Orthodontics (Braces):
Orthodontics is the straightening of crooked, protruding, or misaligned teeth through the use of braces or appliances so the teeth can look and function better.
Gentle pressure is placed on the teeth so that they slowly move into the right place over a number of months or years. If you are interested in finding out about orthodontics for yourself or your child, please call our practice to set up a consultation appointment with our Orthodontist, Dr. Raed Al-Sharabati. He will discuss the treatment plan with you and if you are a good candidate for treatment, we can proceed with taking the appropriate models and x-rays to start treatment in the next visit.
Full Orthodontic Treatment:
This is comprehensive orthodontic care for adolescents and adults. This type of orthodontic care is a single phase of treatment and the results last a lifetime. Full orthodontic treatment should address the results of occlusion (bite), as well as an attractive smile. We will not only ensure that your smile is beautiful, but we will also ensure that a functional bite is produced.
How Is Orthodontic Therapy Done?
Fixed Braces
Most often the choice of treatment is braces. Braces can be done for any age above 9 years old. Treatment time lasts anywhere from 6 months-2 years, depending on the age and position of teeth. Prices of treatment vary depending on the complexity of the case, years that patient will be in braces and also the type of braces.
There are a variety of types of brackets, colors of wires and elastics to choose from. You can talk to Dr. Raed about which ones are right for you. You may like colored metal braces, cosmetic ceramic, Gold, or even the invisible ligual. With the use of new copper NiTi wires, Dr. Raed can move teeth in a gentler manner than years ago. This means teeth are less sensitive after adjustments and while they are shifting position in your mouth.
Removable Appliances
Removable appliances are not as precise as braces. They are only used to move one tooth or a small group of teeth in one direction. We have used appliance therapy on many children and a few adults with minimal misalignment of their teeth. Patients are required to wear their appliance 24/7 during therapy and come in for regular observation and adjustment visits. Therapy can take anywhere from 6-18 months.
Appliance Therapy
Appliance therapy is a catch-all term. It includes palatal expansion in preadolescence or early adolescence, as well as appliances to assist with habits such as thumb sucking.
Dr. Raed Al-Sharabati can examine patients as early as age seven to see if they may require braces in the future. Sometimes he may choose to have your child wear an appliance before all the adult teeth come in to improve eruption patterns and jaw alignment. This is called "Interceptive Orthodontics". Children may or may not require braces after wearing the appliance; it just depends on the complexity of the case and the growth pattern of your child's teeth and jaw.
Retainers:
We believe that patients should wear braces only one time through their life. To ensure this, we make sure to give our patients the proper kind of retainers. Retainers help keep teeth in the right place after finishing the treatment.
Fixed retainers are almost invisible. It’s a wire that is attached to the inside of the teeth permanently in a way that nobody can see it. These wires are placed on in such a way that patients can feel it smooth with their tongue, clean and floss easily between the teeth.
Removable retainers are made of a pink colored acrylic material and attach to teeth like an appliance would. Some patients are required to wear these retainers, while others can have the fixed ones.
Considerations
Orthodontic treatment does take time to complete. Treatment involves a time commitment from patients and in general, adults take a bit longer to treat then children or teenagers. Treatment can range from 6 months to even 2 years in some cases. Patients are required to come in regularly for control visits every 3-5 weeks. Brushing and flossing are very important because food gets stuck around the braces and can cause decay and decalcification quickly. Patients should have professional cleanings done more frequently as well. Your diet needs to change too in order to prevent the braces from breaking off. Patients are recommended to stay away from nuts, gum, chewing ice cubes, chewing pens and pencils, sticky foods, foods high in sugar, toffee, and beef jerky. Orthodontics is a big commitment, but it has a lifelong result.
