Adolescent Orthodontic Treatment
The majority of orthodontic patients are adolescents with treatment initiated after the primary teeth have been lost and the permanent teeth have erupted. Oftentimes there is still potential for growth that helps with some bite corrections. Generally teeth move easily during the teenage years. No doubt, correcting malignments, improving function, and creating great smiles improve teenagers self esteem and confidence.
 | Narrow Upper Jaw with Crossbite
Treated without removal of permanent teeth with
Damon braces system
25 months - 14 appointments |
 | Moderate Crowding, Anterior Crossbite,
and Overbite
Treated without removal of permanent teeth with
Damon braces system
22 months - 14 appointments |
What happens after the initial visit?
X-rays (including a panorex and cephlogram, photos, and study models) are taken of our patients. From these records Dr. Beck is able to define your child's problem and determine an appropriate treatment plan including the type of braces needed to correct the problem and the length of treatment.
Generally, Dr. Beck proceeds with the placement of the fixed braces at this appointment. Placement and cementation of the braces takes about one hour. The teeth are thoroughly cleaned. A fluoride sealant is placed onto the tooth surface. A brace is cemented to the tooth with a bonding material similar to a dental sealant. All teeth are bonded in a similar manner. Following the bonding of the braces, an archwire is secured onto the braces. The archwire provides the force needed to move the tooth. Finally, instructions on the "how-to's" of caring for the braces are given to the patient and parent. Patients generally return in 8 weeks for their first "adjustment" appointment. Adjustment appointments are generally 20 minutes in length. The archwire is readjusted to provide the desired forces needed to align the teeth.
Some adolescent patients with overbites benefit from use of a Herbst appliance in conjunction with their braces. The Herbst appliance is a cemented intraoral appliance that replaces the use of the headgear. It cannot be seen and works 24 hours out of the day to correct an overbite. Impressions for this appliance are taken at the same appointment of placement of the braces.
Patient treatment plans can include use of removable appliances instead of braces. For those patients, additional impressions are taken after reviewing the records with the parent. These patients are scheduled to return in four weeks to attain their removable retainer.
Adult Orthodontic Treatment
Adults are also great candidates for orthodontic treatment. Generally adults are highly motivated to improve their smiles and improve the health of their dentition. Correcting misalignments can make brushing and flossing easier, elements needed to maintain good gum and bone support for the teeth.
Abnormal bites can lead to abnormal wear of the enamel surfaces of the teeth over time, resulting in increased chance of breakage and fracture of the tooth. Correcting the bite can help reduce the potential for fracture and breakage. Finally, abnormal bites can contribute to headaches and discomfort in the Temperomandibular joint (TMJ). Orthodontic treatment improves malocclusions.
Treatment times for adults vary to the complexity of the case as well as the appliances used to correct the problem. A large percentage of Dr. Beck's patients are adults and they agree that it's never to late to improve their greatest asset - their smile.