Orthodontics 101

Braces are often associated with a teenager’s rite of passage but today, more and more people are getting braces as adults, sometimes along with their teenage children. Orthodontic treatment for adults are more complicated than teens; the latter has jaw bones that are easier to correct while adults have already had their mature teeth and dental problems for decades. In some serious cases, some patients have to go through jaw surgery along with their orthodontic treatment. The most popular kind of braces for adults are called fixed braces. No matter what your age is, this type of braces needs 9 to 30 months before results are achieved. Adults will also have to wear retainers longer than teenagers do.

It is common to see children with crooked, uneven teeth, and also a large number using braces. What could be the factor behind the increasing incidence in the use of braces to correct unaligned children’s teeth? The primary reason for this is that it is easier to treat teeth problems during childhood rather than when they reach adulthood. Responses to treatment during this phase are better and quicker and added to that occurrence of complications is minimal. Some children like the idea of using braces as they are seen as status symbol. Dentists assess the children’s dental condition to determine if braces are really needed.

An overbite comes about when the upper front teeth stick out over the lower front teeth. More often the lower incisors are hidden from view. Overbite is brought about by the uneven growth of the front teeth or the bone that supports the teeth develops faster. Overbite is also referred to as a deep bite. Overbite should be attended to because it can lead to some problems of the jaw, wearing of the lower front teeth due to constant contact and gum tissue problems resulting from constant biting of the lower front teeth of the upper palate. This problem can be corrected at any age but earlier treatment is advised since the jaw is easier to maneuver.

Crossbite can happen either in the front teeth or teeth located on the sides of the mouth. This disorder can take place with a single tooth or several teeth. The early correction of crossbite should be done because it could cause abrasion of the teeth, gum disease, uneven jaw development and difficulty in chewing. A single crossbite can be corrected with the use of braces to move it to the correct position. At times, retainers are used. For multiple teeth crossbite, braces will be used to expand the arch. The orthodontist should decide on the correct therapy that will depend on the type and seriousness of the crossbite.

The dentist or the orthodontist will tell you if you need orthodontic treatment. Certain diagnostic tools will show the areas needing correction and the dentist will provide you with a treatment plan. Some signs that may show the need for the treatment are:
Overbite – or buck teeth, the front teeth sticks out too much
Underbite – the lower teeth are far recessed creating a “bulldog” appearance
Crossbite – the upper teeth bites on the inside of the lower teeth. This might cause a premature wear of the teeth.
Open bite – there is space between the bite surface of the upper and lower teeth.
Misplaced midline – center of upper teeth and lower teeth is not aligned
Spacing – presence of gaps between the teeth resulting from missing teeth.

The facebows are wire devices used to move the upper molars to the back of the mouth to provide space for crowded or jutting out front teeth. It consists of two metal parts attached together. The inner part, which is horseshoe-shaped, is connected to the buccal tubes, a metal welded to the molar. The outer part contains two curves that go all around your face and is connected to the breakaways which strengthen the facebow. A flexible neck band is attached at the back of the neck with the triangular cast offs at the side of the neck band fastened to the outer bow of the headgear. A plastic safety strap is then placed over the neck band connecting to the outer bow of the headgear.