What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is part of the dental care that we do in a dental office wherein we move teeth so that we can align your teeth. If there's crowding, we uncrowd it. If there's a tooth that's sticking out, we can bring it in. Basically, what it does is help improve your smile. And not only that, if your teeth are too far out, it's going to affect your speech as well.
What types of orthodontic treatments are available today?
There are a lot of orthodontic treatments available today. One is the traditional braces. The other one is what we call FastBraces. There's also Invisalign or clear aligners, and also there are some where they even have the brackets colored or metal, and also clear ones that we can use.
When should children be assessed for orthodontic evaluation?
It is recommended that children at the age of seven should be assessed for orthodontic evaluation. The reason behind it is that the sooner you get it assessed, like let's say, for example, around seven, it will show where the teeth are and if there is no spacing for the grown-up teeth to come in. There are some early treatments that we can do to create space for the grown-up teeth, because you can already tell if there will be crowding, because the grown-up teeth are twice as big as the baby teeth.
What are the advantages of early orthodontic treatment for kids?
The advantages of early orthodontic treatment for kids is when we have kids that are being treated at an early age, we can intercept by expanding the jaw or creating spaces to avoid those dreaded extractions because sometimes the teeth come out faster than their jaw bone grows. In that scenario, we can do an interception wherein we can create space for the grown-up teeth.
What is the difference between orthodontic treatment for teens and adults?
The orthodontic treatment for teens and adults is a big difference. First, with adults, the growth pattern is already done. With teenagers, you can enhance the treatment of orthodontics while the jawbone is still growing, or while the growth pattern of the jaw is still developing. You can help with that by also creating space for the teeth to avoid extractions or removing teeth to fit in the mouth. There are more options for kids or younger adults, like expanding the jawbone, while with adults, some options are kind of limited because the growth process is already complete.
What is the most common orthodontic treatment for adults?
The most common orthodontic treatment for adults is braces. At Myrna E. Lazaga, DMD, I use FastBraces for adults, and we have to make sure that the roots are fully formed before we do that, because FastBraces cut the time.
For adults also, it depends on the health of their bone that supports their jaw or their teeth, and also the gums, and we make sure that they are nice and healthy. I've noticed that people with diabetes, their gums usually get infected commonly. We just have to make sure that when you're an adult, you don't have any problem with that before starting.
Headgear is an absolute treatment option. There are a lot better options now than headgear was used for in these cases, wherein we have a mouth guard that we put on the patients, and they only wear it. It is actually an appliance that the patient uses in order to function like a headgear. Those appliances are necessary in cases where they have to move their jaw forward or their bite, and when there is a skeletal discrepancy.
What factors affect the cost of orthodontic treatment?
The cost factor in orthodontic treatment depends on the complexity of the mouth. Like, as far as their bite is, is there a tooth that's rotated? Is there a tooth that's sticking out too far, or too much crowding? Of course, in that case, we have to take more time to consider it, and the treatment time will also be extended.
And also, say for example, there are some, most of the time, wherein a tooth in the top is a common one that gets stuck in the gums. For those kinds of things, it depends on how it is; we might need to do surgery on that to bring it down. Those are the kind of factors that can affect the orthodontic treatment.
How can orthodontic treatment be made more affordable?
There are always ways that we can help you to make it more affordable at Myrna E. Lazaga, DMD. We help our patients make it affordable. Say, for example, we would require them to make a down payment, and then whatever is remaining from the treatment, they can make a monthly payment on that up to the months their treatment usually takes. Let's say, for example, if it's going to take one year, we can divide it into monthly payments for a year. That's how we can make it affordable.
And also, we work with some financing institutions that can help you with that. Like, for example, there's even no-interest financing like CareCredit, and our office will always work with you on that so you can avail the treatment.
What should a patient consider before starting orthodontic treatment?
The first thing a patient should consider before orthodontic treatment is that they must have trust in the doctor. That's very important. And also that the doctor has the experience in treating that, and in that, they would be able to explain to them. Then, in my case, I would always ask the patient what their expectations are. Now, if their expectations are ones that I'll be able to meet, I would gladly do it. But if it's something that they have the expectation for that I couldn't meet, then I would refer them.
How have advanced dental techniques improved orthodontic treatment?
Advanced dental techniques have improved in a lot of ways to make your treatment time faster. For example, in my case, I use FastBraces, which cuts the time in half, and also the advanced technique is sometimes compliance-sensitive, so we would need the cooperation of the patient to come in for their scheduled appointment for follow-up because it's really important.
In some cases, when a patient did not show up on time, it takes longer, but if they are consistent, then it is much easier. Also, hygiene is very important because you can have all the technique you have, but if the patient is not doing well in taking good care of their teeth, buildup can easily happen in there, and then I have to take those buildups out because I cannot close the space when buildup is in between. Other than that, I always tell my patients that hygiene is very important because I'd rather have them have crooked teeth and healthy ones rather than straight teeth but rotten ones.
How can I schedule an appointment with Myrna E. Lazaga, DMD?
Here at Myrna E. Lazaga, DMD, we offer a free consultation for oral evaluation. If you’re looking for dental care you can trust, please don’t hesitate to call us at (619) 377-7586 or email [email protected]. We’re here to help you have the smile you've always wanted!