Frequently Asked Questions
What is Orthodontics?
What is an Orthodontist?
When Should Orthodontic Treatment Begin?
How Does Orthodontic Treatment Work?
What is Phase I & Phase II Treatment?
What About Adult Treatment?
How Long Will I Have To Wear Braces?
What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the specialty branch of dentistry which focuses entirely on diagnosis,
prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. The technical term for these problems is "malocclusion"
which literally means "bad bite." The practice of orthodontics requires extensive professional skill
in the design, application, and control of corrective appliances (braces) to bring teeth, lips, and jaws into proper
alignment and achieve optimum facial balance.
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What is an Orthodontist?
Teeth and sometimes faces are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment; therefore it is very important that the treatment be properly done. Orthodontists, like Dr. Apicella and Dr. Bush, are dental specialists who have limited their practices exclusively to the treatment of orthodontic problems. Dr. Apicella and Dr. Bush have devoted three years of full time comprehensive orthodontic training at an accredited University program in addition to four years of dental school and four years of college study. This advanced training included topics such as growth and development, genetics, biomechanics, and anatomy; as well as the application and control of braces and removable appliances.
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When Should Orthodontic Treatment Begin?
An early orthodontic screening examination allows Dr. Apicella and Dr. Bush to best determine the optimum time for treatment to begin. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends this visit for every child by the age of 7. This does not mean that all children need treatment at this age, but it does allow the assessment of each individual case to determine who could benefit from early intervention. In some cases, early intervention can prevent the need for future treatment or at least reduce the complexity of future treatment, reduce the need for extractions and gain a better overall result. Please remember, however, that orthodontics is not only limited to children, with about 1/3 of our patients being adults.
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How Does Orthodontic Treatment Work?
Braces use steady, gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. The brackets that Dr. Apicella and Dr. Bush place on your teeth, and the archwire that connects them, are the main components. The archwire is shaped to move your teeth into your ideal bite. As the wire tries to return to its original shape, it applies pressure to actually move your teeth to their new positions.
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What is Phase I & Phase II Treatment?
Phase I is treatment as early as age 7 or 8 years that may involve partial braces to expand space for developing adult teeth, correction of crossbites, overbites, underbites, or harmful habits. Not all children need this interceptive treatment, but a screening exam to determine this is recommended. Phase II is considered later when all the permanent teeth are in place. Phase II involves full braces, which give maximum control over the movement of teeth, whereas plates or "retainers" can only tip teeth in certain directions. The correction of rotated teeth, and any movement of teeth that involves more than simple tipping movements, are best achieved with braces.
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What About Adult Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and about a third of the patients treated by Dr. Apicella and Dr. Bush are adults. The biological process involved in tooth movement is the same in both adults and children. The health of the teeth, gums, and supporting bone is very important to the success of orthodontic treatment in adults as well as children.
Because an adult's bones are no longer growing, certain extreme corrections involving the facial bones cannot be accomplished with braces alone. Sometimes, adult orthodontic treatment may have to be combined with the efforts of an oral surgeon to achieve the final result.
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How Long Will I Have To Wear Braces?
Although the length of treatment varies based on individual treatment needs, we have found that treatment with the Damon System routinely allows us to complete treatment in 30-40% less time than with traditional braces. The actual time depends on the severity of the problem, the cooperation of the patient, and the growth of the patient’s mouth and face. Some people respond faster to treatment than others, and minor problems may require less time. After the braces are removed, we recommend full time retainer wear for the first three months, then nights for the remainder of the first year. Following this, they should be worn at least enough to maintain a comfortable, secure fit. This varies from person to person. We advise at least one night a week, indefinitely, to minimize shifting of the teeth which can occur with normal wear and aging.