Orthodontic Treatment​
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Orthodontic treatment realigns teeth to improve how your teeth look, and how efficiently your jaw functions. Additionally, it can assist in the long-term health of your teeth and gums, as well as your jaw joints, by spreading pressure throughout all your teeth.
Why should I have orthodontic treatment?
Crooked or crowded teeth can create possible damage to your teeth, as well as looking unsightly. If you suffer from out-of-place teeth, Orthodontic treatment can realign and position your teeth properly. When you get your teeth properly aligned, it will improve your bite, as well as give you a new, beautiful smile. When your teeth don’t line up the way they should, your jaw can suffer from muscle strain, which can create issues with your jaw joints (which can give you headaches). Orthodontic treatment will solve and relieve these potential problems.
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At what age should I have orthodontic treatment?
It’s said during childhood is the optimal time. That being said, adults can still enroll in orthodontic treatment. There’s no wrong time to improve and fix your teeth.
Who carries out my treatment?
Your orthodontist, Dr. Bedont, will carry out your orthodontic treatment.
What does it involve?
A full examination is required. This examination includes taking x-rays of your teeth and creating plaster models of your teeth. After the examination has concluded, Dr. Bedont and his team will decide what treatment fits your individual case. Once you’ve decided to begin your treatment plan, Dr. Bedont and his team will start your treatment after all of your permanent teeth have grown in.
If there isn’t ample room in your mouth for all of your permanent teeth, you may need to create space via removal of some permanent teeth (there may be other ways to create room in your mouth that don’t include the removal of your teeth). Dr. Bedont will discuss this possibility with you if required.
How is the treatment carried out?
There are a variety of appliances that may be used in your orthodontic treatment, that most refer to as ‘braces’. The duration of your treatment is dependent on each individual case. Treatment could take anywhere between a few months to a few years, depending on the severity of your treatment. Treatment often tends to last between 1-2 years.
After your treatment has finished and your teeth have been properly positioned, the next step is the retention period. Your teeth need to retain their position beyond the removal of appliances, so you will be given appliances that hold your teeth in place throughout the next step, called ‘retainers’.
Retainers allow the gum and bone surrounding your teeth to finish settling, while keeping your properly aligned and straightened teeth held in position. Retainers are removable and can be fixed.
Will the treatment work?
As Dr. Bedont’s patient, what determines success or failure is entirely dependent on the commitment and cooperation you give during your treatment. It’s incredibly important you follow all instructions Dr. Bedont gives you, and always make it to your scheduled appointments.
Following all instructions consistently through to the end will result in a successful treatment.
Can orthodontic treatment damage my teeth?
The possibility exists, if you lack care for your teeth during treatment. Orthodontic appliances (braces, retainers, etc) do not damage your teeth, but inconsistent/inefficient hygiene and too much sugar results in permanent damage. The wires and brackets of your braces can trap food in-between them and cause substantial plaque build-up to occur. Due to this, efficiently and consistently caring for your teeth and appliance is essential.
It's important to remember that even after the retention period, it’s common for minor changes in your mouth throughout life to occur. While no permanent guarantee can be given, it’s quite uncommon for teeth to alter to the point of requiring further treatment.
How do I get started with my treatment?
To get started, contact Dr. Bedont and his team at Bedont Orthodontics and discuss your case. Dr. Bedont will inform you if treatment is required, and will make necessary arrangements.