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What
is an OrthodontistTypes &
CausesOur Treatment
Philosophy |
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Problems and
SolutionsKeeping Your
Teeth HealthyProcedures |
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What
is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a specialist
who has attended a graduate program requiring full-time study
for 2-3 years or more, exclusively in orthodontics, following
dental school and limits the practice to orthodontics. Orthodontics
was the first dental specialty recognized by the American Dental
Association and was the second specialty in all of medicine.
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Types
& Causes
The two general causes of malocclusions
are inherited, resulting from genetics; and acquired, which are
caused by a variety of situations such as thumb habits, tongue
thrusting and sleeping habits.
Most common orthodontic problems
can be treated with braces and/or removable appliances. When
needed, treatment can be coordinated with an oral surgeon for
corrective surgery.
Untreated malocclusions can often
lead to problems later in life that are more expensive and time
consuming to correct than the original problem itself. Orthodontic
care can improve most problems at any age; however, there is
usually a "best age" in terms of improvement with the
least expense and time involvement. The best time to start seeing
a patient is between the ages of eight and nine; earlier if there
are obvious problems such as severe crowding, spacing, or crossbites.
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Our
Treatment Philosophy
"Do the right
thing at the right time
and do not do too much too soon"
The best time to intercept developing
malocclusions is between the ages of eight and nine; earlier
if there are obvious problems such as severe crowding, spacing,
or crossbites. By starting at this time, we get a head start
on heading off problems. This sets your child up for positive
and healthy dental development before the teeth settle into their
permanent placement. This does not mean placing braces,
but it does mean getting an early start on diagnosing the problem
when some simple guidance can minimize the developing problem.
Our goal is to get our patients on a path of normal dental development
with teeth in a proper path of eruption . . and to do this effectively,
efficiently, and cost effectively at the right time with stable
results.
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Problems
and Solutions |
| You may be able to solve many braces problems temporarily
by yourself until you schedule a repair appointment with our
office. These problems need not cause delay in your treatment. |
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PROBLEM |
HOME SOLUTION |
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LOOSE BAND OR BRACKET |
If
band or bracket is still attached to wire, leave in place. If
uncomfortable, place wax on it. If it comes out completely,
wrap brace or bracket in tissue. |
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LOOSE WIRE |
Try
to place wire back in place with tweezers. If that is not possible,
clip wire with fingernail clippers behind last tooth to which
it is securely fastened. If any discomfort, place wax on it. |
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POKING WIRE |
Try
to push sticking wire down with a spoon or eraser. If not possible,
place wax on it. |
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LOST TIEWIRE OR ELASTIC
TIE |
Notify
us at next appointment. |
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SORENESS |
Use
warm salt water rinses and/or Tylenol® |
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HEADGEAR DOES NOT FIT |
Sometimes
caused by not wearing as prescribed. If facebow is bent, call
office at once. |
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LOOSE APPLIANCE |
If
appliance is sticking or poking, place wax on it. |
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If you feel you are
unable to handle a problem on your own,
please call us as soon as possible. |
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Keeping
Your Teeth Healthy
We insist on regular visits to
your family dentist for cleaning and examination at least every
six months. This keeps teeth healthy for a beautiful smile when
treatment is completed.
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Procedures
and Treatment
Initial Examination: The examination is the first step in
evaluating the need for orthodontic care and normally involves
taking a current panoramic x-ray of the teeth and associated
structures.
"Growth and Observation"
or "Recall" Appointments: While many patients are ready to begin orthodontic
care after the initial examination, some would be better to wait
until other dental care or development has taken place. By examining
the patient at regular intervals, the "ideal time"
to begin care can be established.
Interceptive Treatment: Many times the proper extraction sequence
of baby teeth and/or minor orthodontic procedures can greatly
reduce the severity of a case and shorten the length of active
orthodontic treatment. Dr. Orr attends meetings and keeps up
with all of the developments in techniques and materials that
make orthodontic treatment better and more efficient. We are
also taking digital photographs for our patient records. This
allows us to scan x-rays and photographs to send to the family
dentist.
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