Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that corrects teeth and jaws that are positioned improperly. In addition to completing dental school, orthodontists complete an additional two years of orthodontic school.
Crooked teeth and teeth that do not fit together correctly are harder to keep clean, are at risk of being lost early due to tooth decay and periodontal disease, and cause extra stress on the chewing muscles that can lead to headache, TMJ and neck, shoulder pain. Teeth that are crooked or not in the right place can also detract from one's appearance.
How do I know if I need orthodontics?
If you have any of the following you may be a candidate for orthodontic treatment and these conditions need to be evaluated by Dr. McCombs:
Protrusion: Sometimes called "buck teeth" where the upper teeth protrude too far forward
Deep bite: Also known as "overbite" where the the top teeth overlap the lower teeth more than 1mm
Underbite: The lower teeth are too far forward or the upper teeth too far back
Crossbite: The upper teeth come down behind the lower teeth when biting together
Open Bite: The biting surfaces of the front and/or side teeth do not touch when the back teeth bite together
Misplaced Midline: The center of the upper teeth does not line up with the center of the lower teeth
Spacing: Gaps or spaces between the teeth as a result of missing teeth or teeth that do not fill up the mouth
Crowding: Teeth are generally mis-aligned and crowded together
What age should my child see an orthodontist?
Generally by age 7 enough permanent teeth have come in and enough jaw growth has occurred that Dr. McCombs can identify current problems, anticipate future problems and alleviate parents' concerns if all seems normal. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by age 7, and crossbites, crowding and injury-prone dental protrusions can be evaluated. Any on-going finger sucking or other oral habits can be assessed at this time also.
How does orthodontic treatment work?
There are many different methods of treatment and types of appliances. Some appliances are removable, some fixed, others move teeth, while others retrain muscles. Appliances work by placing gentle pressure on teeth and jaws. Below is a list of different kind of appliances. Dr. McCombs will prescribe a treatment plan that is specific to your individual needs.
Fixed Appliances (not removable):
Braces
Special Fixed Appliances
Fixed Space Maintainers
Removable Appliances:
Aligners
Removable Space Maintainers
Jaw Repositioning Appliances
Lip & Cheek Bumpers
Palatal Expander
Removable Retainers
Types of Orthodontic Appliances
To successfully complete your orthodontic treatment plan, patients and Dr. McCombs work together. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions if the patient uses the necessary appliances as prescribed.
The following are types of appliances that may be used during your treatment:
Separators (Spacers)
Separators are little rubber doughnuts that are placed between your teeth so that orthodontic bands may be placed during your next appointment. The separators will be removed before the bands are placed. Care must be taken to not dislodge your separators with sticky foods, toothpicks, or floss.
Elastics (Rubber Bands)
Elastics are small rubber bands worn between the upper and lower teeth to improve the fit of your bite. They attach to hooks on your braces. It is very important to wear elastics as prescribed for them to be effective and for you to finish your orthodontic treatment on time.
"Functional" Appliances
These appliances may be fixed to the teeth or removable. They reduce an “overbite” by encouraging the lower jaw forward and the upper molars to move backward. These appliances are called “functional” because they are designed to make the jaw function in a different place. They attempt to elicit a growth response in a growing patient. These appliances therefore are used mostly in younger, growing children and are worn typically for about a year.
Expanders
Expanders "expand" (widen) your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your molars each time they are activated. If expansion is indicated, Dr. McCombs will instruct you about when and how to activate your expander. When the desired expansion is achieved, you will continue to wear the expander for several weeks to solidify the expansion and prevent relapse.
Retainers
Retainers may be removable or fixed. They are mandatory. They hold your teeth in their new, correct positions after your treatment is completed. Your teeth are capable of moving throughout your lifetime, despite of how perfectly they may be aligned at the end of treatment. Therefore, it is extremely important to preserve your investment in your smile by following retention instructions. Dr. McCombs will advise you on how to care for your retainers and about the duration of the wear. Wearing your retainers as directed is absolutely crucial to prevent any unwanted changes.
