Straight Teeth — A Healthy "Side Effect"

Did you know there is more to Orthodontia than having straight teeth when the treatment is finished? The orthodontist knows if the teeth aren't straight at the completion of a case, the patient will not be very happy. I'll write more on that in just a minute.

Did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends age seven for the initial orthodontic evaluation? In the past, orthodontic treatment was often postponed until the adolescent years, when all the permanent teeth had erupted. It is now known that many orthodontic problems can be treated earlier and much easier by working with the growth that takes place in younger children.

Although treatment may not begin at this young age, an early examination allows orthodontists to monitor your child's dental development to determine the best time to start. Early detection can sometimes reduce the need for removal of permanent teeth. And because younger children are more enthusiastic and cooperative, total treatment time is often reduced. Additionally, if a child has a habit such as, finger or thumbsucking or a tongue thrust when he or she swallows, it is best to stop these habits much sooner than later. In many cases, positive orthodontic results can be achieved which would not otherwise be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.

If the child's teeth are not ready for braces, an orthodontist should have a Pre-Orthodontic Guidance Program in place. The patient will be seen every 6, 9 or 12 months at no cost to you. This allows the orthodontist to monitor growth, maturity and eruption of teeth. If primary teeth need to be extracted or if adult teeth are erupting in a way to cause problems, the orthodontist can be proactive.

It is often said in medicine, to the cardiologist, time is muscle. For the orthodontist, moving teeth is slow business. Having straight teeth is almost always the desire of the patient. Sometimes there is a desire to have diastemas or spaces closed. Teeth spaced tightly together or crowded in the arch can create periodontal problems just as teeth improperly spaced can cause food impaction thus resulting in periodontal disease.

The overall objective of the orthodontist is for proper jaw-joint function and long-term dental health. When these objectives have been met, the teeth are straightened to give an aesthetically pleasing look and cosmetic benefit. If there is too much space to close, sometimes-cosmetic bonding is required after orthodontic treatment to give the patient that award-winning smile.

Having sold ethical and proprietary pharmaceuticals in the past, I recall many negative side effects. In Orthodontia, this is not the case with a very qualified and experienced orthodontist. Get a referral. Usually the first referral made by your dentist is the one of choice. Just so you'll know, a referral by your dentist is not required for a patient to have an orthodontic evaluation. In this instance, a referral from friends, co-workers, neighbors or friends of your child is an excellent start. The orthodontist will work closely with your dentist. You will be informed to continue visits to your dentist every 6 months for routine cleanings and checkups. This is of greater importance and imperative while wearing braces!

Everyone deserves an award-winning smile like that of Julia Roberts! Schedule a smile evaluation for your child or yourself! The consultation should be at no cost to you! Everyone can then look forward to such a healthy "side effect" …straight teeth!

© 2006 Avis Ward of AWard Consulting, Inc.

» left by Anonymous

4 years 100 days ago.

hi, i was just browsing through the net & saw your article. what drew my interest to this article is the fact that i had braces as an adoloscent & now have got them removed. but the problem that i'm facing is that i think my teeth have become fragile after the whole process because they move a bit & this scares me quiet often. is this normal? regards- lily

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» left by 4 years 100 days ago.

Lily, thank you for sharing your time with me and this article. I'm happy it drew your interest. I am not a licensed dental healthcare professional. I do know, the teeth are constantly moving for they're erupting, all the time. When there is proper alignment, there is balance and they do not extrude beyond normal. I am not sure to what degree you have movement. I would express this to your dentist, whom you see twice a year, hopefully or sooner if needed. S/he will let you know if there are real concerns and perhaps refer you to an orthodontist or periodontist if warranted. I can tell you, retainer wear is a lifetime event. You teeth should not be so mobile that you fear they'll fall out of your mouth. If you can wiggle them with your tongue or fingers, see your dentist straightaway! I hope to have helped and not alarmed you. Actually, I'd get them checked, since this scares you and quite often. The very best and enjoy a sweet Valentine's Day weekend!

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» left by Kripa

from India, Bangalore 1 year 14 days ago.

Hi Avis,

Thanks for the article. Its indeed very helpful.

I am 31 yrs old and have recently gotten braces on my lower teeth set to help reduce the gaps between my tooth. I user Hexidin moth wash twice everyday and have noticed my tongue has turned black. Is it something that is reversible?

Please help!!!

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» left by Avis Ward 1 year 14 days ago.

Hi Kripa,

Thank you for reading and your comment. Both are appreciated. Great you have braces to correct the spacing you have on your lower arch.

I think you mean Hexidine and Hexidin is used in obstetrics. I am not a board certified dentist. Check with your orthodontist straightaway and discontinue its use. I hope it is reversible. Please let me know the outcome?

All the best! *warm smile*

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