How Do Braces Work?

Braces create a gentle force to move teeth in a continuous, carefully controlled direction toward the desired location. They do this slowly to ease discomfort. Modern braces are much better than the metals bands used in the past which went around each tooth. You have your choice between metal or clear braces. If you choose metal, you can also select the color of the ties that keep the wire in the brackets. The most recent innovations in orthodontic dentistry allow Dr. Nima to move your teeth more quickly than before. These are not your parent’s braces.

Treatment Duration for Braces

Orthodontic treatment duration usually ranges from one to three years, depending on the complexity of the case and the growth pattern of the patient’s mouth, jaws and face. Patients have different growth rates and will respond differently to orthodontic treatment and as a result, completion time may deviate from the original estimate. The patient’s compliance with instructions is essential in achieving the most efficient treatment.

You might wear your braces anywhere from 12 to 36 months. It all depends on the growth pattern of your jaws, mouth, and face as well as how complex your case is. Each patient has a different response to their orthodontic treatment which is why Dr. Nima works so carefully to create individualized plans for each patient. Your willingness to comply with the doctor’s instructions will impact the length of time as well.

Early Orthodontics Treatment For Children

It is important to establish an early foundation for excellent dental and orthodontic care. The American Association of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that you bring your baby to the dentist about the time their first tooth appears, or at least by the time they are 1 year old.

Deciding when to bring your child in to see Dr. Nima for orthodontic treatment is not so straightforward. Generally, the American Association or Orthodontists suggest that a child visit an orthodontist in Johns Creek by the time they are 7 years old. This is to ensure their teeth and jaws are growing at a normal rate. If any issues are discovered, Dr. Nima is especially trained to alter the growth of the jaw and teeth so that future orthodontic work can be less invasive.

If Any Of The Following Signs Are Present, Your Child May Need An Orthodontic Exam:

  • Problems with chewing or biting
  • Teeth grinding, specifically at night
  • Mouth breathing
  • Early or very late loss of baby teeth
  • Crowding, misplaced or blocked teeth around age seven or eight
  • Clicking, popping and shifting of jaws on opening and closing
  • Teeth that come together abnormally, or do not come together at all
  • Jaws and teeth that are not proportionate to the rest of the face

Early Treatment Allows Your Orthodontist To:

  • Correct and guide the growth of your child’s jaw to help the permanent teeth come in straight
  • Regulate the width of the upper and lower arches
  • Create more space for crowded teeth
  • Avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions later in life
  • Correct thumb-sucking and help improve minor speech problems

A confident smile and good oral health make a great difference in your child’s well-being and self-confidence at this critical time of their life. Although braces for teens are more common, braces for children can ensure better end results as your child continues to grow and develop.