three words: “YOU NEED BRACES.” Fortunately these days there are a variety of braces, types, and styles to choose from including ceramic braces, invisible braces, lingual (behind the tooth)

easy to look and feel good during your orthodontic treatment.

Does Orthodontic Treatment Work As Well for Adults As for Children?Today’s orthodontic treatment is a viable option for nearly any adult. In fact, the American

orthodontic patients is over the age of 21. Many adults are choosing orthodontic treatment to improve their overall health, while feeling better about their appearance. If your teeth are healthy,

children or teens is that the jawbones of younger patients are still growing. Adults may also have

reasons adult choose to have orthodontic treatment include:

• Teeth are crowded or spaced apart, which may lead to tooth decay or gum disease

• • Abnormal jaw pain or pressure caused by crooked teeth• Desire for a healthier mouth and a beautiful, straight smile

regular activities, such as singing, playing a musical instrument, dining out, or

while playing sports or other activities that have the potential to lead to injury of your mouth or jaw.



What Are Some of the Latest Options in Orthodontic Treatments?Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket is placed around each tooth. Orthodontic appliances are made of metal, ceramic or plastic which are removable or bonded to the teeth. You can now choose from clear or metallic brackets, and even choose the color of your appliances. Wires are far less noticeable, and the latest materials and technologies are designed to move teeth faster and with more comfort. Here are some of the latest options in orthodontic care and treatment.



Invisalign

Invisalign uses a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners to straighten your teeth. No one can tell when you wear Invisalign, because

adults who want to live life without the brackets and wires associated with traditional braces. Invisalign trays are made of smooth plastic and are more

your teeth, you can simply remove the Invisalign trays from your mouth to make it easier to clean your teeth and gums. You also may more easily

to removable trays is that you are no longer restricted to what you can eat. Simply remove the tray and eat whatever you want!

You will also save time with Invisalign because you will have less visits with the orthodontist as you will only need to maintain visits every 6 weeks on average.



Suresmile

wires with your exact prescription. Once the orthodontist has virtually

direct way for moving teeth in the proper way, and sends this information

customized braces and wires are sent back to the orthodontist ready to place on the patient.

concurrent tooth movement and provide a treatment that is 100 percent personalized, and results in more comfort for the patient and fewer visits to the orthodontist.



When Might Surgical Orthodontics Be Necessary?Surgical orthodontics may be used to correct severe cases that include bad bites, jaw bone abnormalities and malocclusion. Oral and maxillofacial surgery focuses on treating patients with complex craniofacial cases that involve the mouth, jaw, face and skull. Before surgery may be considered to correct improper bites or other aesthetic issues, the jaw must be done growing (age 16 for females and age 18 for males). Your orthodontist will evaluate the need for orthognathic surgery as part of your treatment.

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How Long Is the Retention Phase Once Braces Are Removed?

depends on how well you follow through with the retainer that you will be

the time you will only have to wear a retainer at night. Remember to remove your retainer when brushing your teeth and to brush your retainer after each use.



providing the absolute best in orthodontics in an enthusiastic, friendly environment. Please contact us today at www.ReeseBraces.com to see how we can help you create an amazing smile.



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