THE MECHANICS OF
ORTHODONTURE FOR CHILDREN
The procedure for realigning your child's teeth may appear complicated. Dr. Morton Silver, our orthodontist, and his assistants will "walk you" through, step by step, as your child progresses. Each patients' orthodontic procedure is somewhat different from every other, because your child is unique. What follows is a general outline. The procedure may vary slightly from patient to patient. Keep in mind that there is no such thing as a "silly question," and always feel free to ask about anything about which you or your child need additional information.
1. Preformed brackets are bonded onto the anterior teeth in an "ideal" position.
2. Preformed bands are cemented onto the molars in an "ideal"position.
3. Preformed archives are then placed from the molar bands through each slot of the bracket on every tooth and tied into place either by ligature wires or tiny rubber "donuts."
4. Preformed archives have what is referred to as "memory"; when contorted into the slots on the misaligned teeth, they want to spring back to an "ideal" position taking the teeth a little closer to the correct position.
5. Each month a little larger and stronger archwire is introduced as the teeth are moved through the bone, ever so slowly, actually destroying bone as the roots move forming new bone in the more ideal position. Each tooth is a living, thriving entity . . . this is why the process is so lengthy and tedious. Some sensitivity is normal during orthodontics.
6. When the teeth are in alignment and the upper and lower arches meet correctly, the teeth are wired or chained together for a few months until they are stable in their new position. When good stability is achieved, the braces are removed and retainers are placed to hold or "retain" what has been accomplished by active orthodontic treatment.
7. If the patient wears the retainer as required, minimal, if any, relapse results. This usually is a
period of one or two years until the new bone fully forms around the teeth in their new position.
A close watch is kept on third molars or "wisdom teeth," which can cause crowding as they erupt
between the ages of 18 and 22, usually. These are extracted as not to cause disruption or crowding. 8. Patients are followed and, for a period of about two years, have "minor" adjustments made in their retainers. Some minor corrections can be made with retainers, but, for the most part, retainers "retain" what has been achieved in active orthodontics.
Although the bone in children's teeth is much less dense and easier to move teeth through, orthodontics can be extraordinarily successful for adults, as well.
In the photo above, the young lady is wearing
Allure Ceramic Braces by GAC.
Our thanks to GAC for use of the images.
Our thanks to B.J. Ackerman for textual information.
