
What is orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment. What is orthodontic treatment? Orthodontic treatment is a way of straightening or moving teeth, to improve the appearance of the teeth and how they work. It can also help to look after the long-term health of your teeth, gums and jaw joints, by spreading the biting pressure over all your teeth.
When does orthodontic work begin?
Most orthodontic work begins in the early permanent dentition stage before skeletal growth is completed. If skeletal growth has completed, jaw surgery is an option. Sometimes teeth are extracted to aid the orthodontic treatment (teeth are extracted in about half of all the cases, most commonly the premolars ).
What is the best age to have orthodontic treatment?
At what age should I have orthodontic treatment? The best time is generally during childhood, but adults can have orthodontic treatment too - and more and more are doing so. Age is less important than having the right number of teeth. In children it may be necessary to wait for enough teeth to come through before starting treatment.
How should I take care of my teeth during orthodontic treatment?
It is important to keep having your teeth checked by your dental team while you are having orthodontic treatment. You also need to take extra care of your teeth and mouth: Clean your teeth carefully every day, including between your teeth where you can.

What is included in orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment improves the appearance of the teeth, speech function, and protects teeth from damage....Types of Orthodontic Treatment:Straightening crooked teeth.Treating an improper bite.Closing wide gaps between the teeth.Boosting the long-term health of gums and teeth.Improving speech.
What are the three classifications of orthodontic treatment?
Classification of TeethClass I: Class I is a normal relationship between the upper teeth, lower teeth and jaws or balanced bite. ... Class II: Class II is where the lower first molar is posterior (or more towards the back of the mouth) than the upper first molar. ... Class III:
What are the 5 stages of braces?
Five Stages of an Orthodontic TreatmentConsultation Stage. ... Bonding/Banding Stage. ... Regular Adjustments Stage. ... Debanding Stage. ... Retainer Stage. ... If you are currently suffering from any of the cases mentioned earlier, your dentist will most certainly refer you to an orthodontist.
What is the difference between limited and comprehensive orthodontic treatment?
In its simplest form, limited treatment would focus a single tooth or single group of teeth, whereas comprehensive treatment would involve idealizing the bite, smile, alignment of all teeth, and soft tissue esthetics. For children, comprehensive treatment is the most common form of treatment.
What is a Class 3 overbite?
Class III bites are often referred to as an underbite. This occurs when the lower molars are positioned more towards the front of your mouth than the upper molars. As a result, your lower teeth and jaw project out beyond the upper teeth and jaw.
How much do braces cost?
The cost range for braces can vary greatly for each type: Metal braces (traditional braces): $3,000 - 7,000. Ceramic braces: $4,000 - 8,000. Lingual braces: $8,000 - 10,000.
Are rubber bands the final stage of braces?
This can be the last phase, so if you are wondering, “are elastics the last stage of braces,” the answer is “yes” if your braces are there to also help with bite correction. Now, if your bands are there to help move your teeth, you may need to start using them during the earlier phases of this treatment.
At what stage of braces do you get rubber bands?
Now that you know how rubber bands for braces work, you may be wondering, when do you get bands for braces? Well, it depends on the patient. But our patients can start using rubber bands for their braces as soon as one month into treatment or as late as 12 months into treatment.
Will I get a retainer after braces?
Many of our patients ask us “Will I need a retainer after I get my braces off?” The answer to that is almost always yes. Nearly everyone will need to wear some kind of retainer after braces. Think of permanent retainers as an insurance policy for your new smile.
Is Invisalign comprehensive or limited?
Most Invisalign® Express and Lite would be considered limited. Comprehensive treatment would involve idealizing the bite, smile, alignment of all teeth, and soft tissue esthetics.
What is the purpose of limited orthodontic treatment?
Limited orthodontic treatment is intended to address a problem involving only one or a few teeth. Limited orthodontic treatment is often used in preparation for complex dental work like bridges or dental implants. It can be confined to the six front teeth or back teeth on the top, bottom or both.
What does comprehensive treatment mean?
