Why Braces?

The practice of orthodontics has changed and improved dramatically since the early years of metal braces. Modern technology allows for treatments that are more comfortable, less noticeable and more efficient. The braces themselves are now available in a ceramic material with brackets that can be clear or tooth-colored. Your friends, family and co-workers may not even notice you are working to improve your smile! One of the newest options is called Invisalign® and allows older teens and adults the opportunity to correct their smile without braces. Learn more about Invisalign® in the All About Orthodontics section.

By gradually straightening your teeth, your jaw and lips will align better making it easier to brush your teeth and improve overall dental health.
Overall, treatment times are shorter, require fewer appointments and you have more choices. Of course, the best improvement will be your beautiful new smile

Who Needs Braces?

More than just providing a great smile, orthodontics also corrects malocclusions (the term for crooked, crowded or protruding teeth) or bad bites. This occurs when the teeth are not lined up properly. Malocclusions can affect the way a person chews, talks, smiles and in some cases, can affect the jaw causing pain and discomfort. Here are some common conditions that can be treated with orthodontics:

• Crowded Teeth: When teeth are crooked, crowded, turned or spaced too far apart. (include photo/diagram).
• Overbite: When the upper jaw or teeth are too far in front, or when the lower jaw or teeth are too far back. (include photo/diagram)
• Underbite: When the lower jaw or teeth are too far in front, or when the upper jaw or teeth are too far back. (include photo/diagram)
• Overjet (Protrusion): When upper teeth protrude and do not fit properly together with the lower front teeth
• Spacing: When teeth have gaps or spaces between them. In these cases, Dr. Kammerman will recommend braces or other appliances to correct the problem and straighten your teeth.

There are three parts to standard orthodontic appliances or braces:

1. Brackets: small metal or ceramic modules individually attached to each tooth. They serve as a guide to move the teeth and hold the archwire in place. Brackets are attached to the teeth with a tooth colored bonding adhesive.
2. Bands: larger metal rings that sometimes are placed on back teeth for strength and anchorage. These are attached to the teeth with adhesive cement and separators (small elastic rubber bands) are placed between the back teeth prior to placing these bands on the teeth. We use cement that has fluoride in it to help prevent tooth decay.
3. Archwires: the wires that you see connecting each arch and running form bracket to bracket. Archwires are changed periodically during your treatment time.

How long will the treatment last?

Since braces are used to straighten your teeth gradually, a little patience is needed during the process. You can expect the average single-phase treatment time to last 18 to 24 months depending on the severity of you or your child's correction needs. Patient cooperation with every step of the prescribed treatment plan is vital to the success of treatment. This means wearing the appliances as prescribed, keeping your scheduled appointments and keeping the teeth extra clean. Dr. Kammerman will use braces to produce slight pressure on each tooth and make regular adjustments to maintain this directional pressure. The teeth and jaws may be a little sore after each visit, but the discomfort will be brief. The end result of a beautiful, healthy smile is well worth it!

After the braces are removed, Dr. Kammerman will prescribe a retainer to be worn at night for two years to set the tissues surrounding the newly straightened teeth. After this, retainers are worn 3-4 nights a week for 4-6 hours at a time. Commitment to retention will keep that new beautiful smile perfect for a lifetime! If you lose a retainer or break a retainer be sure to call our office immediately and have a replacement one made.

The true test

The most important question for you or your child to answer in deciding whether to get orthodontic treatment is "Do I like my smile?" If the answer is no and orthodontics can help, then it is one of the best investments you can make in you or your child's future.