Orthodotic Corner
Things to know about orthodontics:
Orthodontic treatments can be started as young as age six, but on average they begin between the ages of nine and 15. Some orthodontic treatments may require two phases:
1. Preparative Phase
The first is a preparative phase, at which time lack of space for adult teeth is corrected by inducing bone growth and remodeling. This may be done with a removable appliance, which is one that the child can take out of the mouth, to brush the teeth, eat and so on. Some examples of these are the Split Plate, the Bionator and the Scharz orthodontic appliances.
This may also be done with a fixed appliance, which one that is glued in. The child cannot remove it, so teeth must be brushed while the appliance is still in the mouth. Some examples of these are the HAAS and the Hyrax this first phase could take anywhere from 6–8months to up to two years depending on severity.
2. Brace Phase
The second phase is the brace phase. It could take place immediately after the first phase or it could follow some time after the first. Sometimes, the first phase is not necessary and a child can go immediately to braces.
Three of the most important considerations regarding braces are comfort, results and the length of time for the treatment. How you achieve all three is with careful planning and the right brace system.
With respect to careful planning, all of our treatments start with a one-and-a-half hour appointment. At that time, a questionnaire is filled out by the parents and the child and some x-rays, photos, impressions and an orthodontic exam are done. With this information, it takes a few weeks of analysis, and thorough preparation in order to move to an actual treatment plan. It is then discussed with parents and the child in terms that everyone can understand. Questions are encouraged, since it’s better to be clear at the start than wonder what is happening throughout the treatment. The costs of the treatment are also reviewed and understood.
With respect to the brace system, you look to sources of discomfort first. This discomfort is a result of excessive force on the teeth to make them move.
Friction is the enemy of braces. Almost everyone has seen braces with coloured elastics around each brace bracket. Those elastics are there to keep the wire in the bracket and, if you’ve ever rubbed an elastic band onto metal, you understand the magnitude of the friction created.
What’s better?
Well, have you ever taken two finely polished pieces of metal and rubbed them together? If you do, you will see a near friction-free state. This is achieved with the Damon 3 orthodontic brace system. With this system, those elastics are eliminated and less force is required to move the teeth since there’s no need to overcome the friction. This, in turn, greatly reduces the pain and discomfort often associated with braces. It also cuts down the third most important aspect of braces — treatment time. Cases which would normally take 24 months or more are taking about 18 months.
The Damon 3 system eliminates the need for elastics due to its revolutionary door system: There’s a latch door on each bracket. It closes down onto the wire to hold the wire in the bracket. Elastic bands are history.
www.damonbraces.com
When it comes to orthodontic work, patience is a virtue that must be adopted. Braces move teeth quickly at the beginning of a treatment, but the fine tuning — which is barely noticeable — is what is most important for the correct bite and the jaw joint.
Patients want their braces on quickly, but want them off even more quickly.
Perfection can only come to those who wait and have the patience to achieve it.