As the name implies, comprehensive treatment may involve coordinated care from an oral surgeon, a periodontal or gum specialist, or your general dentist to establish an ideal bite and smile. Typical duration of comprehensive treatment is one to two years, depending on the complexity of the bite and goals desired.
What are the stages of orthodontic treatment?
Generally, there are two or three stages of orthodontic treatment. The corrective phase of an orthodontic treatment usually includes just the comprehensive stage of treatment. But several problems may be treated better and faster if an interceptive treatment stage precedes that. In this case it is what orthodontists call a two-phase treatment. After the corrective stage, orthodontists recommend a retention stage where the patient has to use a dental retainer to prevent the corrected teeth from drifting back to their old position.
Why do we need orthodontics?
Modern orthodontics provide a variety of different treatment approaches to the orthodontists in order to fulfill their promise to their patients for straight teeth and beautiful smile.
What is the treatment for jaw and tooth abnormalities?
Surgical orthodontic treatment. Surgical orthodontics treat jaw and tooth abnormalities that could not be treated by conventional orthodontic treatments. Jaw surgery (or orthognathic surgery) is needed in some difficult cases, especially in the treatment of adult patients when the jaw bones are fully developed.
Why do teeth need to be extracted?
One or more permanent teeth might have to be extracted to create enough space for the rest of the teeth. Until some decades ago, tooth extraction was the only solution for the treatment of teeth crowding problems. The modern orthodontic approach includes the use of expander devices to increase the size of the dental arch and minimize the need for teeth extractions.
What are the problems that require jaw surgery?
The problems that might require a jaw surgery are usually a protruding or recessed upper jaw or a protruding or recessed lower jaw. Surgical orthodontic procedures are performed by an oral surgeon in co-ordination with the treatment plan of the orthodontist.
Can you afford orthodontics?
The cost of orthodontic treatment can be significant and many patients may not afford it if they are not covered by their dental insurance. Learn how to choose a dental insurance plan that will provide the best dental treatment to you and your family. Learn how to get the best coverage. from your dental insurance: ...
Types of Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on correcting a patient’s teeth and jaw structure to improve the overall smile. Dental issues such as crowded or crooked teeth can cause problems with smiling, chewing, and overall health.
Types of Orthodontic Issues
A crossbite describes a patient’s bite that has upper teeth sitting inside the lower teeth when a patient closes their mouth. Also known as a misaligned bite, a crossbite can cause teeth to wear down or chip. Crossbites can affect the cosmetic appearance of teeth, and also cause lip pain from the bite.
Types of Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontists may recommend one of several different types of orthodontic treatment. The type of orthodontic treatment a dentist recommends depends largely on your orthodontic problem, the severity of the problem, patient convenience, budget, and comfort.
SureSmile Technology
With braces and aligners, Dr. Laster at Laster Orthodontics has implemented a way to make orthodontics faster and more accurate than traditional methods. SureSmile technology combines 3D imaging, computer aided smile design, and modern robotic technology to efficiently produce incredible smiles. Dr.
What is full face orthodontics?
Full face orthodontics, also known as epigenetic orthodontics, is more than just a teeth-straightening treatment. Unlike traditional braces, full face orthodontics is used to actually grow the jaw into a better shape, which in turn improves breathing, posture, and appearance.
Can you get an extraction for crooked teeth?
Many people have underdeveloped jaws that cannot fit all of their teeth comfortably. This leads to crowding and crooked teeth, and often traditional orthodontic treatment will call for extractions or, in extreme cases, jaw surgery. Epigenetic orthodontics uses a special appliance to gently guide jaw growth and development without the need for surgery or extractions.
What Is Orthodontic Treatment?
Firstly, let's discover exactly what American orthodontic treatment is. This branch of dentistry deals with correcting and improperly positioned teeth and or jaws.
What are the benefits of orthodontics?
Orthodontics offers many benefits including improved health, self-confidence, speech, relief of pain , and more. Now that you are aware of the amazing benefits, you are that much closer to making these helpful changes.
What is a functional brace?
Functional braces work to correct issues relating to the bite. These appliances can be fixed or removable. The Twin Block is an example of a functional appliance that helps patients who are still growing.
