Queen Product 1

DR. ROY QUEEN

BRACES
BRACES

TREATMENT OVERVIEW

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that prevents or treats irregular positions of the jaws and the teeth. These irregularities may be inherited or caused by premature loss of the primary teeth, dietary disorders, thumb sucking, or other conditions. Few children outgrow their dental irregularities. Thus the need for orthodontic treatment.

The first step to having braces is determining the position and condition of the teeth, jaws, and gums. These include crowding, spacing or an improper bite of the front teeth and/or the back teeth. Dentists call these abnormalities a "malocclusion." This determination is done by a clinical examination followed by "Orthodontic Diagnostic Records." The Diagnostic Records are x-rays (orthopantograph and cephalometric), Digitized Photos and Impressions (models of your teeth) these Records are taken in order to ensure that their are no problems before treatment begins, to make a definitive treatment plan and to monitor treatment progress.

Once braces are placed, Dr. Queen may use other Orthodontic Appliances to assist the braces in moving the teeth and jaw to achieve the optimum position. Some of the most common adjuncts used with braces are: Arch Wires, to support and move the teeth and bone. Other adjuncts include headgear and Herbst Appliances. These appliances can alter the direction of facial growth or are used to encourage growth in the desired directions. Lateral expansion is often necessary and a variety of appliances are available to create intra oral symmetry to insure the teeth and jaws fit perfectly.

In some cases, it is advisable to remove teeth as part of the orthodontic treatment. While no one likes to have "good" teeth removed it may be the treatment of choice to enhance stability, esthetics and function.

In Dr. Queen's Orthodontic Practice 40% of our patients are adults. Orthodontics is not just for children anymore.

After braces have been removed patients then go into the retention phase of treatment. This is where you will have one of several appliances: Hawley, Essix or a Bonded 4-4 or 3-3 Retainer. These appliances are used to retain or hold the teeth in their new positions until the tissues (bone), the fibrous supporting tissues surrounding the root of the teeth as well as the gums, tongue and lips have adapted themselves to their new positions. Dr. Queen may advise the removal of wisdom teeth during the retention phase so as not to compromise the orthodontic treatment result.

TYPES OF BRACES OFFERED

At Dr. Queen's Orthodontic Office we offer our patients many different types of braces to choose from. Please remember not all types of braces are suitable for every patient.

	TRADITIONAL BRACES: Regular silver brackets and wires. The usage of color can be used upon patient request.
	CLEAR BRACES: Ceramic brackets, these braces are similar to traditional silver braces except harder to detect.
	GOLD BRACES: Are gold plated. These braces are generally used for patients with allergies to silver brackets but in some cases just for preference.

EXAMPLES OF TREATMENT

Below you will find before and after pictures of Class I, Class II, Class II and Open Bite malocclusions from different Orthodontic cases. We hope this gives you a better understanding of the kind of Orthodontic cases we see daily.