Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find a glossary of commonly used orthodontic phrases and terms, as well as a list of questions that have appeared many times throughout the years.
Please feel free to browse through our frequently asked questions section, or calls us if you do not see your question answered here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do braces hurt?
A: As a rule, braces do not hurt. Usually after an adjustment, your teeth will
be sore for a day or two. This annoyance is relieved with an over-the-counter
pain reliever if necessary.
Q: How long will treatment take?
A: Treatment time obviously depends upon your original problems. However, today
we have many techniques and materials which will safely move your teeth with
less discomfort in a shorter time.
Q: Are braces expensive? Are financing options available? How does my insurance
work?
A: Compared to today's dental expenses, braces are a bargain. Considering the
time spent, orthodontics is regarded as dentistry's best value. We have many
financing options available to meet your needs and will be happy to go over them
with you. Many of our patients have insurance coverage. Our office will help
you in filing procedures.
Q: Will I need to wear a retainer after treatment?
A: Yes. Even after our best orthodontic treatment, teeth will have a tendency
to move slightly. A retainer is the best way to minimize this movement.
Q: Are braces noticeable?
A: Braces were very noticeable when they went completely around the teeth. Today,
most of the braces are bonded to the front of the teeth thereby eliminating the
amount of metal on each tooth. It is also possible to have ceramic braces which
blend in with your natural tooth color.
Q: As an adult, am I too old for braces?
A: You are never too old for braces. We provide orthodontic care for many adults
at all ages. Treatment time may be a little slower, but the benefits are definitely
worth it.
Q: Will I talk funny with braces?
A: For the first day or two after you get your braces you may be more aware of
your braces. Soon, however, they will become part of you and you will not have
a problem with speech.
Q: Will I have to have teeth removed for braces?
A: Removal of teeth is sometimes necessary for an orthodontic correction. However,
with today's technique, the need for removing teeth is greatly reduced.
Q: Can I still have braces even though I have crowns and missing teeth?
A: Yes, you can still have braces with crowns. When teeth are missing, orthodontic
treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth so the missing teeth
can be properly replaced.
Q: Will braces leave marks on my teeth?
A: No. The bonding agents used today contain fluoride so underneath the brace
is protected. However, if your oral hygiene is poor, the accumulation of plaque
can result in the formation of marks on the teeth.
Q: What is the best age to begin treatment?
A: The age of treatment varies with the patient's needs. We do not put braces
on every patient who visits us. If a patient is not ready for treatment, we will
follow that patient at no charge until the time for treatment is right.
Q. Why do I need braces if my teeth are straight?
A. The goal of orthodontic treatment is much more than straight teeth. The most
important part of your smile is a good bite. Even though your teeth may be straight,
your bite may be off and need correction.
Q: Can I still have braces if I have some teeth missing?
A: Absolutely! Often when teeth are missing, adjacent teeth will drift into the
empty space causing a periodontal, esthetic or functional problem. Orthodontic
treatment will correct and prevent this from happening and also provide the proper
alignment for your dentist to replace the missing teeth if you so choose.
Q: Do you use recycled braces?
A: Absolutely not. Not only do we feel each patient should be provided with their
own braces, we consider braces a tool to achieve optimum results. This is why
we make the investment for quality braces and do not settle for worn, used, recycled
braces.
Q: I don't like the idea of having braces on my teeth. Are there any alternatives?
A: A new technology called Invisalign allows you to move the teeth using a series
of clear, removable aligners. Though not for everyone, it does offer another
treatment option to our patients.
Glossary of Terms
Archform - The shape of the dental arch. For
example the orthodontist could say that you have a horseshoe
archform or a "v"-shaped archform.
Closed Bite - A malocclusion where your upper
teeth cover your lower teeth when you bite down. This is also
called a "deep bite."
Crossbite - A malocclusion where some of your upper
teeth are inside of your lower teeth when you bite down.
Crowding - An orthodontic problem caused by having
too many teeth in two small of a space.
Crown Angulation - A tooth movement in which the
root of the tooth is tipped forward or backward to correct the angle
of the crown.
Crown Inclination - A tooth movement in which the
root of the tooth is tipped toward cheeks (lips) or toward the lingual
(palate) of the mouth.
Deep Bite - excessive overbite; closed bite
Dentition - the arrangement of the teeth
Diastema - a space between two teeth
Drift - unwanted movement of teeth.
Extrusion - Tooth movement in the direction of eruption.
Natural extrusion: teeth grow until there is contact with another
tooth.
Mechanical Extrusion: to pull the teeth so that
it extends farther out of your gums.
Fixed Appliance - any orthodontic component that
is cemented or bonded to the teeth
Flared Teeth - A term used to indicate the position
of the teeth. The upper teeth are flared lingually (toward the lip).
Inclination - the angle of the long axis of a tooth
from a particular line of reference; the tilt or tip of a tooth
Interocclusal Registration - a wax bite which is
used to see how your teeth come together
Interproximal Stripping - Reduction of the enamel
of the teeth on both sides of the tooth. This procedure is preformed
to create space for crowded teeth.
Intrusion - movement of a tooth back into the bone
Lingual Appliances - orthodontic appliance fixed
to the inside of your teeth (.i.e., Lingual appliances are attached
to the part of your teeth next to your tongue)
Lingual arch - An orthodontic wire attached from
molar to molar in the inside of your teeth.
Lingual retainers - a variation of the lingual arch
going from cuspids to cuspid
Malocclusion - poor positioning of your teeth
Class I Malocclusion - A Malocclusion where your
bite is OK (your top teeth line up with your bottom teeth) but your
teeth are crooked, crowded or turned.
Class II Malocclusion - A Malocclusion where your
upper teeth stick out past your lower teeth. This is also called
an "overbite" or "buck teeth"
Class III Malocclusion - A Malocclusion where your
lower teeth stick out past your upper teeth. This is also called
an "underbite".
Mandibular Protrusion - The alignment
and spacing of your upper and lower teeth when you bite down.
Proper Occlusion - A beautiful smile where all of
your teeth are straight and your top teeth line up with your bottom
teeth
Open Bite - A malocclusion in which the teeth do
not close or come together in the front of your mouth
Orthodontics - The treatment preformed to correct
your bite and make your smile look wonderful.
Orthodontist - A dentist who has been specially
trained to do orthodontics.
Orthodontia - braces
Overbite - vertical overlapping of the upper teeth
over the lower
Overjet - horizontal projection of upper teeth beyond
the lower
Retruded - A term used when your front teeth are
slated lingually (i.e. toward the back of your mouth).
Rotation - A movement in which the tooth turned
along the long axis of the tooth.
Spee - The curve of spee is the curvature of the
occlusal plane of the teeth.
Stop - A bend or auxiliary attachment placed on
a wire to limit the archwire from sliding or moving in the bracket
slot of the bracket.
Tipping - A tooth movement in which the root of
the tooth is tipped labially (lip) or lingually (tongue) to correct
the angle of the crown of the tooth.
Torque - The rotation of a tooth on the long axis
moving the root of the tooth in a buccal or labial direction.
Tracing (cephalometric) - An overlay drawing traced
over a cephalometric x-ray that shows specific structures and landmarks
that provided a basis for orthodontic therapy.
Traction - The act of drawing or pulling the teeth
Translation - A tooth movement in which the entire
tooth moves forward or backward without tipping or rotating.
Typodont - A plastic model of a typical mouth, showing
the alignment of teeth. A typodont is used to teaching orthodontic
procedures
|
