ORTHODONTICS........for
Teens
Orthodontic
treatment for teenagers
Most patients begin orthodontic treatment between ages 9
and 16, but this varies depending on each individual. Because
teenagers are still growing, the teen years are often the
optimal time to correct orthodontic problems and achieve
excellent results.
Most orthodontic problems are inherited. Examples of these
genetic problems are crowding, too much space between teeth,
protruding upper teeth, extra or missing teeth and some
jaw growth problems.
Other malocclusions (crooked teeth)
are acquired. In other words, they develop over time. They
can be caused by thumb-sucking or finger-sucking as a child,
mouth breathing, dental disease, abnormal swallowing, poor
dental hygiene, the early or late loss of baby (primary)
teeth, accidents, poor nutrition or some medical problems.
Sometimes an inherited malocclusion
is complicated by an acquired problem. But whatever the
cause, the orthodontist is usually able to treat most conditions
successfully.
Treatment is important because crooked
or crowded teeth are hard to clean, and that may contribute
to tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. A bad bite
can also cause abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, difficulty
in chewing and/or speaking, excess stress on supporting
bone and gum tissue, and possible jaw joint problems. Without
treatment, problems may become worse. Orthodontic treatment
to correct a problem may prove less costly than the additional
dental care required to treat the problems that can develop
in later years.
Then there’s the emotional side of
an unattractive smile. When you are not confident in the
way you look, your self-esteem suffers. Teen-agers whose
malocclusions are left untreated may go through life feeling
self-conscious, hiding their smiles with tight lips or a
protective hand.
Frequently asked questions
- teenage orthodontics:
How do braces feel?
Most people have some discomfort after their braces are
first put on or when adjusted during treatment. After the
braces are on, teeth may become sore and may be tender to
biting pressures for three to five days. Patients can usually
manage this discomfort well with whatever pain medication
they might commonly take for a headache. The orthodontist
will advise patients and/or their parents what, if any,
pain relievers to take. The lips, cheeks and tongue may
also become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen
and become accustomed to the surface of the braces. Orthodontic
wax applied to an offending bracket will help relieve discomfort.
Overall, orthodontic discomfort is short-lived and easily
managed. Once patients have become accustomed to their braces,
they may even forget they have them on.
Are there less noticeable braces?
Today’s braces are generally less noticeable than those
of the past. The brackets are smaller and are bonded directly
to the teeth, minimizing the “tin grin.” Brackets can be
metal or clear depending on the patient’s preference. In
some cases, brackets may be bonded behind the teeth (lingual
braces). Some of today’s wires are made of "space age"
materials that exert a steady, gentle pressure on the teeth,
so that the tooth-moving process may be faster and more
comfortable for patients. A type of clear orthodontic wire
is currently in an experimental stage. Another option may
be the use of a series of plastic tray aligners instead
of traditional braces to correct some problems. Your orthodontist
will advise which type of orthodontic appliance will best
correct your problem.
Do teeth with braces need special
care?
Yes. Patients with braces must be careful to avoid hard,
sticky, chewy and crunchy foods. They must not chew on pens,
pencils or fingernails because chewing on hard things can
damage the braces. Damaged braces will almost always cause
treatment to take longer, and will require extra trips to
the orthodontist’s office.
Keeping the teeth and braces clean
requires more precision and time, and must be done every
day if the teeth and gums are to be healthy during and after
orthodontic treatment. Patients who do not keep their teeth
clean may require more frequent visits to the dentist for
a professional cleaning. The orthodontist and staff will
teach patients how to care for their teeth, gums and braces
during treatment. The orthodontist will tell patients (and/or
their parents) how often to brush, how often to floss, and,
if necessary, suggest other cleaning aids that might help
the patient maintain good dental health.
A good reason to keep teeth, gums
and braces clean during orthodontic treatment is that clean,
healthy teeth move more quickly! This will help keep treatment
time as short as possible.
Patients who are active in contact
sports, whether in organized programs or just games in the
neighborhood, should wear a mouth guard. Talk with your
orthodontist about the kind of mouth guard to use while
braces are on.
What is patient cooperation
and how important is it during orthodontic treatment?
Good “patient cooperation” means that the patient not only
follows the orthodontist’s instructions on oral hygiene
and diet, but is also an active partner in orthodontic treatment.
