subject: Orthodontic Questions Answered [print this page] San Jose orthoddontist answers a few common orthodontic questions:
Is it true that self-ligating braces are quicker than conventional brackets?
Self-ligating or frictionless brackets have been increasing in popularity lately. This is because the suppliers have advanced claims that they create less friction and ultimately speed up the treatment. Actual studies however have challenged this idea. The truth is that treatment times between the two types of brackets are virtually identical, even down to the number of visits you would need to make to the orthodontist. The bottom line is that treatment time is not a reason to use one or the other; there are other factors to consider, which your orthodontist can share with you.
How does orthodontic treatment affect Jaw Joint Disorder- Tempromandibular Disorder (TMD)?
The answer is a mixed blessing: Treatment does not cause TMD, nor does it prevent this problem. A very large study in fact examined this very issue, and came up with some very clear and decisive conclusions regarding orthodontics and jaw joint disorder, as follows:
No significant association between a bad bite and persistent TMD
No significant association between orthodontic treatment and TMD incidence
Jaw joint disorder is for some reason less common in males than females
Being a female was found to be a predictor for both incidence and persistence of TMD
The most common ages for TMD are when a person is nineteen to twenty years old
My child absolutely loves his soother, and has it in his mouth constantly. Should I be concerned about future problems?
The odds of developing a posterior cross bite are 50% greater when a pacifier is used, and cross bite is not self-correcting once the habit is stopped. However, there are other factors triggering cross bite such as genetic disposition and respiratory function.
Can a really bad bite be corrected using headgear, or are there other options?
The best age to check with an orthodontist for an under bite is age 7 to 8. To correct skeletal under bite (upper jaw smaller than lower jaw), we need to take advantage of the upper jaw growth. Since upper jaw growth slows dramatically by a child's eleventh year, treatment must be carried out between the ages of 7 and ten. This is the very best time to harness the natural growth patterns in treatment. The actual treatment would never be considered "fun." It consists of the use of a head apparatus that pulls the upper jaw further forward. The headgear must be worn at least forteen hours each day, including at night while sleeping. The upper jaw is moved forward continuously until the growth of the lower jaw stops. More than 75% of time this modality of treatment has long-term success, however, surgical treatment may be necessary if the individual is not seen at the right time (before age 11), or if the patient is not cooperating in wearing the headgear during the orthodontic treatment, and/or the amount of growth of the lower jaw is significant.
