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The Kennewick Courier Reporter
Kennewick, Benton County, Washington
What is this article about?
University of Washington health article explains optimal timing for orthodontic treatment based on dental issues, importance of space maintainers for premature tooth loss, no age limit for orthodontics, prevention of decay with modern appliances, and need for patient cooperation.
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Prepared by the Staff of the Schools of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing
UNIVERSITY OF WASH.
The proper time for straightening of the teeth (orthodontics) depends upon the type of problem. Certain cases, such as a protrusive lower jaw, should be treated as early as they are observed. Other cases should not be treated until all of the permanent teeth have erupted.
Only an experienced orthodontist can decide when treatment should begin. Whenever a parent observes an unusual arrangement of the teeth regardless of age, it is wise to seek competent advice.
When primary molar teeth are lost prematurely it is always necessary to hold the space for the permanent teeth with some sort of a space maintainer; many malocclusions can be prevented by this means.
It is often asked what is the oldest age that orthodontics can be initiated. There is not an age limit on orthodontic treatment. Many have had their teeth straightened in their thirties. Here again it depends upon the type of the malocclusion and the condition of the teeth, and their supporting structures.
Do braces cause teeth to decay?
At one time appliances consisted of bars and wires that lay in contact with the naked tooth and there was danger of decay at the points of contact. This has been largely overcome by cementing bands to all the teeth.
An old axiom was "a clean tooth never decays;" to paraphrase it, "a well cemented banded tooth cannot decay." It should be pointed out, however, that any appliance in the mouth increases the retentive areas for food, hence scrupulous mouth hygiene is absolutely essential during orthodontic treatment.
Patient cooperation is essential during orthodontic procedure. In many cases the results are entirely dependent upon the patient. If parents are not willing to supervise and see that the orthodontist's instructions are carried out, they should save their money and the orthodontist's time, since the results of treatment will be unsatisfactory.
With conscientious cooperation, however, there is probably no dental care that yields higher dividends to the patient in satisfaction, happiness and health than orthodontics.
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University Of Washington
Event Details
The proper time for straightening of the teeth (orthodontics) depends upon the type of problem. Certain cases, such as a protrusive lower jaw, should be treated as early as they are observed. Other cases should not be treated until all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Only an experienced orthodontist can decide when treatment should begin. Whenever a parent observes an unusual arrangement of the teeth regardless of age, it is wise to seek competent advice. When primary molar teeth are lost prematurely it is always necessary to hold the space for the permanent teeth with some sort of a space maintainer; many malocclusions can be prevented by this means. It is often asked what is the oldest age that orthodontics can be initiated. There is not an age limit on orthodontic treatment. Many have had their teeth straightened in their thirties. Here again it depends upon the type of the malocclusion and the condition of the teeth, and their supporting structures. Do braces cause teeth to decay? At one time appliances consisted of bars and wires that lay in contact with the naked tooth and there was danger of decay at the points of contact. This has been largely overcome by cementing bands to all the teeth. An old axiom was "a clean tooth never decays;" to paraphrase it, "a well cemented banded tooth cannot decay." It should be pointed out, however, that any appliance in the mouth increases the retentive areas for food, hence scrupulous mouth hygiene is absolutely essential during orthodontic treatment. Patient cooperation is essential during orthodontic procedure. In many cases the results are entirely dependent upon the patient. If parents are not willing to supervise and see that the orthodontist's instructions are carried out, they should save their money and the orthodontist's time, since the results of treatment will be unsatisfactory. With conscientious cooperation, however, there is probably no dental care that yields higher dividends to the patient in satisfaction, happiness and health than orthodontics.