Successful orthodontic treatment
is a "two-way street" that requires a consistent,
cooperative effort by both the orthodontist and patient.
To successfully complete the treatment plan, the patient
must carefully clean his or her teeth, wear rubber bands,
headgear or other appliances as prescribed by the orthodontist,
avoid foods that might damage braces and keep appointments
as scheduled. Damaged appliances can lengthen the treatment
time and may undesirably affect the outcome of treatment.
The teeth and jaws can only move toward their desired positions
if the patient consistently wears the forces to the teeth,
such as rubber bands, as prescribed. Patients who do their
part consistently make themselves look good and their orthodontist
look smart.
To keep teeth and gums healthy, regular
visits to the family dentist must continue during orthodontic
treatment.
How long does treatment take?
Although every case is different, generally speaking, patients
wear braces from one to three years. Treatment times vary
with factors that include the severity of the problem, patient
growth, gum and bone response to tooth moving forces and
how well the patient follows the orthodontists’ instructions
on dental hygiene, diet and appliance wear (patient cooperation).
Patients who brush and floss thoroughly and regularly; avoid
hard, sticky, crunchy and sticky foods; wear their rubber
bands and/or headgear as instructed; and keep their appointments
usually finish treatment on time with good results. After
the braces are removed, most patients wear a retainer for
some time to keep or “retain” the teeth in their new positions.
The orthodontist will determine how long the retainer needs
to be worn. Most patients remain under the orthodontist’s
supervision during the retention phase to ensure that the
teeth stay properly aligned.
Why are retainers needed after orthodontic treatment?
After braces are removed, the teeth can shift out of position
if they are not stabilized. Retainers are designed to hold
teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones
and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers
exactly as instructed is the best insurance that the treatment
improvements last longer. It is normal for teeth to change
with increasing age.
Will tooth alignment change
later?
Studies have shown that as people age, their teeth may shift.
This variable pattern of gradual shifting, called maturational
change, probably slows down after the early 20s, but still
continues to a degree throughout a lifetime for most people.
Even children whose teeth developed into ideal alignment
and bite without treatment may develop orthodontic problems
as adults. The most common maturational change is crowding
of the lower incisor (front) teeth. Wearing retainers as
instructed after orthodontic treatment will stabilize the
correction and can prevent most of this change.
What about the wisdom teeth
(third molars) - should they be removed?
Research suggests that wisdom teeth do not necessarily cause
teeth to shift. In most cases, removal of wisdom teeth is
done for general dental health reasons rather than for orthodontic
health. Your orthodontist, in consultation with your family
dentist, can provide guidance regarding removal of wisdom
teeth.
What happens to teeth and gums if they are not kept clean
during orthodontic treatment?
Teeth can develop white spots, called “decalcification,”
when an individual’s teeth are susceptible or when oral
hygiene has been poor. If plaque is not regularly removed,
the patient can develop gum disease. This is why the orthodontist,
orthodontic staff, the dentist and dental hygienist stress
dental hygiene—for the good of the patient’s dental health.
What can I do to get my braces off sooner?
Follow the instructions your orthodontist gives you with
regards to oral hygiene (keeping your teeth and gums clean)
and wearing your appliances (e.g.: elastics, headgear, etc.)
Your cooperation may help speed up your treatment.
What will I look like with
braces on?
Much will depend on the kind of braces used for your treatment.
Many patients have silver-colored brackets and wires while
others may have tooth-colored brackets or clear plastic
aligners. Braces are much less noticeable today than they
were when each tooth had a metal band around it. These are
photos of a patient the day his braces were placed.
Do you have any suggestions
on what foods I CAN eat?
Choose foods that are softer. Right after you get braces
or whenever they are adjusted, you may want foods that require
little or no chewing such as soup and macaroni and cheese.
Cut or tear sandwiches and pizza rather than biting into
them.
What happens if something
breaks?
If a portion of the appliance breaks, let your orthodontist
know so that arrangements can be made for repairs. For more
information see "Orthodontic Emergencies and Other
Problems".
My child wants to get his/her
tongue pierced.
Will this interfere with
orthodontic reatment?
Tongue-piercing jewelry may contribute to breakage of appliances
and to tooth and gum damage from contact with the stud.
COSMETIC DENTISTRY - ORTHODONTICS
