Who can recommend
an orthodontist?
Why
is orthodontics important?
Orthodontics can boost a person's self-image
as the teeth, jaws and lips become properly aligned, but an
attractive smile is just one of the benefits. Alleviating
or preventing physical health problems is just as important.
Without treatment, orthodontic
problems may lead to tooth decay, gum disease, bone destruction
and chewing and digestive difficulties. A "bad bite" can contribute
to speech impairments, tooth loss, chipped teeth and other
dental injuries. Back to Top
What
is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that
specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of
dental and facial irregularities. The technical term for these
problems is "malocclusion," which means "bad bite." The practice
of orthodontics requires the professional skill in the design,
application and control of corrective appliances (braces)
to bring teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment and achieve
facial balance. Back to Top
What
is the Canadian Association of Orthodontists?
The Canadian Association of Orthodontists
is a professional association of educationally qualified orthodontic
specialists dedicated to advancing the art and science of
orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, improving the health
of the public by promoting quality orthodontic care, and supporting
the successful practice of orthodontics. Back to Top
Who is
an Orthodontist?
Your orthodontist is a specialist in the diagnosis,
prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.
Orthodontists must first attend college, then complete a 4
year graduate program at a dental school in a university or
other institution accredited by the Canadian Dental Association.
They must then successfully complete an additional residency
program of at least two-three academic years of advanced education
in orthodontics, again accredited by the CDA. This advanced
training includes such diverse studies as genetics, embryology,
human growth and development, and biophysics. Only dentists
with this advanced specialty education can present themselves
as orthodontists. Back to Top
What
is the benefit of Orthodontics? - In fact, the results are
more than you can see!!
You already know that braces straighten teeth.
But what you may not know is that a beautiful smile is just
one of the benefits orthodontics has to offer. Bringing teeth,
lips and jaws into proper alignment not only produces a great
smile, but a healthy one as well. Straight teeth simply function
better and are easier to clean.
And last but far from least is the
increased confidence and self-esteem that a healthy smile
provides. This psychological benefit can be a significant
factor in the decision to undergo treatment and is often listed
as a patient's #1 treatment goal. A beautiful smile is a pleasure
to own and a pleasure to see.
So remember: an attractive smile
is just the start. Improved oral health and general well-being
are important treatment goals as well. Back to Top
What
is a Malocclusion?
It may be a new word to you. "Malocclusion"
is a technical term for crooked, crowded or protruding teeth
which do not fit together properly. Literally, the word means
"bad bite." Most malocclusions are inherited. These include
crowding of teeth, too much space between teeth, extra or
missing teeth, cleft palate and a variety of irregularities
of the jaws and face. Some malocclusions are acquired. They
can be caused by thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, dental disease,
premature loss of primary or permanent teeth, accidents or
some medical problems. Left untreated, these orthodontic problems
can become worse. Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean
and maintain. This may contribute to conditions that may cause
tooth decay, eventual gum disease and tooth loss. A bad bite
can also cause abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, difficulty
in chewing and excess stress of the supporting bone and gum
tissue. Back to Top
Who can
benefit from orthodontics?
At one time, most people believed braces were
"just for kids." The fact is, that of the thousands of Canadians
now in orthodontic treatment, more than one of every four
is over 21. Because the basic process involved in moving teeth
is the same in adults as in children, orthodontic treatment
can usually be successful at any age. The health of the teeth,
the gums and the supporting bones will also determine the
prospects for improvement.
So who can benefit? Most anyone,
really. The truth is you're never too old to be your best.
Regardless of age, orthodontic treatment is always a change
for the better. Back to Top
When
should my child first see an orthodontist?
The AAO recommends that every child should
see an orthodontist no later than age 7. In some cases, this
could be as young as 2 or 3. Many orthodontic problems are
easier to correct if detected early rather than waiting until
jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean a patient
will avoid surgery or other more serious corrections later
in life. Back to Top
Is it
ever too late for a person to get braces?
No. Because healthy teeth can be moved at
any age, an orthodontist can improve the smile of practically
anyone - in fact, orthodontists regularly treat patients in
their 50s, 60s and older!
For "Good Beginnings," the AAO's
free brochure on early orthodontic diagnosis, or for brochures
on adult orthodontics and many other topics, call 1-800-STRAIGHT
(1-800-787-2444). Or write the AAO at 401 N. Lindbergh Blvd.,
St. Louis, MO 63141-7816, or e-mail address: aaortho@worldnet.att.net.
Back
to Top
What
makes an orthodontist different from a dentist?
Orthodontists are the dental specialists who correct dental and
facial irregularities, day in and day out. An orthodontist
is expert at moving teeth, helping jaws develop properly and
working with the patient to help make sure the teeth stay
in their new positions.
CAO members are uniquely qualified
to correct "bad bites." The Canadian Dental Association requires
orthodontists to have at least two years of post-doctoral,
advanced specialty training in orthodontics in an accredited
program, after graduation from college and then dental school.
Back to Top
What
about costs?
While it's important to keep in mind the lifetime
value that orthodontics offers, we know you have specific
cost questions, so don't be afraid to ask. You may discover
the price tag is considerably lower than you ever thought.
Cost, of course, depends on the nature of the problem. Many
orthodontic problems require only limited treatment.
Your orthodontist will be happy
to discuss fees. He or she may offer payment plans to help
meet individual fmancial needs. In addition, many dental insurance
plans now include orthodontic benefits for just a few dollars
a month. Back
to Top
Should
I ask to talk to present and/or former patients?
It is wise for a consumer to investigate the
value of any product or service. Most orthodontic patients
will give it to you straight -- orthodontics is one of the
best investments they've ever made. Better self-esteem and
better oral health are benefits that can last a lifetime.
A CAO member will be glad to
have you talk to current or former patients, who can tell
you firsthand how braces have improved their lives.
Back to Top
More
than 4 million people in Canada and the United States are in the
care of an orthodontist and looking forward to a beautiful, healthy
smile that's good for life. The obvious potential reward is straighter
teeth that are less prone to decay and injury. But just as important
is the boost to self-confidence that a better smile can provide.
As you prepare to make decisions about orthodontics, it's very important
to be armed with the facts. Here's a checklist of what to keep in
mind: