In
this day of instant everything, we ought to pause a minute and
understand that instant is not always best. Cooked oatmeal vs. instant
oatmeal? Brewed coffee vs. instant coffee? Comprehensive orthodontics
vs. mail order orthodontics?
So let’s look at braces. And while you may not be in the age group for braces, you have children and grandchildren who are.
Why
do people get braces? The simple answer is to make the teeth look
pretty. But is that the whole story? If the bone supporting the teeth is
inadequate, then making the teeth look pretty may not be easily
accomplished without damaging the teeth. There are many people who have
insufficient bone support, and moving the teeth without careful x-ray
analysis may cause gum recession.
But
it goes further than that. The function and position of the teeth guide
the growth and development of the upper and lower jaws. Poor bone
development does not only put the teeth in a bad position – it can
constrict the airway. This can affect breathing, snoring, speech
development, and even lead to sleep apnea later in life.
How
is a correct orthodontic analysis done? We start with photos and dental
models. But that is only the start. We get an x-ray called a
“cephalometric x-ray” and trace the landmarks of the teeth as well as
points on the skull to analyze jaw development and proportions.
Increasingly we are using low radiation CT scans to determine the
adequacy or inadequacy of the bone before we do tooth movement. It
requires a detailed analysis to determine the course of treatment to
maximize the benefits of treatment. And in the case of the growing
adolescent, we only have one chance to guide the bone into the right
position while creating a long-lasting, beautiful smile.
The
orthodontist is the specialist who has these skills. And therefore,
your grandkids will be in the best hands to not only create that smile
but to prevent some pretty serious health problems from ever occurring.
Lee N. Sheldon, DMD
Dr. Lee Sheldon does dental implant and periodontal therapy in Melbourne. His new book, The Ultimate Mouth Manual, may be found at all book outlets (also downloadable for free here).