FAQ

  • What is Orthodontics?
    • Orthodontics is the specialty branch of dentistry that 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. This is best accomplished by an orthodontist. The word “orthodontics” comes from two Greek words … “orthos,” which means right or correct, and “dons” which means tooth. Orthodontic treatment “corrects” the teeth, brings the mouth into facial balance and produces a beautiful smile.
  • When is the best time to begin orthodontics?
    • Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment.
  • What are the benefits of early orthodontic evaluation?
    • Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal.
  • Why is age 7 considered the optimal time for screening?
    • By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite. During this time, an orthodontist can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. For example, the presence of erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite, open bite, crowding or gummy smiles.
  • What are the advantages of interceptive treatment?
    • Some of the most direct results of interceptive treatment are:
      • Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
      • Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
      • Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
      • Preserving space for unerupted teeth
      • Reducing the need for tooth removal
      • Reducing treatment time with braces
  • Am I a candidate for orthodontic treatment?
    • Orthodontics is 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.
  • Why should malocclusions be treated?
    • According to studies by the American Association of Orthodontists, untreated malocclusions can result in a variety of problems. Crowded teeth are more difficult to properly brush and floss, which may contribute to tooth decay and/or gum disease. Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping. Cross bites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear. Open bites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments. Ultimately, orthodontics does more than make a pretty smile—it creates a healthier you.
  • How does orthodontic treatment work?
    • Braces use steady, gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into proper position. The brackets that Dr. Byrd places on your teeth, and the archwire that connects them, are the main components. Dr. Byrd then shapes the archwire to move your teeth into your ideal bite. As the wire tries to return to its original shape, it applies pressure to actually shift your teeth into proper position.
  • What is Phase I and 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.
  • What about orthodontic treatment for adults?
    • Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and Dr. Byrd sees many patients that 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.
  • How long will I have to wear my braces?
    • Treatment time with orthodontic appliances can range from one to three years. 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 individuals respond faster to treatment than others, and minor problems may require less time. After the braces are removed, Dr. Byrd recommends his patients to wear retainers to help keep the teeth in their new positions. Retainers are to be worn full time for one year, after which the amount of time worn each day can be gradually reduced until eventually worn just at night for as long as possible.