FAQs

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

What is an orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has completed an additional two to three years of specialized education following dental school, to learn the special skills required to manage tooth movement and guide facial development.

What are some possible benefits of orthodontics?

• Better function of the teeth
• A more attractive smile
• Reduced appearance-consciousness during critical development years
• Increased self-confidence
• Increased ability to clean the teeth
• Improve the balance of forces on the teeth
• Better long term health of teeth and gums
• Reduce the risk of injury to protruded front teeth
• Optimize the results of the treatment planned by your dentist

What are some signs that braces may be needed?

• Upper front teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth, or are bucked (overbite)
• Upper front teeth cover the majority of the lower teeth when biting together (deep bite)
• Upper front teeth are behind or inside the lower front teeth (underbite)
• The upper and lower front teeth do not touch when biting together (open bite)
• Crowded or overlapped teeth
• The center of the upper and lower teeth do not line up
• Finger or thumb sucking habits which continue after three years of age
• Difficulty chewing
• Teeth wearing unevenly or excessively
• The top and bottom front teeth touch each other “hard” when you close your teeth (traumatic anterior bite)
• The lower jaw shifts to one side or the other when biting together (crossbite)
• Spaces between the teeth

At what age should orthodontic treatment occur?

Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age but most of the time it begins between 9 and 14 years of age. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child visit an orthodontist by age 7 or earlier if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist or the child's physician. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment, before all the permanent teeth erupt, may mean that a patient can avoid different types of surgery and more serious complications when treatment is done later.

What is Phase I and Phase II treatment?

Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e. expander or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment can occur between the ages of 3 and 10. This treatment is sometimes recommended to make more space for developing teeth, correction of crossbites, overbites, underbites, or harmful oral habits. Phase II treatment is also called comprehensive treatment, because it involves full braces or Invisalign appliances when all of the permanent teeth are erupting. Comprehensive treatment is usually done between the ages of 11 and 13.

Would an adult patient benefit from orthodontics?

The professional literature reports that approximately 20 to 25% of orthodontic patients are adult. In Dr. Crawford's practice more than half of the patients are adult because we truly enjoy caring for the needs of adult patients. In many situations, orthodontics is one part of the overall treatment plan designed by your dentist to repair and restore an adult patient's mouth to health.

How does orthodontic treatment work?

Whether you have braces that are glued to your teeth or are being treated with Invisalign appliances, your teeth move by the application of steady gentle pressure.

With braces the brackets that are placed on your teeth and the archwire that connects to them are the main components. Dr. Crawford picks the shape and size of the wire that will be best for you at each appointment. In Dr. Crawford’s practice ‘body heat activated memory archwires’ are used most of the time. After the archwire is placed into the brackets and it is warmed to the temperature of your body, it tries to return to its original shape, moving your teeth to their new, more ideal positions.

Invisalign appliances also apply a gentle pressure. But instead of using braces and wires a series of clear ‘aligners’ gently apply the pressure to the teeth. Not all bite problems can be treated with effectively with Invisalign appliances, but those that can are treated to a result that is as nice as with braces and treated in about the same treatment time as with braces. Dr. Crawford enjoys using Invisalign appliances whenever it is appropriate.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average time for comprehensive teenage treatment is from 1 1/2 to 2 years. The actual treatment time can be affected by the growth rate of the teeth and jaws. The severity of the original bite problem can also influence the treatment time. Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance. It is very important for the patient to follow all instructions given by Dr. Crawford to help the treatment progress as quickly as possible. Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments are also very important in keeping treatment time on schedule.

Do braces hurt?

No. The placement of braces on your teeth does not hurt but once your braces are placed and connected with the archwires you may feel some soreness of your teeth for a few days. Your lips and cheeks may also need one to two weeks to adjust.

Will braces interfere with playing sports?

No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouth guard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouth guards are inexpensive, comfortable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns. Dr. Crawford feels mouth guards are important whether or not you are wearing braces when playing contact sports.

Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?

No. However, there is usually an initial period of adjustment when playing musical instruments that involve the mouth. In addition, brace covers can be provided to prevent discomfort if needed in the beginning. With Invisalign appliances, if you are a candidate, it usually easier to adjust.

Should I see my general dentist while I have braces?

Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist for cleanings and dental checkups. Dr. Crawford recommends that children see their general dentist on a 4 to 6 month schedule. With adults, Dr. Crawford recommends a 3 month recall schedule for cleanings and checkups.