Orthodontics

Orthodontic Frequently Asked Questions

What age should my child have an orthodontic evaluation?   
Why is it important to have orthodontic treatment at a young age?  
What Causes Crooked Teeth?  /  How Do Teeth Move?  /  Will It Hurt?

What age should my child have an orthodontic evaluation?

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends a first orthodontic evaluation for children by age seven. At age 7, the teeth and jaws are developed enough so that Dr. Winn can see if there will be any serious bite problems in the future. Often treatment is not necessary at age 7, but it provides parents and Dr. Winn time to watch the development of your child and decide on the best mode of treatment. When you have time on your side, you can plan ahead and prevent the formation of serious problems.
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Why is it important to have orthodontic treatment at a young age?

Research shows that serious orthodontic problems are more easily corrected when the patient’s skeleton is still growing and flexible. We can prepare the mouth for the eventual eruption of the permanent teeth by correcting any skeletal problems at a younger age. When the permanent teeth have enough space to erupt they will come in fairly straight. If teeth erupt fairly straight the tendency to get crooked again after braces come off is diminished significantly. After permanent teeth have erupted, usually around the age of 12-14, complete braces are placed for final alignment and detailing of the bite, making the final stage of treatment quicker and easier on the patient. This phase of treatment usually lasts from 12 - 18 months and typically doesn't start until all of the permanent teeth are erupted.

Orthodontic treatments in two phases yields excellent results, often allowing Dr. Winn to avoid removal of permanent teeth and jaw surgery. The treatment done when some of the baby teeth are still present is called Phase-1. The last part of treatment after all the permanent teeth have erupted is called Phase-2.

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What Causes Crooked Teeth?

There are many factors that cause crooked teeth: crowding, tongue thrusting, thumb sucking, premature loss of baby teeth, or a poor breathing airway caused by enlarged tonsil and adenoids can all contribute to crooked teeth. In addition, there are the hereditary factors. Extra teeth, missing teeth, large teeth, wide spacing, small jaws - all can be causes of crowded teeth.
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How Do Teeth Move?

Tooth movement is a natural response to light pressure over a period of time. Pressure is applied by using a variety of orthodontic hardware (appliances), the most common being a brace or bracket attached to the teeth and connected by an arch wire. Regular changing of these arch wires puts pressure on the teeth. At different stages of treatment your child may wear rubber bands, headgear, a positioner, or a retainer. Most orthodontic appointments are scheduled 4 to 8 weeks apart to give the teeth time to reposition.
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Will It Hurt?

When teeth are first moved, discomfort may result which typically lasts about 24 hours. However, as the treatments progress, patients report a lessening of any pain. Pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) usually relieve the pain.
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