Straighter Teeth at Village Family Dental

Orthodontists are dentists who have completed an additional two or three year orthodontic residency program to specialize in tooth and jaw relationships. Orthodontists have traditionally been concerned with the correction of improper tooth alignment and occlusion (bite) primarily by movement of the teeth. Village Family Dental refers to multiple local orthodontist in Myrtle Beach, SC and surrounding areas.

In recent years, new techniques and a better understanding of growth and development have given orthodontists the ability to not only move teeth, but to modify poor skeletal and neuromuscular growth patterns. This results in a better bite, a nicer looking smile and a more pleasing facial structure

Braces……….WHAT’S INVOLVED???

The following information will benefit you while you are undergoing orthodontic treatment. Initially, there are six steps to orthodontic care.

The consultation is the first visit. The orthodontist will examine the patient for the need and readiness for braces. From this appointment the orthodontist will conclude which, if any, treatment is indicated, will request any records that are needed for treatment, and discuss a treatment plan for your care. Sometimes patients are not ready for braces yet, but should be followed for further treatment. These patients will be placed on a six to twelve month recall list.

The orthodontic records appointment is needed to gather all information from which the orthodontist will determine the extent and estimated treatment necessary. This appointment is approximately forty-five minutes long and consists of a panoramic x-ray, cephometic x-ray, clinical photographs and diagnostic study models.

The case presentation and separators appointment is when the orthodontist explains your personalized treatment plan. Orthodontic separators are thick elastic bands that are placed between the back teeth to allow room for the orthodontic appliances to be placed. The separators are placed seven to fourteen days prior to the placement of the braces.

The band and bond appointment consists of actually having your braces placed on your teeth. This appointment usually takes one and a half hours.

Archwire adjustment appointments are every four to six weeks and are usually thirty minutes. This is when the wire is changed or adjusted and the elastics are changed.

Retainer check appointments are after the braces are removed from the teeth. Retainers are made to hold the teeth in their new position. The orthodontist checks the retainers regularly for proper wear by the patient. Teeth may exhibit a tendency to return to their original position after treatment. This is called relapse. Very severe problems have a higher tendency to relapse and the most common area for relapse is the lower front teeth. After band removal, retainers are placed to minimize relapse. Full cooperation in wearing these appliances is vital. When retention is stopped, some changes are still possible. The mouth is a constantly changing system of forces. As a person grows older, the mouth changes too. In time, teeth wear, move, and shift. These changes are a normal by-product of aging. Wearing braces does not prevent your mouth from aging or your teeth from shifting as you grow older. Some changes over a lifetime are inevitable. Successful orthodontic treatment is truly a team effort. This takes cooperation from everyone – our staff, your family, and most importantly, the PATIENT. Communication is essential to a successful team effort. We will make every effort to keep you informed of treatment progress. We welcome the opportunity to answer any questions you may have at any time during treatment. We thank you in advance for your cooperation in your step to a healthier and brighter smile.

ORAL HYGIENE AND OTHER FACTORS

It is very important that your oral home care is at the forefront of your daily activities. De-calcification (permanent markings), decay, and gum disease can occur if patients do not brush their teeth properly and thoroughly during the treatment period. Excellent oral hygiene and plague removal is a must. You will need to brush after every meal, including snacks. Keep a toothbrush with you at all times. Remember to keep your regular appointments with your hygienist to assist in keeping a healthy mouth.

Sometimes a tooth may have a non-vital or damaged nerve and orthodontic movement may reveal the need for root canal treatment. A tooth that has been traumatized by an injury, or a tooth that has a large filling, may require endodontic (root canal) treatment when it is moved by orthodontia.

In some cases, the root ends of the teeth are shortened during treatment. This is called root resorption. Under healthy circumstances the shortened roots cause no disadvantage. However, in the event of gum disease later in life, root resorption could reduce the longevity of affected teeth. It should be noted that not all root resorption could reduce the longevity of affected teeth. It should be noted that not all root resorption arises from orthodontic treatment. Trauma, cuts, impaction, endocrine disorders, or idiopathic (unknown) reasons can also cause root resorption.

The total time for treatment can delay our estimate. Lack of facial growth, poor patient cooperation, broken appliances, and missed appointments are all important factors that could lengthen treatment time and affect the quality of the result.

When is the best time to begin wearing braces?

For Children (ages 8-10) because there is advantages for early treatment.

1) Using the maximum advantage of growth.

2) Sometimes early orthodontia reduces the need for further treatment when patients are older.

3) Improves self-esteem with better facial appearance.

There are two different phases of orthodontic treatment:

(Children ages 8-10)

Phase I

* Head gear

* Spring retainer

* RPE (Rapid Growth Expander)

(Ages 10 and Up)

Phase II

* Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment

(A large percentage of our patients are adults, it is never to late to straighten your teeth)

 

Most common questions about braces

 

* Will braces hurt?

Some patients have discomfort adjusting to their braces. You can use orthodontic wax, mouth rinses and take ibuprofen or any non-aspirin pain reliever.

* Will braces interfere with playing sports ?

The orthodontist will recommend a mouth guard when playing any contact sport. Protecting your teeth with or without braces on is always a smart idea.

* How long will I have to wear braces ?

According to your treatment it is usually twelve to eighteen months.

* What age should I go to see the orthodontist ?

The orthodontist recommends a child’s first visit for an orthodontic consultation should be eight years old. In some cases early detection of dental development can significantly reduce the removal of permanent teeth. There are no limitations of age in orthodontic care.

* How long will I have to wear retainers?

Retainers should be wore all the time for the first six months after your braces are removed . Within a year you will go to night time wear.

* What am I allowed to eat with my braces?

We will give you a list of do’s and dont’s and what not to eat. Example; corn on the cob and biting into apples are impossible! You have to cut apples up into small pieces and avoid very sticky candy.

 

MALOCCLUSION

After looking closely at your teeth and jaw relationship, the orthodontist may say you have a malocclusion. That means your teeth do not fit together properly. There are three different malocclusion, Class I, II and III.

pictures coming soon…

To know more about braces, visit Village Family Dental office or call the Dentist in Myrtle Beach at 843-215-2599 for inquiries about our other dental services.

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