 Before treatment with orthodontics can begin a patient must first have a orthodontic Diagnosis to meet this patient's particular problems. We take impressions to make models for orthodontics of the patient's teeth, photographs to document the relationships of the teeth, and several types of x-rays to geometrically analyze the patient's skull and it's relationship to their teeth. The doctor studies the information and approximately two weeks later the patient is invited back and an orthodontics treatment plan presentation is done. At this time the needed care is carefully reviewed and a final cost for the orthodontics is determined.
Orthodontics Treatment
The development of both tooth bonding and modern miniature brackets has revolutionized orthodontics. Once orthodontic brackets are bonded to a patient's teeth an orthodontic wire is then attached to the orthodontic brackets. The orthodontic wire forms a beautiful rounded arch but this ideal arch form is deformed by twisting it into the brackets. The orthodontic wire then wants to return to it's original beautiful shape and so pushes or pulls the attached teeth on it's way back. Each month a stronger orthodontic wire is placed into the orthodontic brackets so that the attached teeth will continue to move. Finally, the attached teeth form a beautiful rounded dental arch themselves.
 After the upper and lower arches are rounded they must next be made to fit together using orthodontic elastics which are attached to both the upper and lower arches at the same time. This slides the teeth along the archwires until they fit better. This is a very simple way of viewing orthodontic mechanics but is just intended to give you an idea of how braces work. There are many, many modifications to correct different situations and each case is treated for that patient's situation.
After treatment with orthodontics is completed retainers are constructed which the patient must wear full time, except for eating, for a year and after that only at night. Almost always, adults must wear their retainers for their lifetime.
Removable Orthodontics
Removable orthodontics can help a child grow dental bone so that the child may not need to have permanent teeth removed later on in life in order to do regular orthodontics. The early use of removable orthodontics may also prevent the need for more expensive orthodontics when all of a child's adult teeth have erupted into the mouth.
Removable orthodontics are made of plastic and are adjusted at home in order to apply pressure to the child's bone. The constant pressure signals the child's bone to grow. Hopefully, the bone can be guided into a normal growing pattern and assist the child in developing a pleasing and beautiful smile.
Orthodontics is not just for children
More and more people are focusing on improving their personal health. They're taking vitamins, exercising, and even straightening their teeth. Orthodontics not only makes your teeth and smile look better but often improves chewing function. This promotes better digestion and better health.
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