Orthodontists Put Their Money Where Their Mouths Are

Want to know what a healthy, beautiful smile can do for you? Look no further than your orthodontist – literally. Nearly 75 percent of orthodontists have had orthodontic treatment according to a recent independent survey conducted on behalf of the American Association of Orthodontists.

The survey findings underscore the importance that orthodontists place on the very procedures that they recommend and treat their patients for. It is estimated that 50 to 75 percent of the population could benefit from orthodontic treatment. Currently, more than four million children and one million adults in North America wear braces.

“We know that orthodontic treatment can improve a patient’s dental health, overall health and facial appearance. For some, it may even improve self esteem,” said William C. Gaylord, DDS, MSD, president of the American Association of Orthodontists. “These results illustrate that we believe in the benefits of our work and that we practice what we preach.”

Additional survey findings included:

* 95 percent of orthodontists believe that they have enhanced the self-esteem of their patients through orthodontics. This is confirmed by numerous anecdotes and testimonials from their patients.

* There were more adult patients being treated by AAO members in 2006 than any other year since tracking began by age in 1989.

* More adult males are seeking treatment. They accounted for 44% of adult patients in 2006, up from 30% of adult patients in 1996.

Few of us are born with that perfect smile, but modern medicine can get pretty close. Three out of 4 children could benefit from orthodontic treatment. Forget your old ideas about orthodontics (“Tinsel Teeth, “”Metal Mouth”). Today there are many styles of braces that can help children actually make a fashion statement as their smiles are being perfected. Best of all, straightening teeth, correcting protruding jaws, improving bites and the other jobs of orthodontics have all become less painful and more successfully done.

Does Your Child Need Braces?

About 50 percent of children can benefit from braces. Though we tend to think of braces as a route to a beautiful smile, orthodontics can also correct talking or chewing problems. Any of the following signs may indicate that your child needs braces.

We recommend the first orthodontic examination between the ages of six and eight or whenever you or your family dentist identifies a problem. A child does not need to be referred to an orthodontist by a general dentist. A parent may call on their own for a free initial consultation.

Are you drowsy during the day with no explanation? Do you snore loudly, or wake up breathless in the middle of the night? If so, you may be one of more than twelve million Americans affected by sleep apnea.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing stops periodically during sleep, as many as 20-30 times per hour. (“Apnea” is the Greek word for “without breath.”) If you suffer from sleep apnea, each time your breathing stops, the resulting lack of oxygen alerts your brain, which temporarily wakes you up to restart proper breathing. Because the time spent awake is so brief, most people with sleep apnea don’t remember it — and many think they are getting a good night’s sleep. However, the constant wake-sleep-wake-sleep cycle precludes the deep sleep that refreshes the body, and sufferers are frequently drowsy during the day.

What are the signs of sleep apnea?

The following symptoms can indicate the presence of sleep apnea. If you notice one or more of these, give us a call, and we can refer you to a sleep apnea specialist.

• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• Loud snoring at night
• Waking up at night short of breath
• Snorting or choking sounds during the night (indicating a restart of breathing)
• Headaches upon waking in the morning
• Falling asleep unintentionally during the day
• Extreme drowsiness throughout the day

Are there different types of sleep apnea?

There are three categories of sleep apnea. The most common is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and occurs due to a physical blockage, usually the collapsing of the soft tissue in the back of the throat. Less common is central sleep apnea (CSA), in which breathing stops because the muscles involved don’t receive the proper signal from the brain. And some people suffer from “mixed” or “complex” sleep apnea, which is a combination of obstructive and central.

What are risk factors for sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is more common in males than females, and more common in older adults (40 and up) than younger adults and children. However, anyone — regardless of gender or age — can suffer from sleep apnea. Other risk factors include obesity, smoking, drinking, use of sedatives or tranquilizers, high blood pressure, and family history. Central sleep apnea strikes most often in people with heart disorders, neuromuscular disorders, strokes, or brain tumors. It is also more common in males.

Is sleep apnea dangerous?

