General Questions
There is no age limit for orthodontics. In adults, even malaligned teeth can be corrected regardless of the patient's age, as long as the teeth, gums and supporting bones are healthy. Properly aligned teeth can improve appearance, are easier to keep clean, and will last longer.
The cost of orthodontic treatment is based on many factors: the difficulty of the problem, the estimated amount of time the treatment can be finished, the complexity of the case (involves other dental and/or surgical procedures), and the kind of Orthodontic appliance the patient prefers.
The types of brackets available have evolved the past decade making Orthodontic treatment more efficient and comfortable. Both metal and ceramic braces deliver almost the same efficiency and capability to move teeth. But esthetically, ceramic braces are preferred by patients who do not want the “metal-mouth” look, since ceramic braces mimic the color of the patient’s teeth.
Straightening the teeth and correcting the bite are not simple treatment mechanics that any dentist can do. It involves understanding the growth and development of the face and how it relates to the upper and lower jaws, how the teeth and their surrounding structures react and behave when forces from the braces are placed, and how all these can lead to better smile and improved bite.
Orthodontists spend an additional 2-3 years of specialized education after graduating from the dental school. They also have to pass the board examinations given by the Orthodontics Board before they can be called Orthodontists.
After graduating from an accredited Orthodontics post-graduate program, they have to pass the board examinations given by the Orthodontics Board. Your Orthodontist should be a member of the Association of Philippine Orthodontists (APO) to be sure that he/she had the proper training and experience to provide you the treatment you need.
It is recommended that your child is seen by an Orthodontist at the first sign of an Orthodontic problem, no later than age 7. Some alignment and bite problems can be corrected at an early age, avoiding making the problem more complicated as the child grows older.
The average amount of time for an Orthodontic treatment is around 2 years. The simpler cases would require less treatment time, while more difficult and complicated cases can take more than 2 years.
Discomfort may result when teeth are moved. This usually lasts for two to three days after adjustment; and varies with each individual. As treatment progresses, discomfort slowly diminishes. Braces are simple to maintain and will not hamper your lifestyle. One just needs to make a conscious effort to keep the teeth and appliances clean. One will also have to stay clear of sticky or hard foods which may break the braces.
Whether in braces or using another type of orthodontic appliance, patients should limit their intake of any drinks with added sugar, including soda pop (even diet), energy drinks, sweet tea, some juices and sports drinks.
Soda pop contains acid that can weaken tooth enamel. Some juices and sports drinks contain a lot of sugar.
Drinking excessive amounts of any liquids with sugar and/or acid could lead to cavities.
It’s best to consult your orthodontist about what kinds of soft drinks and juices are ok for you to drink while you have on braces, aligners, retainers or any other kind of orthodontic appliance. Your orthodontist’s goal is to keep your teeth healthy so you have a great result from your orthodontic treatment.
Yes, keeping your teeth and braces (or other appliances) clean requires a little more effort on your part. Your orthodontist will explain how to brush and floss, how often to brush and floss, and give you any special instructions based on the kind of orthodontic treatment you are having. Be sure to follow your orthodontist’s dental hygiene recommendations to get the best results possible. Check with your orthodontist about dental products and tools that might be helpful.
In general, patients with braces must be careful to avoid hard, sticky, chewy and crunchy foods. They should also avoid chewing on hard objects like pens, pencils and fingernails. And never chew ice. It’s much too hard on your teeth – even without braces.
Also be sure to see your family dentist for a professional cleaning and check-up at least every six months during your orthodontic treatment, or more often, if recommended.
You are cleared for takeoff – the lightweight materials used in braces will not affect metal detectors.
Use a Q-tip or pencil eraser to push the wire so that it is flat against the tooth. If the wire cannot be moved into a comfortable position, cover it with orthodontic wax. Contact your orthodontist to make him/her aware of the problem and determine whether your child needs to be seen.
Call your orthodontist right away to make arrangements for replacement retainers. Without retainers, there can be unwanted movement of teeth.