Do elastics work with braces?
Elastics are sometimes used in conjunction with fixed braces. These help move the teeth and most notably aid in attempting to align the jaw or bite. If you have a bite-related issue, this may be the longest phase of your treatment plan.
Can you use Invisalign with braces?
Some people may have the option of using invisible braces. Invisalign is a clear, tough plastic aligner or mold that works to straighten the teeth. There are a number of sets made slightly different for each specific patient.
Planning Phase
Like anything, you can’t expect the best possible results without starting with a good plan. So, the first phase of your orthodontic treatment will be when the orthodontist develops your customized treatment plan.
Alignment (aka Active) Phase
In the second phase of orthodontic treatment, your treatment plan is put into action. The type of orthodontic appliance/device that is prescribed and decided on will be fitted onto your teeth. The appliance will either be fixed or removable.
Retention Phase
When your teeth reach the desired proper alignment and your active treatment phase is complete, any fixed appliances will be removed or aligner use discontinued. Congratulations! But, the final phase of treatment, known as the retention phase, is still extremely important.
How long does it take to become an orthodontist?
The program generally lasts for two to three years, and by the final year, graduates are to complete the written American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) exam.
What is the education required for an orthodontist?
Fields of. employment. Private practices, hospitals. Orthodontics is a dentistry specialty that addresses the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of mal-positioned teeth and jaws, and misaligned bite patterns. It may also address the modification of facial growth, ...
What degree do you need to become an orthodontist in Canada?
In Canada, obtaining a dental degree, such as a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD), would be required before being accepted by a school for orthodontic training. Currently, there are 10 schools in the country offering the orthodontic specialty. Candidates should contact the individual school directly to obtain the most recent pre-requisites before entry. The Canadian Dental Association expects orthodontists to complete at least two years of post-doctoral, specialty training in orthodontics in an accredited program, after graduating from their dental degree.
How long does it take for braces to adjust?
A typical treatment for incorrectly positioned teeth ( malocclusion) takes from one to three years, with braces being adjusted every four to 10 weeks by specialists called orthodontists, university-trained dental specialists versed in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontists offer a wide range of treatment options to straighten crooked teeth, fix irregular bites and align the jaws correctly. There are many ways to adjust malocclusion. In growing patients there are more options to treat skeletal discrepancies, either by promoting or restricting growth using functional appliances, orthodontic headgear or a reverse pull facemask. Most orthodontic work is begun in the early permanent dentition stage before skeletal growth is completed. If skeletal growth has completed, jaw surgery is an option. Sometimes teeth are extracted to aid the orthodontic treatment (teeth are extracted in about half of all the cases, most commonly the premolars ).
What is orthodontic headgear?
Orthodontic headgear—sometimes referred to as an "extra-oral appliance" —is a treatment approach that requires the patient to have a device strapped onto his or her head to help correct malocclusion—typically used when the teeth do not align properly. Headgear is most often used along with braces or other orthodontic appliances. While braces correct the position of teeth, orthodontic headgear—which as the name suggests is worn on or is strapped onto the patient's head—is most often added to orthodontic treatment to help alter the alignment of the jaw, although there are some situations in which such an appliance can help move teeth, particularly molars.
How to become an orthodontist in Australia?
In Australia, to obtain an accredited three-year full-time university degree in orthodontics, one will need to be a qualified dentist (complete an AHPRA registered general dental degree) with a minimum of two years of clinical experience. There are several universities in Australia that offer orthodontic programs: University of Adelaide, University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Queensland, University of Western Australia, University of Otago. Orthodontic Courses are accredited by the Australian Dental Council and reviewed by the Australian Society of Orthodontists (ASO). Prospective applicants should obtain information from the relevant institution before applying for admission. After completing a degree in orthodontics, specialists are required to be registered with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) in order to practice.
How to treat skeletal discrepancies?
In growing patients there are more options to treat skeletal discrepancies, either by promoting or restricting growth using functional appliances, orthodontic headgear or a reverse pull facemask. Most orthodontic work is begun in the early permanent dentition stage before skeletal growth is completed.