Sleep apnea is considered a serious medical problem and if left untreated can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart failure and stroke. The ongoing state of fatigue caused by sleep apnea can lead to problems at work or school, as well as danger when operating cars or other heavy machinery. Sleep apnea can also cause complications with medication or surgery: sedation by anesthesia can be risky, as can lying flat in bed after an operation. If you know or suspect you suffer from sleep apnea, alert any doctors who prescribe medication or advise surgery.

How is sleep apnea treated?

Treatments range widely and depend on the severity of the problem and the type of apnea. Basic treatment can be behavioral — for instance, patients are instructed to lose weight, stop smoking, or sleep on their sides instead of on their backs. Beyond that, oral devices can be used to position the mouth in such a way that prevents throat blockage. In more severe cases, surgery may be the best option.

What should I do if I suspect that someone in my family suffers from sleep apnea?

Give us a call, and we can refer you to a sleep apnea specialist. The specialist may recommend a “sleep study” to diagnose the precise extent of the problem, and can prescribe appropriate treatment. Depending on your situation, treatment may involve an oral device that we can custom-create for you after you complete a sleep study.

Your dentist may have discussed with you the benefits of having healthy teeth and proper jaw alignment. Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. This can result in tooth decay, worsen gum disease and lead to tooth loss. Other orthodontic problems can contribute to abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, inefficient chewing function, excessive stress on gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth, or misalignment of the jaw joints. These can lead to chronic headaches and face or neck pain. Treatment by an orthodontist can be less costly than the additional care required to treat dental problems arising as a result of orthodontic problems. For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics. After your braces come off, you’ll feel more self-confidence and social acceptance.

Adults

Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. One of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over 21. Jaw surgery is more often required for adult orthodontic patients because their jaws are not growing. Adults also may have experienced some breakdown or loss of their teeth and bone that supports the teeth and may require periodontal treatment before, during and/or after orthodontic treatment. Bone loss can also limit the amount and direction of tooth movement that is advisable.

Kids

It’s best for the orthodontist to see children by age 7 to advise if orthodontic treatment is required and the best time for that patient to be treated. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by that time and crossbites, crowding and other problems can be evaluated. When treatment is begun early, the orthodontist can guide the growth of the jaw and guide incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early treatment can simplify later treatment.

What Is It?

Invisalign uses a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners that no one can tell you’re wearing. So you can smile more during treatment as well as after. Invisalign is made with 3-D computer imaging technology, and has been proven effective. More than 70% of orthodontists in the US and Canada are certified to treat with Invisalign.

Why Would I Want It?

Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment, plus brushing and flossing are no problem. They are also comfortable, with no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. And no metal and wires usually means you spend less time in your doctor’s office getting adjustments. Invisalign also allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan when you start, so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.

How Does It Work?

You wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move – little by little, week by week – until they have straightened to the final position your orthodontist has prescribed. You’ll visit your orthodontist about once every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages 9-15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case.

Learn more about Invisalign on their web site at www.invisalign.com

Picture Perfect SMILES!

Dr. Michael A. Hess delivers excellent customer service!

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the

diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

What is an orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a specialist who has completed an advanced education program following dental school (usually three years), to learn the special skills required to manage tooth movement and guide facial development.

What are some possible benefits of orthodontics?

·         A more attractive smile

·         Better function of the teeth

·         Increase in self-confidence

·         Increased ability to clean the teeth

·         Better long term health of teeth and gums

·         Guide permanent teeth into more favorable positions

·         Reduce the risk of injury to protruded front teeth

·         Aid in optimizing other dental treatment

What are some signs that braces may be needed?

·         Upper front teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth, or are bucked

·         Upper front teeth cover the majority of the lower teeth when biting together (deep bite)

·         Upper front teeth are behind or inside the lower front teeth (underbite)

·         The upper and lower front teeth do not touch when biting together (open bite)

·         Crowded or overlapped teeth The center of the upper and lower teeth do not line up

·         Finger or thumb sucking habits which continue after six or seven years old

·         Difficulty chewing

·         Teeth wearing unevenly or excessively

·         The lower jaw shifts to one side or the other when biting together

·         Spaces between the teeth