December 27, 2011

Will My Teeth Straighten Out as They Grow?

Misaligned teeth are quite common among adolescents and younger children. Many children and their parents hope that, with time, teeth will straighten out and move into a more appropriate position, but this is unlikely. Our orthodontist serving Fort Worth can answer questions about tooth alignment and possibilities for orthodontic treatment.

Causes of Misalignment

The most common cause of misalignment is a lack of room in the mouth. If your mouth is too small to accommodate all of your teeth, your teeth will be crowded and will probably be crooked and misaligned.

Misalignment can also occur when baby teeth are removed before the permanent teeth naturally cause them to fall out. This disruption of the natural process can cause permanent teeth to emerge in the wrong place or at the wrong angle. This is one of many reasons why baby teeth should be well cared for.

If your teeth are crowded, they are likely to become even more so as they grow out and as other teeth emerge. Overall, the chances are very slim that waiting for teeth to grow out and shift naturally will help avoid the necessity of braces.

Treatment for Misalignment

The most common treatment for misaligned teeth, especially for adolescents, is traditional braces. The braces are affixed to the teeth and attached to each other with wires and rubber bands. The tension from the rubber bands moves the teeth gradually into the appropriate position. Braces can also be made of porcelain so they are less visible, or can be applied to the back of the teeth. Consult with your orthodontist to find out what the best option is for you.

Another possible treatment for misalignment is Invisalign. This orthodontic treatment uses clear plastic trays instead of traditional metal braces to shift the teeth into the right position. Invisalign is not used as frequently for adolescents because it is more suitable for smaller changes in alignment. Invisalign treatment also tends to take longer when used with adolescent patients.

To find out more about misalignment, how it can affect your overall dental health, and how to correct it, please contact our Family & Cosmetic Dentistry office at 817.918.4199.

September 2, 2011

Orthodontics: Purpose of a palatal expander

orthodontist Fort WorthA palatal expander is an oral appliance used to widen the upper jaw so that the bottom and upper teeth will fit together better.  Traditionally used in conjunction with wearing braces to straighten your teeth, your orthodontist in Fort Worth is ideally suited to answer all questions concerning this technique.

Typically palatal expanders are prescribed for children, although their use with adults has enjoyed some success.  Since the function of the palatal expander is to widen the upper jaw itself, if your jaw is no longer growing due to achieving maturity, this procedure becomes a little more extensive.

The palatal expander is attached to teeth strategically with bands.  This usually results in a couple of visits to your orthodontist.  Once the expander is in place, it is activated by the motion of turning a screw with a specially designed key.  The palatal expander is a permanent fixture in your mouth until your orthodontist is satisfied that the upper jaw has widened sufficiently.  Since the expander is not removable, turning the key to keep the expander doing its job must be done very carefully and precisely for success.

Initially there might be a sensation of pressure on your teeth, in the middle of your palate, in your nose or in your cheeks.  You will know the expander is functioning correctly when you see a space open up between your upper front teeth.  Although this space can seem quite large (sometimes the width of a tooth), this is natural and needed in order for your teeth to re-adjust back to their correct position when the expander is removed.

Your orthodontist will monitor the progress of your palatal expander, however you will likely be asked to turn the key yourself during the process of expanding your upper jaw.  Once your jaw has been successfully widened, the expander is usually left in place for approximately three months to allow your jaw to adjust.

After the expander is removed, your orthodontist will resume with treatment as needed.  You may be moving into braces or be given a retainer to help stabilize your new jaw.  Whatever follows, your new expanded jaw should help improve your bite and allow for a better fit between your upper and bottom teeth.

July 26, 2011

Am I Too Old for Braces?

orthodontist Fort Wort TXBraces and other orthodontic work are usually associated with adolescence. In fact, many teenagers have braces placed to ensure their teeth with be straight when they reach adulthood. But more and more adults now choose to have their teeth straightened to improve the look of their smile. To discuss your options for straightening your smile, please contact our orthodontist in Fort Worth.

Options for Adult Orthodontics

One of the biggest concerns for adults who choose to have their teeth straightened is how braces will look. Some adults feel they will be overly self-conscious of the look of traditional braces, and so choose to avoid having orthodontic work done. However, there are options that are not as obtrusive as traditional braces. Among these are lingual braces, ceramic braces and Invisalign.

Lingual braces are braces that are placed on the back, or the lingual side, of the teeth. These types of braces will not work for all types of orthodontic work, so it is important to consult with an orthodontist to see if lingual braces are a viable option.

Porcelain braces are made of tooth-colored materials instead of metal, making them less obvious during treatment. Invisalign is a different approach that uses plastic aligner trays rather than traditional braces to move the teeth into their proper position.

Advantages of Invisalign

Invisalign offers numerous advantages over traditional braces in addition to being practically invisible. The aligner trays can be removed during meals or for special occasions, though they must be kept in the mouth for at least twenty-two hours each day. The trays are also more comfortable than traditional braces, without the possibility of irritation that often occurs with the wires and bands of braces.

Invisalign trays are custom made based on digital images that represent how your teeth are now and how you wish them to look after treatment is completed. Each tray moves your teeth a small amount, until your final goals are achieved. With Invisalign, you are never too old to have that perfect smile.

January 26, 2011

What to expect at the first orthodontic visit

orthodontist Fort WorthYour first visit to an orthodontist in Fort Worth can be both exciting and a little intimidating. Most patients look forward to the end result of straighter teeth, but many are anxious about the process that will get them there. A well-informed patient is generally a less worried one, so here is a basic breakdown of what you can expect at your first visit.

The orthodontist will begin by thoroughly examining your mouth’s structure. This exam includes a visual inspection of the teeth and jaw, and the orthodontist also will ask you questions about any particular concerns you have about your smile’s alignment and appearance. This process will help the orthodontist to identify any specific problems that should be addressed in the treatment.

X-rays also help the orthodontist plan the treatment, so they are often taken at the first appointment, as well. If you have recent x-rays, especially panoramic ones, please bring them to the appointment so the orthodontist can review them.

Next, the orthodontist will take impressions of the teeth. The assistant will place plastic trays filled with a soft clay-like material into your mouth—one for the lower jaw and one for the upper—and ask you to bite down into the material for a short time. The material will harden when it is exposed to air, giving the orthodontist a permanent three-dimensional reference of the changes necessary to enhance the paitent’s smile.

To track the patient’s progress over time, the orthodontist may also take a photo that captures the “before” appearance at the first appointment.

All of the information gathered at this initial visit will help the orthodontist to plan the course of treatment. In future sessions, the orthodontist will place the brackets, archwires and any other necessary appliances, and over the course of 18 to 24 months (for most patients), your smile will continue to improve.

Advances in dentistry have given all patients the opportunity to have more attractive smiles, regardless of the natural structures of their teeth and jaws. As you embark on your orthodontics journey, keep in mind that the ultimate outcome will be well worth the wait!