| Braces for Children, Teenagers and Adults as well as Adult Surgical Orthodontics Treatment Options Since every patient's teeth and jaws is different, a personalized treatment plan is developed for each patient. Depending upon the orthodontist's findings and your goals, you may be able to choose among different options. Your treatment plan may include one or more of the following:
Braces are the most common form of treatment. They are bonded (fixed) onto the teeth where they apply pressure. This pressure can be adjusted accurately and move the teeth into their ideal positions. A) Metal Appliances are most common. They're durable and allow the archwires to fit securely on the teeth. These brackets are easier to maintain and are less likely to need replacement. Therefore, treatment progresses smoothly and appointments with your orthodontist are shorter. B) Ceramic Appliances Blend in with the color of your teeth, which makes them less noticeable than metal. However, ceramic braces may move the teeth more slowly. This means treatment could take longer. Also, even though the bracket doesn't stain, the ligature or elastic may.
can be taken out of the mouth. Although the appliance also puts pressure on the teeth, it can't always move the teeth as accurately as braces. This treatment may be an option if you don't want braces, or if your teeth only need to be moved slightly. A) Wire Appliances use wires to put pressure on teeth. The wires are attached to a piece of plastic that's molded to fit your mouth. This comes in various colors to blend in with your mouth. B) "Invisible Appliances" are made of clear plastic that fit over the teeth. The plastic puts pressure on the teeth. 3. Oral (Orthognathic) Surgery. If braces alone aren't enough to fix your bite problem, surgery may be needed. This can be done to change the shape or position of the jaw. It can also correct problems with the way the jaw brings the upper and lower teeth together. A) Problems That Orthodontics and Surgery Best Correct There are many types of jaw development and alignment problems. Some are inherited, some are growth problems, and some are caused by an accident or other trauma.
B) Orthodontics Come First Most orthodontic patients undergo an initial period of orthodontic treatment to align the teeth so they will fit properly after surgery is performed. Your orthodontist and oral surgeon will schedule surgery after the teeth have been properly aligned. Usually braces, or other orthodontic devices used to align teeth before surgery are left in place during the surgical procedure to help stabilize the teeth and jaws. After surgery there is usually an additional period of orthodontic treatment to bring teeth into their final, desired positions, complementing the new facial symmetry. C) The Rewards of Treatment While the prospect of undergoing surgery as part of your overall treatment plan may seem daunting, it really is not uncommon. The rewards for such treatment can be very dramatic. Following completion of orthodontic treatment and surgery, you'll enjoy better dental health and have a better facial appearance. Best of all, you'll have a more beautiful smile that reflects a healthier, happier you for the rest of your life. |
| PAUL M.COTTONE, DDS, M.S. 2715 Breezewood Avenue, Suite C Fayetteville, NC 28303 Phone: (910) 485-5193 |
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