Most teeth braces are made from non-magnetic materials (even the metal ones).
In the past, people associated braces with being ugly or embarrassing. But now, with more options (like clear, almost invisible braces, or those that are mounted on the back side of the teeth), more people are discovering that braces make really beautiful smiles, and help make your teeth last longer, and healthier.
Choose a member of the Association of Philippine Orthodontists (APO) for orthodontic treatment to be assured that the doctor is an Orthodontist – someone who first graduated from dental school and then went on for 2-3 more years of studying Orthodontics at an accredited Orthodontic residency program. Only these people can call themselves “Orthodontists,” and only they can be accepted as members of the APO.
Yes, there are orthodontists who are board-certified by the Philippine Board of Orthodontics (PBO). The conferment of a diplomate to an orthodontist certifies that the practitioner is practicing within the stringent standards set by the orthodontic community worldwide as mandated by the World Federation of Orthodontists. The only boarding organization for the orthodontic specialty that is accredited by the PRC Board of Dentistry is the Philippine Board of Orthodontics (PBO).
Treatment
Anyone, regardless of age, who has the following: Teeth that are too crowded or far apart, protrusion of upper or lower anterior teeth, patients with habits such as thumbsucking or tongue thrusting, supernumerary or missing teeth, developing underbite, overbite and other abnormal bite development.
Orthodontics offers an opportunity for improved dental appearance that leads not only to enhanced self-esteem, but also to better dental health. When teeth are correctly aligned, dental decay is less likely to occur. Orthodontic treatment also relieves the extra strain on gums and bones caused by teeth that do not fit well, thus averting periodontal disease and tooth loss. Well-fitting teeth brought about by orthodontics promotes better functions of the mouth like speaking and chewing, the latter promoting better nutrition and general health.
The ideal age for the first orthodontic check-up is 7 years, after the eruption of the permanent first molars which are the key to occlusion (“bite”). However, in some cases where there are obvious signs of skeletal deficiency or excess, a child may be seen as early as 5 years old. There is no age limit for treatment. Any adult may be treated as long as the bone and other supporting tissues are healthy.
An orthodontist is a licensed dentist who underwent advanced training to specialize in diagnosing, preventing, and correcting malformations of the teeth and jaws. He is a specialist with a practice limited to ORTHODONTICS (does not perform general dentistry). A specialist is preferred because he/she is better equipped to handle various cases and treat problems related to the occlusion and alignment of teeth.
It's a common myth that orthodontists charge more than general dentists do. They shouldn't be compared at all, because the value in seeing an orthodontist for treatment is that he or she is an expert, and is highly experienced when it comes to giving your teeth proper form and function that results in a wonderful smile.
All dentists can do orthodontics but ethically, not all dentists may call themselves orthodontists. Orthodontics is the subject or specialty, an orthodontist is the specialist. It is like calling oneself Engineering instead of Engineer, Surgery instead of Surgeon, Law instead of Attorney.
All members of the Association of Philippine Orthodontists are either graduates from orthodontic graduate programs and/or preceptorship programs who completed the certifying examinations of the Philippine Board of Orthdontics.
Some people fear that braces are painful, or that they have to wear it for a very long time. But orthodontics has improved so much in the past 20 years -- today, the entire orthodontic treatment is less painful in general, in addition to being quicker.
It's not enough to just find a "good" dentist to straighten your teeth. Look for an orthodontist--because unlike general dentists, an orthodontist undergoes 2-3 years more of specialized training after dental school, becoming a specialist at straightening and insuring your teeth's proper form and function. In addition, orthodontists practice only orthodontics and treat hundreds of patients, as opposed to general dentists who may only see a handful of orthodontic patients a year.
Most people think that they only need to see an orthodontist if their case is really challenging or complex. But, whether you have a simple or complex orthodontic case, orthodontists are trained to know the difference and how to treat it.
Each orthodontic case is unique. Definite corrective treatment lasts approximately two years (+/- 6 months) for most cases. Depending on the severity of the case, treatment may last longer.
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