FAQ's
Advantages of Early Treatment
Adult Treatment
Retention
Before and After Photos
Proper Diet
Oral Hygiene
Emergencies or Problems
Links

FAQ's

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental irregularities. Tooth movement is accomplished by light pressure exerted on the teeth. The pressure is applied by a variety of orthodontic appliances. These appliances have progressed by use of space aged research to apply gentle forces over the course of treatment.

What causes orthodontic problems?

Most orthodontic problems are inherited. Examples of these genetic problems are crowding, spacing, protrusion, extra or missing teeth and some jaw growth problems. Some malocclusions develop over time and can be caused by thumb sucking, mouth breathing, dental disease, the early or late loss of primary teeth, accidents, poor nutrition, or some medical problems. Usually an orthodontist is able to treat all conditions successfully.

When should you see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child, first visit an Orthodontist by age 7-- or earlier if an orthodontic problem is detected by parents, family dentist or physician. By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the bite. During this time, an orthodontist can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. Orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are present. That's important, because some orthodontic problems are easier to correct if they are found early. Dr. Sheer is the specialist who has the knowledge to determine when the time for treatment is ideal for each patient.

What are the advantages of early interceptive treatment?

In some cases, Dr. Sheer might find a problem that can benefit from early treatment. Early treatment may prevent more serious problems from developing, and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated. Some of the most direct results of early interceptive treatment are:

• creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
• creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
• lowering the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
• preserving space for unerupted teeth
• reducing the need for tooth removal
• improve the way lips meet
• improve appearance and self-esteem
• reducing treatment time in braces

Are you a candidate for orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontics are not merely for improving the aesthetics of the smile; orthodontic treatment improves bad bites (malocclusions). Malocclusions occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment. Malocclusions affect the way you smile, chew, clean your teeth or feel about your smile. Some signs that your bite might not be right:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Difficulty in chewing or biting
• Breathing through the mouth
• Thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting habits
• Crowded, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
• Jaws that are too far forward to back
• Protruding teeth
• An unbalanced facial appearance
• Grinding or clenching of the teeth
• Upper and lower teeth that do not meet

Ultimately, orthodontics does more than make a pretty smile--it creates a healthier you!

How long does treatment usually take?

Although every case is different, patients wear braces from one to two years. Treatment times vary with factors that include the severity of the problem being corrected and how well the patient follows instructions.

Patients who brush and floss thoroughly and regularly; avoid hard and sticky foods; wear their rubber bands and/or headgear as instructed; and keep their scheduled appointments usually finish treatment on-time with exceptional results. Patients remain under Dr. Sheer's care during the retention phase.

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Advantages of Early Treatment

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children get a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7.

• Orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present.
• While your child's teeth may appear to be straight, there could be a problem that only an orthodontist can detect.
• A check-up may reveal that your child's bite is fine. Or, the orthodontist may identify a developing problem but recommend monitoring the child's growth and development, and then, if indicated, begin treatment at the appropriate time for the child. In other cases, the orthodontist might find a problem that can benefit from early treatment
• Early treatment may prevent or intercept more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated. In some cases, the orthodontist will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.
• Early treatment may give your orthodontist the chance to: Guide jaw growth, Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth, Correct harmful oral habits, Improve appearance, Guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position, Create a more pleasing arrangement of teeth, lips and face.
• Through an early orthodontic evaluation, you'll be giving your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile.

Adult Treatment

It is never too late to be your best and braces are not just for kids anymore. A consultation with Dr. Sheer is the best way to determine if you can benefit from orthodontic treatment. Generally, teeth can be straightened at any age if your gums and bone structure are healthy. Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. Improvement in the health of your teeth and gums is equally important. Crowded teeth and a bad bite can contribute to gum and bone loss, abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces, tooth decay and sometimes jaw joint pain. The good news is that there are new techniques and materials available today. There are several options available--metal braces or translucent braces, and even transparent aligners that can be worn to improve mild cases of misaligned teeth.

Thanks to today's smaller, less visible, more comfortable brackets, adults are finding braces more appealing. A large percentage of our patients are adults, and they agree it is never too late to improve their greatest asset--their smile.

Retention

• Orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present.
• While your child's teeth may appear to be straight, there could be a problem that only an orthodontist can detect.
• A check-up may reveal that your child's bite is fine. Or, the orthodontist may identify a developing problem but recommend monitoring the child's growth and development, and then, if indicated, begin treatment at the appropriate time for the child. In other cases, the orthodontist might find a problem that can benefit from early treatment
• Early treatment may prevent or intercept more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated. In some cases, the orthodontist will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.
• Early treatment may give your orthodontist the chance to: Guide jaw growth, Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth, Correct harmful oral habits, Improve appearance, Guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position, Create a more pleasing arrangement of teeth, lips and face.
• Through an early orthodontic evaluation, you'll be giving your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile.

Before and After Photos

All treatment performed by Dr. Stuart Sheer.

Crowding

Non-extraction therapy and crossbite correction.

Cosmetic Bonding

The upper left lateral is narrow and has been cosmetically bonded.

Anterior crossbite

Anterior crossbite correction using a retainer in the upper arch only
(note the spontaneous improvement of the alignment and
recession on the lower right central).

Underbite

Correction of the upper front teeth which are behind the lower front teeth.

Open Bite

Early treatment with a habit appliance (no braces) to help an open bite
(upper front teeth do not vertically cover the lower front teeth).
A second phase is needed as there are 12 baby teeth remaining.

