FAQ

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 specialist who has completed an advanced education program of 2-3 years duration in an accredited program following dental school to learn the special skills required to manage tooth movement and guide facial development.

What are some possible benefits of orthodontics?

  • A more attractive smile
  • Better function of the teeth
  • Increased ability to clean the teeth
  • Improved force distribution and wear patterns of the teeth
  • Better long term health of teeth and gums
  • Guide permanent teeth into more favorable positions in growing children
  • Reducing the risk of injury to protruded front teeth
  • Can optimize other dental treatment -makes placement of crowns, veneers, bridges, and implants more ideal than if placed in a poor bite.
  • Often an increase in self-confidence
  • Reduced self-consciousness during critical development years

What are some signs that braces may be needed?

  • Upper front teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth (protrusion)
  • Upper front teeth cover the majority 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 midlines of the upper and lower teeth do not line up
  • Finger or thumb sucking habits which continue after five 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
  • Certain bite related jaw joint (TMJ) dysfunction

At what age should orthodontic treatment occur?

Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed or finished. Early treatment may mean that a patient can reduce the need for surgery and more serious complications than if treated later in life. The Canadian 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 or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment can occur between the ages of six and ten. This treatment is sometimes recommended to make more space for developing teeth, for correction of crossbites, overbites, underbites, or harmful oral habits. Phase II treatment is also called comprehensive treatment, because it involves full braces when all or most of the permanent teeth have erupted.

Would an adult patient benefit from orthodontics?

Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. Many orthodontic patients today are adults, often those who did not have the opportunity to receive treatment when they were younger, or the alignment may have appeared to be acceptable at an earlier age but the functional aspects were not recognized.

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. When the archwire is placed into the brackets, it tries to return to its original shape. As it does so, it applies 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 usually about two years. Actual treatment time can be affected by rate of growth and severity of the problem being corrected. Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance. Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments are also important in keeping treatment time on schedule.

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, however, you may feel some soreness of your teeth for one to four days as the wires begin to exert pressure. Your lips and cheeks may need one to two weeks to get used to the braces on your teeth. Fortunately, the wires and materials used these days are much easier on tissues and are therefore more comfortable than ever before.

Will braces interfere with playing sports?

No. You will see braces on people who participate in a wide variety of activities. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouth guard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouth guards are relatively inexpensive, come in a variety of colours and patterns, and really do reduce impact injury to teeth, braces and jaw joints.

Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?

No, especially if you play the piano or drums. Seriously though, there will be an initial period of adjustment for playing reed instruments or mouthpiece instruments, but the adjustment period usually takes a few days to a week depending on how much you practice. In addition, brace covers can be provided to reduce discomfort and to ease the transition.

Should I see my general dentist while I have braces?

Yes. You should continue to see your general dentist every six months or at other intervals prescribed by your dentist for cleanings and dental checkups.

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