| Common Questions About
Orthodontics in Langley |
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What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the
diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial
irregularities. The technical term for these problems is
“malocclusion,” which means “bad bite.” The practice of
orthodontics requires professional skill in the design,
application and control of corrective appliances, such as
braces, to bring teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment,
thus achieving facial balance. |
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What is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist in the diagnosis,
prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.
Orthodontists must first attend college, and then complete a
four-year graduate dental program at a university-level dental
school accredited by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA). They
must then complete an additional two- to three-year residency
program of advanced dental education in orthodontics accredited
by the ADA. Only dentists who have completed this advanced
specialty education may become orthodontists. |
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What Causes Orthodontic
Problems?
Most malocclusions are inherited, and some are acquired.
Inherited problems include crowding of teeth, too much space
between teeth, extra teeth, congenitally missing teeth and a
wide range of discrepancies involving the jaws, teeth and face.
Acquired problems can be caused by trauma, thumb or finger
sucking, airway obstruction by tonsils and adenoids, dental
diseases and premature loss of baby or adult teeth. Many of
these problems affect not only alignment of the teeth but facial
development and appearance as well. |
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How Do I Know If My Child Needs
Orthodontic Treatment?
It is usually difficult for you to determine whether treatment
is necessary because many problems can occur even though the
front teeth look straight. Also, some problems that look
intimidating and complex will resolve on their own. Your general
dentist is a good reference, but we are your best resource
because orthodontics is all we do. Our initial exam is
comprehensive and informative, and we would be more than happy
to see your child and make any recommendations necessary.
Our initial exam is comprehensive, informative and
complimentary for a limited time. We would be more than happy to see your child and
make any recommendations necessary. |
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What are the Early
Signs of Orthodontic Problems?
Although you may find it difficult to determine whether
treatment is necessary, the following signs can help in
prompting you to seek orthodontic advice: crowded or overlapping
teeth; gaps between the teeth; poor alignment of front top teeth
with bottom teeth; top front teeth that do not meet with the
bottom teeth; and top front teeth that cover more than 50% of
the bottom teeth. If you see any misalignment or shifting of the
jaw, your child may have a skeletal problem that could require
early orthodontic treatment. |
At What Age Should My Child See
an Orthodontist?
The Canadian Association of Orthodontics recommends that your
child be evaluated by age 7. An orthodontic screening no later
than this enables the orthodontist to detect and evaluate
problems that exist, advise the parent on whether treatment will
be necessary, and determine the best time for any treatment.
Early detection of orthodontic problems is important so that
early corrective action can be taken and more difficult
treatment later can be avoided. |
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Can Adults Have Braces?
Age is not a factor in considering orthodontic treatment. Any
adult in good general health with healthy gums and good bone
support for the teeth is a good candidate for orthodontic
treatment. About 25% of our orthodontic patients are adults, and
that number is still growing! |
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Is Orthodontic Treatment
Painful?
Orthodontic treatment has improved dramatically. As a rule,
braces make your teeth tender and sore for a few days, but are
not painful. This annoyance can be relieved with an
over-the-counter analgesic. Today’s braces are more comfortable
and use technology that reduces the any irritation. We use the
latest in biocompatible braces, the advanced technique with
light force and the highest quality orthodontic materials in
order to reduce discomfort and treatment time. |
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| What are Phase I (Interceptive)
and Phase II (Comprehensive) Treatments? Phase I or
Interceptive Treatment usually starts about age 7 to 9, when the
child has most of his or her baby teeth and a few permanent
front incisors. The goal of Phase I treatment is to intercept
moderate or severe orthodontic problems early in order to reduce
or eliminate them. These problems include skeletal
discrepancies, crossbites, and severe crowding. Phase I
treatment takes advantage of the early growth spurt and turns a
difficult orthodontic problem into a more manageable one. This
often helps reduce the need for extraction or surgery and
delivers better long-term stability. Most Phase I patients
require a second phase of treatment in order to achieve an
ideal final bite.
Phase II treatment usually occurs a number of years later.
Usually, we wait for the remaining permanent teeth to erupt,
including second molars, before beginning Phase II. This most
commonly occurs at the age of 12 or 13. The goal of Phase II
treatment is to achieve an ideal bite with all of the permanent
teeth. |
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Does Everyone Need Phase I
Treatment?
Not every child needs Phase I treatment. Only some children with
certain bites require early intervention. All others can wait
until most if not all their permanent teeth erupt. However, it
is important that every child be evaluated by age 7. |
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What is the Duration of
Orthodontic Treatment?
Braces may be on between 6 months to 30 months, or in rare
instances longer. This depends on the development of the
dentition, the severity of the problem, the patient’s
cooperation and the degree of tooth movement required. |
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What is the Difference between
Extraction and Non-Extraction Therapies?
Each treatment is a way to address crowding of the teeth.
Extraction therapy is a technique in which one or more teeth are
removed to make room for the other teeth in the mouth. This is
in contrast to non-extraction therapy, in which the patient’s
jaw is expanded and/or the shape and size of some teeth are
adjusted to make them fit within the jaw. Our office’s treatment
philosophy is very conservative, and we do make every effort to
avoid extraction. However, for severe crowding and severe jaw
discrepancy, extraction may be required. |
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Is Orthodontic Care Expensive?
When orthodontic treatment is implemented at the proper time,
treatment is often less costly than the dental care required to
treat the more serious problems that can develop years later.
Orthodontic fees have not increased as fast as the costs for
many other consumer products. Financing is available at
no-interest and our office offers many payment programs. |
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