Underbite

A dental and skeletal underbite corrected with
orthodontics and orthognathic surgery.

Phase I

The upper molars are too far forward, and have been moved back
(headgear at night). Note the improvement of the upper front teeth
without the use of braces. This type of treatment makes the time in
braces much easier and much shorter.

Lateral Open Bite

Lateral open bite correction, the teeth now contact
properly when the patient bites down.

Supernumerary Teeth

Extra teeth are called supernumerary teeth. The upper two front teeth
were the extra teeth that were removed, and the other teeth that
appear to be blocked out were aligned. A second phase of treatment
will be needed when more permanent teeth come in.

Spacing

This patient did not like her smile, she was only 9 years old
and getting teased. 6 months of early treatment to align the
upper front teeth, and she was smiling again.

Open Bite and Overjet

A significant open bite and overjet is reduced by the use of a
retainer alone. More treatment using braces will be used in the future,
when more permanent teeth come in.

Proper Diet

Braces are delicate and easily damaged, so what you eat becomes especially important in caring for your appliances. For most situations, common sense will tell you what to avoid. Hard foods, sticky foods and foods high in sugar must be avoided. Hard foods can break or damage wires and brackets. Sticky foods can get caught between brackets and wires. Minimize sugary foods; they cause tooth decay and related problems.

Avoid Sticky Foods such as: Caramels Skittles Candy bars with caramel Starbursts Fruit Roll-Ups Toffee Gum Gummy Bears Candy or caramel apples Avoid Hard or Tough Foods such as: Pizza Crust Ice cubes Nuts Bagels Hard Candy Popcorn Kernels Corn Chips Cut the following foods into small pieces and chew with the back teeth: Apples Pears Carrots Celery Corn on the Cob Chicken wings Pizza Spare Ribs

Oral Hygiene

Once you have your orthodontic appliances or braces in place, keeping your teeth, gums and appliances clean is very important. Braces, wires, bands and retainers can all trap food particles. Careful brushing and flossing, preferably after every meal, is the best way to prevent plaque build up, tooth decay, and gum disease.

It is important to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet to achieve the best possible results from treatment. A good diet provides essential nutrients to bones and tissues undergoing change during orthodontic treatment.

Brushing and Flossing

The biggest enemy of your teeth is plaque and the most common and effective means of removing plaque from your teeth is regular brushing and flossing. It's more important than ever to brush and floss regularly when you have braces, so the teeth and gums are healthy after orthodontic treatment. Because dental hygiene is so important, regular visits to the family dentist for a professional cleaning must continue every six months during orthodontic treatment (or more often, if recommended).

Brushing Technique

Hold the rush at an angle and press firmly against the teeth Move the brush in small circles, cleaning the tooth surface Brush above and below the archwire Brush the backside and chewing surfaces of all your teeth

Flossing Technique

Flossing is more difficult when you have braces on your teeth A floss threader will be needed to get the floss under the archwire Use a piece of floss about 12 inches long Use the floss threader to get the floss under the wire Slide the floss up and down along the tooth surface Floss carefully around the gum area Flossing is important and should be done everyday

Phos-Flur (Anti-Cavity Fluoride Rinse)

Phos-Flur rinse can help prevent cavities and white marks while your braces are on and also once braces are removed. Use Phos-Flur rinse every day after brushing before bedtime. Phos-Flur rinse contains a unique fluoride formula which allows the fluoride to penetrate deep into your teeth. This helps make your teeth strong and more resistant to cavities and white marks. Because it's a rinse, Phos-Flur can get to those hard-to-reach areas that brushing and flossing may miss. For your convenience you can purchase Phos-Flur at our office.

Appliance Care

Clean the retainer by brushing with toothpaste. If you are wearing a lower fixed retainer be extra careful to brush the wire and the inside of the lower teeth. Always bring your retainer to each appointment. Avoid flipping the retainer with your tongue; this can cause damage to your teeth. Place the retainer in the plastic case when it is re-moved from your mouth. Never wrap the retainer in a paper napkin or tissue, someone may throw it away. Don't put it in your pocket or you may break or lose it. Excessive heat will warp and ruin the retainer.

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Emergencies or Problems

Band & Loop (B&L)

As a general rule, orthodontic emergencies are very rare, but when they do occur we are available for you. You should call the office when you experience severe pain or when you have an appliance problem. We will be able to schedule an appointment to resolve the problem.

Loose bracket or band -- If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, you should leave it in place and put wax on it.

Poking wire -- If a wire is poking your gums or cheek there are several things you can try until you can get to the office for an appointment. First try a ball of wax on the wire that is causing the irritation. You may also try using a nail clipper or cuticle cutter to cut the extra piece of wire that is sticking out. Sometimes, a poking wire can be safely turned down so that it no longer causes discomfort. To do this you may use a pencil eraser, or some other smooth object, and tuck the offending wire back out of the way.

Loose wire -- Using a tweezer, try to put your wire back into place. You can use a small fingernail clipper to clip the wire behind the last tooth to which the wire is attached. If your discomfort continues, place wax on it.

General Soreness -- You may be experiencing some discomfort after beginning treatment or at the change of wires or adjusting of appliances. This is normal and should diminish within 24-72 hours. A few suggestions to help with the discomfort:

1. If pain persists more than a few days, call our office
2. Rinse with warm water, eat a soft diet, and take acetaminophen (Tylenol)
   or ibuprofen (Advil) as directed on the bottle.
3. Chewing on the sore teeth may be sorer in the short term but feel better faster.

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Links

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