Orthodontics isn’t just a pretty smile
by Jennifer Hilliard
Orthodontics is about more than a mouth full of straight teeth.
Treatment should optimize aesthetics, overall oral health, mouth function and long-term stability, MCG orthodontists say.
The first step in achieving a perfect smile is identifying problems, according to Dr. Eladio DeLeon, Goldstein Chair of Orthodontics, which can range from abnormal jaw growth to severely crowded teeth to a simple malocclusion, or bad bite.
But the focus is on the individual, not the teeth.
“So much of what orthodontists do for a person is about aesthetics and we realize that’s subjective to what they think is beautiful,” Dr. DeLeon said. “We realize that a smile has a great impact on someone’s life. We can help patients make sure that the teeth and jaws have full function and help them change what they don’t like at the same time.”
There’s no perfect age to start that change, he said. Even though most young children will not need early treatment, they should have an orthodontic evaluation before age 7, according to the American Association of Orthodontists.
Some may benefit from interceptive treatments such as expansion of a narrow upper jaw, the breaking of bad oral habits, and space management to ensure adequate space for the permanent teeth.
“Starting early may head off a major problem and that is key for many young patients,” Dr. DeLeon said.
Parents can help identify habits and so avoid problems like lip-biting, tongue-thrusting, mouth-breathing and thumb-sucking that can impair oral and facial development.
Since adolescents are still growing, age 9 to 16 is an optimal time to correct orthodontic problems. But the age varies with each individual.
And braces aren’t just for kids.
“We’ve seen a great increase in adults seeking orthodontic treatment. A lot of young adults are realizing the impact of a great smile and deciding to seek treatment. It’s an important quality at every age,” Dr. DeLeon said. “Tooth movement on adult patients may add new challenges because the teeth are less pliable, but a coordinated treatment approach with a general dentist can manage those challenges.”
For some people, treatment is easier than ever thanks to innovative bracket designs, light wire technology, brackets that can attach to the back of teeth and clear, tooth-moving, removable appliances. Patients must be evaluated individually to determine the best treatment.
“For example, if a patient’s treatment is complex, we may not recommend something like a clear, removable appliance,” Dr. DeLeon said. “We have to go on a case-by-case basis and make sure we communicate with our patients what treatments will help us best achieve their goals.”
Most patients – adolescents and adults – wear braces 12 to 24 months, depending on the complexity of the problem. This extended treatment time can be frustrating for adults, who often balance work schedules with appointments. But complying with instructions is vital in minimizing treatment time.
Orthodontic treatment is a huge commitment for patients but most do quite well, Dr. DeLeon said.
“Patients with brackets also have a responsibility to avoid things like hard candy, which can be difficult,” he said. “Hard, sticky candy can break brackets, bend wires and contribute to cavities. Good hygiene is a must before, during and after treatment.”
Even when active treatment is over, patients must stay committed to maintain their beautiful smile.
“Compliance is critical,” Dr. DeLeon said. “Patients have to wear their retainers on their orthodontist’s recommended schedule, which is different for everyone.” Noncompliance may cause teeth to shift, so patients are monitored during this period.
The end result, when patients follow their orthodontist’s plan, is usually a long-term stability of their beautiful, functional smile.
“For some people with significant problems, it’s an extreme makeover,” said Dr. DeLeon. “It has a tremendous positive impact on quality of life and people tend to smile more often. Straight teeth not only help people effectively bite, chew and speak, but a beautiful smile is a wonderful added benefit.”
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